Verizon to unlock the GPS on some smartphones

It sounds like Verizon Wireless is finally going to allow users to use the GPS on some of its newer smartphones. Unlock the GPS and allow it have access to other GPS navigation software like Google Maps, TomTom Navigator, and Live Search.

I still have the older HTC XV 6800 and since I'm using a modified ROM (thanks to DCD), I'm able to use the built-in GPS with Google Maps (which now has street view for major cities).

Mobile Millennium : traffic based on GPS-based phones

Mobile Millennium is a partnership between Nokia, NAVTEQ, and UC Berkeley, based at the California Center for Innovative Transportation (CCIT), a deployment-focused research center at Berkeley's Institute of Transportation Studies. It is supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation's SafeTrip-21 Initiative and the California Department of Transportation.

Do you live in the San Francisco Bay Area of near Lake Tahoe? Then you should register and participate.


I'm still waiting until we can use GPS-enabled tracking to help me find a parking spot.

HTC Touch Pro replacing the XV6800 (aka Mogul)

Looks like the HTC Touch Pro will be replacing the Verizon XV6800 (aka Sprint Mogul ). Are you planning on upgrading?


As for me, I think I'm done with sliders. They're great for some, but not for me. I really prefer the Treo-style phones so the new Samsung Epix or the new Treo Pro are the ones that really attract me. I want something that is slim (hence, not a slider), and one that I can use with a single hand for the keyboard. A slider requires both hands. I got used to typing with a single hand when I used my old Treo.

Verizon requiring a data plan with smartphones

According to this post on Brighthand, Verizon Wireless will require customers to get a data plan if they purchase a smartphone. I have been recommending smartphones to medical students and residents who wish to combine a phone + PDA into a single device. Why carry around both if you can have one? However, medical students often don't need a wireless data plan with their smartphones, so I generally suggest that they bypass the data plan. However, this may no longer even be an option if you're with Verizon Wireless.

Loving my aGPS on my XV6800

I've been loving my GPS experience using my XV6800. Now that I can get a GPS lock within a few seconds, it's been great. I use my GPS while driving and walking. It's been a great experience and I can't imagine using a smartphone that doesn't have a built-in GPS.

So if all future smartphones come with integrated GPS chips, then who's going to need those stand-alone GPS units like the TomTom and Garmin devices sold at BestBuy?

Windows Mobile 6 on Verizon Palm Treo 700wx

For Verizon Wireless customers: The Windows Mobile 6 ROM update is now available for the Palm Treo 700wx

Get it here:

http://www.palm.com/us/support/downloads/treo700wxupdate6/verizon.html?AID=10380937&PID=1511436

Make sure to read the fine print. Sounds like there may be some problems if you use TomTom navigation software with your Treo.

Windows Mobile 6 isn't a huge improvement over 5, so it may not be worth the trouble unless you want some of those features. It's a shame they didn't make the update a Windows Mobile 6.1 update.

Working Assisted GPS (aGPS) on the XV6800

The folks at XDA Developers have found the "fix" to get the assisted GPS (or aGPS) working properly on the XV6800. Get to this fix by going here

It's great to get an instant GPS lock now. In the past, it may have taken up to a few minutes to get a GPS lock. Now, it's practically instant. This is because the GPS lock is assisted by location data collected through the phone's data network. So even if the sky is cloudy, you'll get a fast GPS lock using the "fixed" assisted GPS chip on the XV6800.

Official Verizon ROM Update for XV6800

It looks like the official Verizon Wireless ROM update is here for the XV6800

This is supposed to update the operating system to Windows Mobile 6.1
It also adds EVDO Rev A capability.

RUU_TITAN_VZW_WWE_3.57.605.1_RS_TITAN_3.37.75_OM_VZW_Ship.exe

The old ROM is version 2.09.605.8
and the new ROM is version 3.57.605.1

Unfortunately, GPS is NOT enabled for you to use on other applications like Google Maps, TomTom, etc. Hence, if you wish to use your phone as a GPS navigator, then you better learn how to install a custom ROM.

Go here to download the upgrade:

http://support.vzw.com/phones/index.html?p=3411

or, here:

http://handsets.utstar.com/view_phon...&bID=89&sAct=0

Windows Mobile 6.1 and Internet Sharing

One of the best features of Windows Mobile 6.1 is the "Internet Sharing" capability. This turns your smartphone/pocket PC into a wireless modem for your laptop/notebook/tablet/UMPC. No need for a separate wireless card.

It's so great to stay connected so easily. You can connect via Bluetooth or through a USB connection. Some call this tethering, but Windows Mobile calls it Internet Sharing.

Make sure to keep a spare battery handy. Or, use the USB connection to keep your phone charged up.

Wiki tutorial for the XV6800

Here's a great wiki tutorial on the Verizon XV6800:

http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=TitanRecentHome

It covers all the basics on upgrading the ROM, making the GPS work, improving the radio reception, unlocking the phone, etc.

Radio ROM 3.42.50 now available

The Titan (XV6800 or Sprint Mogul) radio ROM 3.42.50 is now available. Find it on the XDA-developers forum.

