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Verizon Partially Uncripples GPS Transceiver on Curve/Pearl OS 4.5 Update

By on December 5, 2008

Users of HowardForums are confirming that the latest update to BlackBerry OS 4.5 (version ending in .77) on Verizon for the Curve and Pearl enables the internal GPS transceiver to work with BlackBerry Maps.  

When tested with the new functionality, the reports average a lock time of up to a minute for the first lock, with 30 seconds being the norm after each subsequent lock to establish functionality.  

It should be noted that the transceiver access will only work for BlackBerry Maps, as any attempt to use a third party application such as Windows Live Search or Google Maps will result in the GPS access not working, presumably due to the need to update the aforementioned apps to enable recognition of the transceiver.

It is also not known if Verizon has broader plans to fully unlock GPS access on all of its BlackBerry devices as the carrier has stated previously that any third party developer must submit its GPS/LBS applications to be digitally signed before being allowed access to built-in GPS hardware.

Firmware Tracker: Updated
Encyclopedia: RIM BlackBerry 8130 Pearl
Encyclopedia: RIM BlackBerry 8330 Curve

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Humberto Saabedra is the Editor-in-Chief of AnimeNews.biz, PhoneNews.com and an occasional columnist for Ani.me. He can also be found musing on things at @AnimeNewsdotbiz

6 responses to “Verizon Partially Uncripples GPS Transceiver on Curve/Pearl OS 4.5 Update”

  1. Verizon Partially Uncripples GPS Transceiver on Curve/Pearl OS 4.5 Update | BlackBerryInsight
    Verizon Partially Uncripples GPS Transceiver on Curve/Pearl OS 4.5 Update | BlackBerryInsight December 5, 2008 at 1:58 am |

    […] Source phonenews. […]

  2. Verizon完善GPS收发器在Curve/Pearl的OS 4.5更新 | BlackBerryInsight - 中文
    Verizon完善GPS收发器在Curve/Pearl的OS 4.5更新 | BlackBerryInsight - 中文 December 5, 2008 at 8:49 am |

    […] 摘自：phonenews. […]

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    Neues Verizon BlackBerry OS 4.5 ermöglicht GPS | BlackBerryInsight - Deutsch December 6, 2008 at 6:10 am |

    […] Quelle: phonenews. […]

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    […] Verizon Partially Uncripples GPS Transceiver on BlackBerry Curve … […]

  5. Verizon Selling BlackBerry Pearl for $20 After New 2 Year Agreement and Rebate | PhoneNews.com
    Verizon Selling BlackBerry Pearl for $20 After New 2 Year Agreement and Rebate | PhoneNews.com January 2, 2009 at 2:10 pm |

    […] device is also the beneficiary of a new software update which unlocks the built-in GPS module and allows usage of BlackBerry Maps with other programs to […]

  6. Looking for Blackberry Users - Page 3
    Looking for Blackberry Users - Page 3 July 7, 2009 at 12:20 pm |

    […] entirely sure. With the curve, it might still be locked for most programs. Here are a few links. Verizon Partially Uncripples GPS Transceiver on BlackBerry Curve/Pearl OS 4.5 Update | PhoneNews.com We Did It: Verizon to Unlock GPS on Windows Mobile | PhoneNews.com New firmware unlocks GPS on […]