Verizon outs Windows Mobile 6.1 update for XV6800, keeps GPS locked down
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]
I guess it’s all about the $$$ and less about offering new products and services to their customers. I switched from AT&T to VZW a few months ago because I had to and already hate it….too many restrictions and locked features and they charge more for just about everything and cannot justify their costs (eg XV6900’s data plan is $45, XV6800’s is $29). I’m not sure how they’re rated the nation’s best network year after year, I guess people aren’t shopping around. I’ve been on all 4 major networks in the past few years….if you were to compare plans for the TMo Wing, Sprint Mogul, XV6800 and the Tilt you’ll find that not only is the hardware and service cheaper on Sprint but you’ll also get more features for what you pay for (ie no-locked GPS). And from my experiences if you phone breaks, only Sprint will replace it free of charge w/ asking questions. All of the other networks tell you to mail it to manufacturer, buy a new one or sell you the lame insurance. My only hope for Verizon is that since the bought Alltel that maybe they’ll be forced to be a more consumer friendly network.
@ JackSplat: VZNavigator 4.0 will be offered on this device, and Telenav will soon follow as an option for business accounts. Yes, believe it or not, business customers can use Telenav on Verizon Wireless smartphones without needing an external GPS (currently only on BlackBerry 8×30s).
Google maps works with the GPS with the update… and VXNAV works good so far.
And the VZNav version I’m using is 4.1.0.
Mike, did you have to activate VZ Navigator to get Google Maps working? Is VZ Nav whats making the GPS work?
I updated to 6.1 (and Verizon had to get my phone back up and running), but one of the problems I found is that the flashbundle fix (from Zbop at WM experts) stopped working for watching YouTube videos. Does anyone have a link to a program that will enable watching YouTube on a XV6800 with WM 6.1?
Hi… I’ve been wanting a XV6800 for quite some time now and I have also been lusting for the Samsung i900 and the new Android coming out. But just like the XV6800 was some time ago…the Sam’s i900 and the iphone are just waaaaaaaay out of my price range. Looking here to see if any of YOU guys are upgrading to a newer phone and would be interested in selling you Xv6800? I’ve got the money in hand… I’m listening…
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=424387
go here to make your gps work.. f— VZ Navigator
I’m trying to upgrade my xv6800 to windows 6.1 but the installer tells me my phone is less than 50% charged and exits out (my phone reads 90% charged). Any suggestions? Typical Windows crap!
Ivan Seidenburg (President of Verizon) happens to be a jew, and only a jew would charge you for something that is free to the public, in this case GPS service. Why they would downgrade a phone to charge you to use a free service is beyond me, other than the fact that Ivan is Jewish.
I used to have the hacked 6.1, I was able to use GPS for Google Maps and Live Search. Dummy here thought the Verizon 6.1 would be better and I installed it. No GPS, long story short….GPS is available in the 6800!
did you figure out how to fix the phone or go back to 6.0
I just purchased a XV6800 and am very excited to get it up and running. Having read this whole thread I realize that GPS use is a concern. I am more interested in putting Android on the phone and using the WiFi to connect to the internet. Has anyone figured out how to put Android on this phone? And does anyone have tips about the WiFi use?
This will take care of your GPS works great. I have been using it with Google maps and Windows Live for two weeks now
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=VerizonAGPSFix
will this work for the i760 as well? Running Windows 6.1.
doitall76
I did the upgrade through the HTC website. worked fine but I needed to call Verizon cause my account was stuck on Romming. it took them like 2 min to fix it.
nz navigator works when you download the update
just fine
Please excuse my ignorance…But…will upgrading to 6.1 on the 6800 upgrade (internal memory to 16GB?). Or… will the 6.1 upgrade allow you you add an 8GB external SD Card to compliment? TIA.
Support???????
I have the BB Storm and hate it because it has no qwrty key board . I am thinking of getting the 6800 instead but You guys are scaring me. Is it a good phone or should I wait for a bit till the new phones come out?
Maybe old news…
6.1 does allow 8GB Mem card
6.1 does allow GPS with VZNav
If 6.1 allows GPS with Google Maps I haven’t seen it yet.
Having read a lot of reviews, I suspect 6.1 works better on some Titan hardware releases than on others. My upgrade bricked the phone, Verizon techs had that fixed in a short time. Also lost all data and settings, but that’s expected with this upgrade. ActiveSynch stopped working until Verizon had me turn off “Enable Advanced Network Functionality” in USB to PC connection settings.
One warning, if you have used the hack to give your v6.0 Titan the ability to access a 8GB memory card, and if you have backed that up, don’t try to restore that backup to a v6.1 Titan, the old hack will make your memory slot non-fuctional. Version 6.1 does fix that, and the hack conflicts with the fix in 6.1.
In my experience, at this time, the Verizon techs were very well versed and able to help with the compications related to this upgrade. As someone with some long-term experience with programming and WinCE/Windows Mobile in particular, I have only high praise for their help.
After dealing with all the hassles, I’d still say the 6.1 upgrade is well worth doing.
How can I upgrade to 6.1 without losing my contacts?
Not sure if u can do that. Just use Outlook to back up ur contacts before u upgrade
Got one of these from work. Had no choice.
Worst phone I’ve ever had in my life.
Avoid at all costs
I tried Alltels broadband hook up for my laptop and it didn’t work where I live. Will 6.1 tethered to my phone work better? Thanks. Jim