Verizon outs Windows Mobile 6.1 update for XV6800, keeps GPS locked down
47 comments
Filed in EV-DO, HTC, Handsets, Verizon, Windows Mobile
Hot on the heels of AT&T’s Windows Mobile 6.1 update for the HTC Tilt, Verizon has released its very own WM6.1 upgrade on an unsuspecting public. The new ROM for the XV6800, Verizon’s version of the HTC Titan, doesn’t feature any surprises, but will hook your device up with the usual array of enhancements, including threaded SMS, improved battery life, and more. Sadly, Verizon has kept the GPS functionality locked down so anyone hoping to make use of VZNavigator, or any other 3rd party nav apps will find themselves SOL. Honestly, why Verizon? Why?
Thanks, emoney!
[Via XDA]
Tags: GPS, htc titan, verizon xv6800, Windows Mobile 6.1
is that picture is somewhat aimed at the not-so heterosexual?
VZW locking down again, nothing new. it works for them, why would they change?
Permalink | Reply
That’s why i left Verizon. Saying it has bluetooth and gps and crippling it for more cash just sounds absurd. at&t gets my moola.
Permalink | Reply
^ The not-so-secure-in-their-masculinity always make themselves known … _so_ easily.
Permalink | Reply
Becuase there verizon that’s why. No total freedom to install what ever app you want no matter how much you paid for the device even with a smart pda. Yeah america’s most lockdown service.
Permalink | Reply
I don’t even think they offer a navigation product for this phone, so them locking out the GPS is just stupid.
Well, that’s why there is the dark alleys of the internet. Thank goodness for the likes of people who toil in ROMs.
Permalink | Reply
oh no. is this going to start another “my carrier is better than yours” fight?
Permalink | Reply
good one backbeat, I set myself up for that one.
I guess its the purple and the shining points.
please no my carrier is better crap…
Permalink | Reply
Funky Butt Lovin’ Verizon!!! Verizon is lucky they have the network they do, otherwise I’d be sooooo gone. Unfortunately they are the only option where I live. It sucks. Any bets on how bad the BlackBerry Thunder is going to be locked down???
Permalink | Reply
Another locked down offering from Verizon/AT&T.
Android news is breaking all over the Internet…
Why no coverage on BG?
Google is about to redefine GPS in a revolutionary way: http://androidguys.com/2008/08/26/googles-not-so-secret-strategy/
Permalink | Reply
Just downloaded the new ROM. The documentation states that VZ Navigator will work with this release. Have not flashed to verify.
Permalink | Reply
why would they lock down the gps?
Permalink | Reply
why would they lock down the gps? how long have you known the big red? If the rumor about the touch pro being crippled is true (which I DO believe it’s true, based on my past experience), I am so going to jump ships when my contract is over is 3 months (I was going to do that when android comes out anyways), but Verizon crippling devices is not new, and everybody knows that.
Permalink | Reply
My carrier is better than yours… =P
Permalink | Reply
VZ Navigator does work but the GPS is still locked down for third party apps. What should you expect to see if the Rev A is active as far as difference from the last ROM? Is this just for tethering or for on phone surfing as well?
Permalink | Reply
Well this is just another reason I am glad I switched from BB on VZW and got an iPhone with AT&T.
GPS is unlocked and there are tons of apps to use with it.
And my 3G coverage is works in my area after the 2.0.2 update for the iPhone -
Permalink | Reply
don’t run this upgrade it will disable your phone. I tried last night and both my txt messaging and phone stopped working.
Permalink | Reply
Cant you guys just use a homecooked ROM to use GPS?
Permalink | Reply
You have to dial *228 and option 1 after the phone comes back up. If this does not work, which sometimes is the case, you have to cal 1-800-922-0204 from a land line and have a tech walk you through a manual program of your phone. Every time I hard reset I have to go through this drill. For some reason mine wont authenticate on it’s own and this ROM update was no exception.
Permalink | Reply
Just downloaded the new ROM and huh… No problem with VZ Navigator. Works great.
Permalink | Reply
Correction… To fix verizon had to give me a new registration key. Which appears to have fixed so I’m running 6.1 now with no GPS…
Permalink | Reply
Where can I get the WM 6.1 upgrade?
I find nothing on the HTC or VZ websites.
Thanks
Permalink | Reply
Never mind, I found it @ PDAStreet.com (http://www.pdastreet.com/articles/2008/8/2008-8-27-Verizon-XV6800-AT.html)
Here is the link they provided:
http://handsets.utstar.com/phone_downloads.aspx?bid=89&cid=1&mid=287&carrier=Verizon%20Wireless
I haven’t flashed my phone yet, so I have no status report available.
Permalink | Reply
Well I have confirmed for the second day in a row that the Alarms now work while the phone is on the charger (It’s about time). I hate using Hotel alarm clocks. The Threaded SMS is awesome as well. It also appears they fixed the low call volume. I noticed the battery made it all day with no charge which is a big improvement since mine searches for a signal during the day sometimes. It looks like the dialer delay with tones turned on is still present. Remote Desktop works great although I already had it from a CAB file someone distributed on the forums. The navigation doesn’t seem that much faster if any from the old ROM. Now if someone could hack the current ROM to enable GPS or fix it in a CAB file this phone would be perfect.
Permalink | Reply
I just upgraded and the lack of gps does suck big time… There’s no trace of it whatsoever. As if the phone doesn’t even support it, which we all know it does. Threaded texts are cool. Voicecommand finally works in its entirety. But bluetooth range is just silly. I used to get great range from anywhere in my apt. Now, if I leave the same room as the phone, it’s all staticky and breaking up (so much for “bluetooth functionality” we were promised)!
Permalink | Reply
Well if you can’t find it, then ppcgeeks and xda-developers have a wm6.1 a less-than-official upgrade that unlocks the GPS.
Permalink | Reply