Storm GPS (RANT)...

woodi68 · #1 10-11-2008 -

I'm just writing this because I'm frustrated by Verizon's aGPS enforcing the use of VZnavigator. I noticed on the Vodafone site that theirs will have stand-alone GPS.

PLEASE release this GPS!!

I'm sure it was a pipe dream, but I THOUGHT I heard last summer that Verizon would be releasing the lockdown on GPS. Like I said, must have been a pipe dream!

Of course I'm still getting the darned thing, but I just really wish I could use Google Maps to its full potential (I hate VZnavigator AND BBMaps).

Guess I'll be stuck with the glorious cell tower triagulation, which is at least very helpful.

nickjoedotcom · #2 10-11-2008 -

Are you suggesting that you know for a fact that the Storm for Verizon will have the GPS locked?

Not a pointed question, just curious, because I was under the impression that they weren't going to do that because of the "world phone" capabilities. It would be pretty pointless to try and force VZNav as the standard when the phone is capable of highspeed data overseas, and only in the states GPS.

woodi68 · #3 10-11-2008 -

So, the GPS has no bearing on the "World Edition" of the phone. World Edition just indicates that it can use the Quad-band GSM networks in Europe (like my 8830 as well).

GPS, Global Positioning System, (sorry if you already knew that) has always been locked down on Verizon devices.

I thought I read on one (and only one) fact sheet that it would be locked down for use only with their pay service, VZ Navigator.

Does anyone know any different?

nickjoedotcom · #4 10-11-2008 -

I wasn't saying that because the phone can be used internationally the GPS should be unlocked. I'm saying that based on the idea that people will taking this phone internationally and really taking advantage of its sweet features why take away one of the best?

As far as the locked GPS on the 8830 that was a whole different mess I don't want to relive. First the phone had GPS then it didn't then we found it was locked. And then some six months later it magically works if you had VZNav downloaded. My problem is Verizon isn't up front about details like this. They sucker you in and then you have to tough it out. Its like hiding the fact of if a phone has a camera or not.

~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

woodi68 · #5 10-11-2008 -

Exactly... I was just reading someone else's rant mentioning Verizon's "Any Apps/Any Device" stance (or at least proclamation), which helped me relive my 8830 GPS anxieties as well.

Thanks Nick!

nickjoedotcom · #6 10-11-2008 -

Oh haha. I love and loathe Verizon in the same conscience thought. All I want is a phone with the "goods". Seriously Verizon isn't saving me from myself by locking GPS and offering me an "affordable solution. They are making me think about when my contract ends and what my ETF is and if that is worth paying.

And would I buy the Storm full retail just to avoid any confusion?! Yes...yes I would.

~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

woodi68 · #7 10-12-2008 -

I'm with you there! I hate to love them, I guess that's my issue! I guess "the network" really does win me over. I just can't stand what I've got from the others, regardless of free GPS or not.

eazid · #8 10-16-2008 -

I share the same feelings on Verizon and GPS, and Wifi. I could care less about wifi because I get full coverage everywhere I go; but GPS is serious. There is so much I could do with GPS if it where free. I really hope that Verizon reconsiders its policy on GPS for all blackberrys. Hopefully the Storm too. If I had to bet money I would say the GPS is going to be locked. And that after the exclusivity runs out that the other carriers such as ATT will get a full featured Storm/thunder will no restrictions.

Sigh.

~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

planneau · #9 10-16-2008 -

You know with all the different ways to get GPS now a days, it's funny to here you guys are up set about GPS on your phone. But I understand your pain.

Hey, if verizon is gonna make you pay for it; just go buy a GPS for 200 or maybe 120 bus and call it a day. Get your self a TomTom or something if they gonna make you pay for it; you get to save some money of your bill that way.

mdh00 · #10 10-16-2008 -

Plannea the point is that the phone has GPS and Verizon cripples the phone by forcing you to use their software. This is the same as if Verizon charged you for every picture you take and save on your memory card on your blackberry. They don't own your memory card so if they did that it would be ludicrous. Well look at GPS on your blackberry in the same way, Verizon does not own the GPS satellite system and should not restrict any phone with GPS from accessing it by only enabling it if you use their software. Phones using GPS do not use any of Verizons network data. The phone is your property. They have no right PERIOD!
To address you saying carry a separate GPS system... That is ridiculous. A person gets a premium device like a blackberry so that they don't have to carry around other devices all the time. I mean who in their right mind would want to carry around a seperate device for every function that a blackberry does? The fact needs to be accepted that Verizons customers are getting screwed on their phones. ~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