I've been using radio ROM 3.42.30 and I get decent GPS lock times. I don't think that 3.42.50 is much faster in terms of locking on to the GPS signal.

Thanks to all the guys who are making it possible to use the built-in GPS.

Verizon Touch XV6900 with GPS

The touch-screen Verizon XV6900 also has a built-in GPS chip that can be accessed with some customization.

The nice thing about this phone is the thinner profile, the increased program RAM, and the TouchFLO interface. Too bad it does not have a hardware keyboard.

Get Skype for your XV6800

Get Skype for Windows Mobile. The latest version supports Windows Mobile 6.1

http://www.skype.com/download/skype/windowsmobile/

XV6800 with GPS vs. iPhone

Since I'm on Verizon Wireless, I can't use an iPhone. However, I can use the XV6800 that has a built-in GPS chip. To use the GPS in the XV6800 (also known as the Sprint Mogul or the HTC Titan), you have to make some custom changes to the operating system (or ROM).

The nice thing about the XV6800 is that it runs on Windows Mobile 6 (or 6.1 if you load customized ROM). Therefore, you can run all sorts of GPS and mapping software, ranging from TomTom Navigator, Garmin Mobile, and several other software packages. Plus, there are FREE software solutions like Google Maps and Microsoft Live Search. Before you know it, you'll have a fully-functional GPS navigation unit in your hand.

W3C Standards Make Mobile Web Experience More Inviting

W3C today announced new standards that will make it easier for people to browse the Web on mobile devices.

http://www.w3.org/Mobile/

Mobile Web Best Practices 1.0

W3C published a second standard today: XHTML Basic 1.1 Recommendation, the preferred format specification of the Best Practices.

The Working Group also published today the first draft of a next generation of guidelines, Mobile Web Application Best Practices, aimed at mobile Web applications.

Performing a hard reset - Verizon Wireless XV6800

Performing a hard reset - Verizon Wireless XV6800

A hard reset is the last resort for troubleshooting. This reset will erase all data and restore preferences to factory default specifications. Performing a hard reset is only recommended when the existing data has been backed up or is unwanted.

Preferred Method

1. Press and hold the left soft key and the right soft key simultaneously.
   
2. While holding the left and right soft keys, use the stylus to gently press and release the reset button.
   
3. When prompted, press the R key on the QWERTY keypad to reset the device.
4. When prompted, press Space on the QWERTY keypad to restart the device.

Power button during a call on the XV6800

Does your screen go blank while you're on a call? Well, to turn the screen back on, you have to press the power button. None of the other buttons will 'wake' the screen and turn it back on. The power button toggles the screen on and off while you're on a call.

Official ROM Update: Mogul™ by HTC (Sprint)

For Sprint users who have the HTC Mogul, you can download the ROM update from HTC here:

http://www.htc.com/us/FAQ_Detail.aspx?p_id=75&act=sd

Where's the update Verizon? Many are waiting. Others are using custom ROM updates.

HTC Wiki

The Verizon XV6800 is made by HTC. If you want to learn some tweaks, tips, and tricks, then visit the HTC wiki page here:

http://www.htcwiki.com

I personally like this page of tweaks and hacks:

http://www.htcwiki.com/page/Tweaks+and+Hacks?t=anon

Easy Tutorial

Looking for an easy tutorial that explains how to flash your ROM?

Take a look here: http://ppc.stoleyour.net/xv6800/

As an update , the new radio ROM dramatically improves the GPS acquisition time.

Staying Active with the HTC Titan XV6800 Mogul Forums

I'm trying to stay current with the various forums that cover new ROMs and upgrades for the HTC Titan (AKA Verizon XV6800 and Sprint Mogul). I just used the built-in GPS extensively as I drove up to Boston. It was so handy to have the live traffic data streaming in and navigating me through some crazy traffic jams.

I'm loving the Rev A speeds!

I love the Rev A speeds I'm getting on my customized XV6800!

This is so much faster than my old Treo 700wx running Rev 0

So when is Verizon going to update all the smarphones, PDAs, and Blackberrys to Rev A?

new ROMs

There are some new ROMs floating around for the xv6800

The dcd 3.1.2 is one of the more popular ones. The radio ROM has been updated to 3.39.10

Planning on giving them a try when I get a chance. When will I find the time?

HTC Diamond - a very cool looking phone!

Now here's a phone to get excited about: the new HTC Diamond

Windows Mobile 6.1
4 GB of memory
2.8-inch, 640x480-pixel display
TouchFlo
Thin

But, no hardware keyboard. That may be a problem for people who do a lot of texting or e-mail. I think I'll wait for the next version that has a slide-out keyboard.

Changing the default keyboard on the XV6800 to a TOUCH keyboard!

I mainly use a FREE touch keyboard called PCM keyboard on my XV6800 (AKA Mogul, PPC 6800, HTC Titan). It mimics the iPhone keyboard by providing you with instant feedback of the key that you're pressing. It's great to use because you can slide your finger around the screen until you see the key that you want, and then when you let go of the screen, that letter gets selected.

