Verizon Wireless today responded to PhoneNews.com’s inquiries about the XV6800 GPS update. Unlike other HTC Titan variants (on Sprint, Alltel, and other foreign carriers), the XV6800 refuses to provided an open GPS port. This is necessary for applications like Google Maps, TomTom, TeleNav, and any other GPS application to operate and access location data.
The update does, however, add EV-DO Rev A, and will allow for forthcoming support of the VZ Navigator application. PhoneNews.com has analyzed the update, and found that Verizon uses a secure GPS API, which allows VZ Navigator to work, but blocks any other application from functioning properly. Verizon has not set a release date for VZ Navigator on the XV6800.
Verizon spokeswoman Brenda Raney commented on the modifications, and reasons for limiting GPS access:
“We have not blocked other applications from our version of the xv6800. It is standard for third parties to have to make changes to their applications to be compatible with Verizon Wireless devices. Â Every carrier is different so what one does, doesn’t necessarily mean every one else can or will accept the same product.
We have a development program in place to assist third parties in making other GPS applications compatible with Verizon Wireless devices. Â Additional third party applications will be available in the future.
We chose to introduce the device with what was available rather than wait until additional applications became available.”
It appears that, while Windows Mobile has its own GPS support already, Verizon expects everyone to add support for their new, private, closed GPS API. This would appear to make it impossible for any open source Windows Mobile application to make use of GPS on Verizon smartphones.
Chris – Love seeing the articles that give insight to what’s going on at Verizon Wireless. I’m stuck with them, and holding off until the 800w or Treo Pro (CDMA) appears.
Off topic but – What happened to the Unlimited Data for $20/month article?
We’ll try to put them out soon. Expo coverage, combined with our planned move (starting at the end of this week), have to take priority.
A “secure” proprietary “3rd-party accessible” API for GPS? Sounds complicated but nice. Whatever works. If it is indeed open as VZW promises, then fine, it behooves Google et al. to “fix” their apps to work.
As for the Palm Treo 800w/Pro (CDMA) yeah baby I’m waiting with itchy palms to use my NE2 on one of those. I keep eyeballing sprint now that tethering is available on their SE Plans but I’m not sure I really wanna move.
Amazing…I never thought VZ would have the guts to take this kind of action in what is deemed as a Open Platform….Didn’t VZ, just a few months ago, lobby the FCC on 700 Mhz, how open they were and announce their developer’s conference?
Seems like these guys are dangerously close to lying to public regulators.
Brian, believe it or not, this is actually consistent with their “open app” policy.
Verizon stated that any application would be allowed to run, but it would have to be submitted to Verizon’s (yet-to-be-opened) testing facility. The application would then be digitally signed to run on Verizon’s network.
So, this is actually consistent. Open devices on the Verizon network, however, would not be subject to this policy… but they too would have to be approved at that yet-to-be-opened testing facility.
Now explain to me how the Sprint Mogul ROM update corrected problems with bluetooth in certain vehicle models, yet the Verizon update did absolutely nothing to correct the issue of the party on the other end not being able to hear you?
vzw is a hot load a bs thats why. with great customer care and a banging lg contract.
Im diggin the new features on 6.1 but disapointed in the gps.. I really hope it gets figured out soon before the phone is outdated and obsolete..
“I really hope it gets figured out soon before the phone is outdated and obsolete..”
I think you’re too late on that one. The Tilt on AT&T is far superior, in every imaginable way to the Sprint Mogul. and the Tilt is about to get replaced by the Touch Pro and Xperia X1.
I have Verizon. I used to have AT&T but the service was terrible and slow compared to verizon.. at least here it is.
Phone wise, verizon is behind, but service-wise Verizon is superior..
“Phone wise, verizon is behind, but service-wise Verizon is superior..”
Not here. I haven’t found a place yet that didn’t have AT&T 3G coverage (in real life- I’m obviously not talking aout looking at a coverage map and finding some place 300 miles away in the middle of a desert).
have just updated my Phone to Titan in new Zealand and belong to the telecom network.Help can I get downloads for this phone as I seem to miss all calls I dont hear it ring???
Can I get GPS
Debbie, you installed an update intended for Verizon Wireless phones only. How did you miss the warning messages telling you this?
You need to contact your service provider in New Zealand. Hopefully they can help you restore your phone back to their software.
Debbie, go to ppcgeeks.com and see if the guys over there can help you. They have several different ROMs made for your phone. I don’t know if anyone there has a ROM made for New Zealand or not, but they can certainly point you in the right direction…
Do you think what the Verizon rep said is accurate? That google maps can just change the programming and gps will work?
here’s some good news for you guys: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=424387
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