Ekzt1nr · #11 10-16-2008 -

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdh00

Plannea the point is that the phone has GPS and Verizon cripples the phone by forcing you to use their software. This is the same as if Verizon charged you for every picture you take and save on your memory card on your blackberry. They don't own your memory card so if they did that it would be ludicrous. Well look at GPS on your blackberry in the same way, Verizon does not own the GPS satellite system and should not restrict any phone with GPS from accessing it by only enabling it if you use their software. Phones using GPS do not use any of Verizons network data. The phone is your property. They have no right PERIOD!
To address you saying carry a separate GPS system... That is ridiculous. A person gets a premium device like a blackberry so that they don't have to carry around other devices all the time. I mean who in their right mind would want to carry around a seperate device for every function that a blackberry does? The fact needs to be accepted that Verizons customers are getting screwed on their phones. ~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

you just made me a believer...if in fact wut your saying is true about the GPS...then i will definately wait ntill AT&T gets the storm...you are absolutely correct! they do not have the right to do that!

HolidayDre · #12 10-16-2008 -

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdh00

Plannea the point is that the phone has GPS and Verizon cripples the phone by forcing you to use their software. This is the same as if Verizon charged you for every picture you take and save on your memory card on your blackberry. They don't own your memory card so if they did that it would be ludicrous. Well look at GPS on your blackberry in the same way, Verizon does not own the GPS satellite system and should not restrict any phone with GPS from accessing it by only enabling it if you use their software. Phones using GPS do not use any of Verizons network data. The phone is your property. They have no right PERIOD!
To address you saying carry a separate GPS system... That is ridiculous. A person gets a premium device like a blackberry so that they don't have to carry around other devices all the time. I mean who in their right mind would want to carry around a seperate device for every function that a blackberry does? The fact needs to be accepted that Verizons customers are getting screwed on their phones. ~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

I understand what you mean...BUT it is Verizon's right to do what they please with their service. No one forces anyone to use Verizon as their service provider. There are plenty of service providers out there that will allow you to have unrestricted access to GPS. When you sign up for service with Verizon you get 30 days to try it and bring it back if you decide you don't want it. If a person has the phone 30 days and didn't realize that the GPS was locked to VZW Navigator...then they obviously don't need GPS in their phone. A lot of people have GPS in their cars now...I don't recall ever seeing anyone using GPS on foot. I know someone will chime in with their one time experience of needing GPS on foot...but I'm sure that is a rare occurrance for the average person.

**j llama** · #13 10-16-2008 -

ROAR !!!

(just like throwing that in when I can regarding this topic)

Ongoing Verizon hates GPS thread here

woodi68 · #14 10-18-2008 -

LOL... wait for AT&T? But then you have to put up with AT&T. I'd rather do without GPS than go to AT&T. I'm not a device chaser, so I won't switch carriers for a device regardless of the features. I love my Verizon service and, regardless of the GPS lockdown, I'll get by without having to go to the dark side.

eazid · #15 10-18-2008 -

Quote:

Originally Posted by HolidayDre

I understand what you mean...BUT it is Verizon's right to do what they please with their service. No one forces anyone to use Verizon as their service provider. There are plenty of service providers out there that will allow you to have unrestricted access to GPS. When you sign up for service with Verizon you get 30 days to try it and bring it back if you decide you don't want it. If a person has the phone 30 days and didn't realize that the GPS was locked to VZW Navigator...then they obviously don't need GPS in their phone. A lot of people have GPS in their cars now...I don't recall ever seeing anyone using GPS on foot. I know someone will chime in with their one time experience of needing GPS on foot...but I'm sure that is a rare occurrance for the average person.

Well I have used GPS on foot extensive on the job. (And in vehicles and such.) I would be using it to track my locate and form a route through trails and such on my bike. There is a lot though...