Every time I reboot my XV6800, it defaults to the original keyboard. So, to ensure that it always defaults to PCM keyboard, I use a FREE utility called SIPchange. Works great!

Unresponsive GPS? Get GPS Viewer

My built-in GPS sometimes freezes up or becomes unresponsive. Sometimes it can be difficult to know whether it's really frozen or if it's just taking a while to get a signal lock from all the satellites.

So I'm always using GPS Viewer (http://www.hevis.com.hk/download/GpsViewer1.5.zip)
and when I see no satellites appearing, I simply reset my device, and then I'm back up and running in no time! The satellites appear right away after a quick reset.

GPS Viewer is a must! This FREE utility is really useful.

Here's another tip: sometimes when I open the GPS, it takes a while to lock a signal. But, if I close the GPS, then re-open the GPS, I get a solid blue signal much faster. Not entirely sure why, but it seems to help to toggle the GPS on and off sometimes.

Make sure you set the COM port to COM4. Want a modified version that always starts on COM4? Click here.

Screen brightness and button backlights

FYI: if you turn the screen brightness all the way down, the button backlights turn off. I'm not sure if this is only true with the Custom ROM that I have (DCD 3.0.4 running Windows Mobile 6.1) or if it occurs with the stock ROM running Windows Mobile 6.

Want an easy way to adjust the backlight from the Today Screen? Try Metrix 2.1.1
It's a FREE today screen plug-in.

ROM upgrades

I've now done several ROM upgrades using the USB cable and also using a microSD card on my XV6800 (also known as the Titan, the Mogul, the PPC 6800, and others).

I have to say, the microSD card method seems to be the best method. The USB method never gave me any problems, but some people have reported 'bricking' their phones because their phone got stuck during the process. The microSD method seems to be more reliable

One note - not every microSD card will work! I fortunately had 2 different cards. Neither card was a SDHC card. However, one was a 1 GB Kingston and that card didn't work! The other card was a 2 GB A-Data and that card worked fine.

EVDO Rev A on my XV6800

So now that I'm using the latest ROM (DCD 3.0.4) and also running the latest radio (3.37.20) on my XV6800, I'm getting Rev A speeds! It's great! Certainly much faster than my old Treo 700wx. I don't understand what Verizon is waiting for. Why don't they release the upgrades so that other customers can enjoy the benefits of Windows Mobile 6.1 and also have faster downloading and uploading speeds? It's also great having an active GPS chip on my device so that I can use it with Google Maps, Live, TomTom, etc.

Well, I'm certainly thankful for the xda-developers forum. Couldn't have done it without your help!

Newer ROM for the XV6800

Just realized that I loaded an old custom ROM on my XV6800. The latest one is DCD 3.0.4 and you can get it here:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=385336

This one's a bit tricky because you want to load Radio 3.37.20 from a micro SD card, not via the USB cable.

You get: GPS working, improved battery life, and better performance.

Switch to Verizon XV6800

I've been a Verizon Wireless customer for many years now. I've also been a Windows Mobile user since the days of the old Pocket PC and Windows CE devices. I went ahead and upgraded to the new XV6800 and I'm happy so far.

Here are the main reasons why.

Compared to the old Treo 700wx running Windows Mobile 5:

1. I can save $15 each month for a cheaper unlimited data plan ($29 instead of $45).
2. I've loaded a custom ROM that includes Windows Mobile 6.1 and this gives me much better Internet browsing capabilities and several other useful features. Want to know how I did it? See below.
3. Much faster processor.
4. Much more internal RAM.
5. Larger screen.
6. Built-in GPS (only available if you load the custom ROM described below)
7. Bigger, better keyboard.
8. Smaller size and no antenna sticking out (not by much, but it still counts).
9. Mini-USB connector and charger.
10. Bluetooth 2.0 vs. the older 1.2

Those are the top 10 reasons why I went for this upgrade.

So what do I miss about my old Treo 700wx? I miss the one-handed operation. I could hold that phone and press the keyboard buttons using one hand. Now with the XV6800, to type on the keyboard, I really need to use two thumbs. Also, the Treo seemed to have better screen visibility outdoors.

So how did I load the custom ROM for the XV6800? I will refer you to these sites:

http://www.phonenews.com/how-to-add-gps-to-htc-mogul-xv6800-p4000-titan-2663/
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=371314&page=1

I'm currently running the DCD 2.3.2 ROM for Verizon. The instructions may seem a bit complex, but you just have to have some faith and go for it! It reminds me of the old days when Compaq would release ROM updates for the old iPaq 3600 models. Some of those ROM updating attempts would 'brick' the iPaq and turn it into a dead paperweight.

To get the internal GPS to work (only works with custom ROMs):

1. Go to Settings -> Phone - then click on the Services tab -> Location Setting and set to "Location On"
2. Allow Windows to manage the GPS automatically
3. For Google Maps, set the GPS settings to be set by Windows (not manually to a specific COM port)
4. For Windows Live Search, set the GPS to "GPS Intermediate Driver" at the bottom of the list.

To learn more about using the GPS on this phone, take a look at this:

http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=17032