Windows Mobile 6.5 is Coming Soon

According to the rumors, Windows Mobile 6.5 is coming soon. It's really a shame, but I don't think the XV6800 can handle this new operating system.

Verizon 3G Network Problems

I've still been having some intermittent 3G connection problems with Verizon Wireless. I hope they've made all their upgrades by now. Maybe it's my phone. I wonder how often people have problems on other carriers like Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T, and others. Overall, I've been happy with Verizon Wireless, but these recent network outages have been very frustrating.

Verizon System Updates = Network Problems

I've been told that Verizon Wireless is currently performing some system updates to their 3G wireless network. Earlier today, I was getting the dreaded Error Code: 11 & PPP Connection Issues. I hope Verizon is quick to implement these updates so that I can get back online!

When is Windows Mobile 6.5 Coming to Verizon?

We've all been hearing about the nice new features on Windows Mobile 6.5. Isn't it funny how Microsoft went from version 6, to 6.1, and now to 6.5? Will there be a 6.8 or 6.9 before version 7 gets released? Why such incremental changes?

For me, the biggest advantage of Windows Mobile 6.5 is the new Pocket Internet Explorer 6.5. I currently have a nice version of PIE because of the custom ROM loaded on my XV6800. However, it's not as nice as PIE 6.5 and I don't think my XV6800 could handle PIE 6.5 because the hardware just isn't robust enough for those requirements. It's a shame because these little devices have such incredible potential. They are considered mobile internet devices (MIDs) by many, but they don't really have the firepower as other dedicated MIDs.

Don't Throw Away Your XV6800. It's a GPS

If you decide to upgrade your smartphone someday, don't throw away your Verizon XV6800. It can be used as a standalone GPS device, even if the phone isn't activated or connected to any service plans. Therefore, you could make a TomTom or Garmin out of your Windows Mobile XV6800 and have it as a backup GPS.

Have GPS devices really improved the safety of driving? This is somewhat controversial because some may argue that people are getting into more accidents as they tap on the screen and lose focus on the road. Others may say that people are safer because they're more confident about their driving and they aren't slowing down erratically or making unsafe turns.

The HTC Touch Pro2

Wow, the HTC Touch Pro2 really looks like a nice device. It will have a 3.6" touch screen (which is almost an inch longer than my current HTC Titan or XV6800 that has a 2.8" screen). Plus, it will feature the tilting keyboard that slides out. Personally, I think this is a great feature because you can set your device on a table and still see what's on the display.

With much more internal RAM and a fast processor, it should run Windows Mobile 6.5 without any problems. Maybe it will even get the upgrade for Windows Mobile 7 when it becomes available (or maybe that's just wishful thinking). Well, I'm happy with my XV6800 for now, so I don't plan to make any changes.

Actually, if (or when) I upgrade to a new smartphone, I probably won't go with a slider anymore. I'll probably get a candybar style device or maybe a thin touch screen device that doesn't have a hardware keyboard. I like to use my phone with one hand and I find that the slider just isn't good for that.

Still Waiting for Verizon to Unlock the aGPS on HTC and Samsung

People are still waiting for Verizon Wireless to unlock the aGPS on the HTC Touch Pro, the Samsung Omnia, and the Samsung Saga. Even though the XV6900 (or HTC Vogue) also has an internal aGPS chip, Verizon won't be unlocking that. So, if you want to use the GPS on that device, you'll need to do some adventurous ROM flashing. I'm still lucky to have the XV6800 (or HTC Titan, Sprint Mogul, PPC 6800) that has an internal aGPS that works really well once you load a custom ROM and apply a few tweaks (or apply a few tweaks to the MR1 or MR2 ROM released by Verizon).

It's so handy to have a phone that has an internal aGPS. The safety implications of having a GPS device are also huge. In fact, I'm surprised that Verizon hasn't faced any significant lawsuits from people who may have sustained injury that could have been avoided if the aGPS on their device had not been locked or disabled by Verizon.

Well, fortunately Verizon won't be crippling future smartphones that have a built-in aGPS. However, there are many current customers who are waiting for that software upgrade!

Getting the aGPS to work on the XV6800 MR2

The release of MR1 and MR2 for the Verizon XV6800 has complicated things quite significantly. I had to install an older Verizon ROM, then update the bootloader, then install the new radio ROM, then install the new device ROM. Once you do that, then you need to run QPST and change a few settings to enable the aGPS.

Verizon Wireless 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution)

Verizon Wireless is working on 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution). Is it possible we'll start seeing some phones with 4G capability next year? Download speeds of 50 megabits per second!

Defective keyboard on my XV6800

I've recently discovered that my refurbished replacement XV6800 sent by Verizon Wireless has a severely defective keyboard. Not only do certain keys repeat themselves when I press them once. The "B" button does not work. The #7 is also on that button. Hence, I am crippled with a defective keyboard and I have to pull up the on-screen keyboard when I want to type either "B" or "7." Come on Verizon! Send me a working replacement please!