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.