Now we know why Verizon agreed to unlock the GPS

[devinc]

From Foxnews reporting on Ballmer's address to the CES:

"The CEO also announced Microsoft has formed a five-year partnership with Verizon Wireless that calls for the Live Search tools to be added to all Verizon cell phones in the U.S. that can access the Internet."

Can't promote Live Search if the GPS is locked.

Devin

[TheShaz]

Makes sense. I also thik that fear of a lawsuit kinda helped as well.

Now the big question. What is going to happen 1st. The Wizards crack the GPS or VZW releases update that opens the GPS.....or a prerelease version of said update sneaks out?

Place Your Bets!

[Cmass]

OR! They only offer it on NEW Omnias so you have to go buy another one.
I wouldn't put it past them.....

[gxnext]

I hope they do the right thing and release a update that unlocks it. but with Verizon history that may be asking for too much...

[Cmass]

It will probably require a hard restart and install a boat load of other requirements and glitches to figure out....

[hop2000]

Did Verizon actually release a statement saying they would unlock the GPS on the Omnia or is this rumors and speculation? I tried doing a search on here and on google about the Omnia GPS unlock and turned up nothing.

It would nice if Verizon rolled in the GPS unlock with a WM6.5 update over the next few months. I won't hold my breath as I've been waiting for over six months for a 6.1 update for the the XV6900 I just got rid of.

[TheShaz]

WMExperts Article

http://www.wmexperts.com/articles/ve...o_open_up.html

I have read other articles that state 1st QTR 2009 - I know they got the GPS popped for the VZW Touch Pro - it helps when you have that large HTC Dev group to work on it. I chose the Omnia over the VZW TP because it was too gimped for my taste. And after playing with both (TP & Omnia) at the VZW store, mine is finally on order and should have it next week.

[hop2000]

Originally Posted by TheShaz

WMExperts Article

http://www.wmexperts.com/articles/ve...o_open_up.html

I have read other articles that state 1st QTR 2009 - I know they got the GPS popped for the VZW Touch Pro - it helps when you have that large HTC Dev group to work on it. I chose the Omnia over the VZW TP because it was too gimped for my taste. And after playing with both (TP & Omnia) at the VZW store, mine is finally on order and should have it next week.

I guess all we can do is wait and see if VZW holds up to their promises (their track record has been less than stellar in this department in the past).

I too chose the Omnia over the Touch Pro because I really didn't like the feel of the device. I was also looking at the Storm for a while, but decided to stick with a WM device as the Storm has it's own set of problems. I have never owned a BB so I figure if I stay with a WM device, I at least know what I am getting myself into.

[syrguy1969]

I believe that if/when VZW released their lock on GPS it will be via a ROM upgrade. There are backup apps out there that allow restores over new ROMs, but I am not sure if I would trust them, I thing a 'from scratch' may be the safest. If VZW releases GPS I think it would be worth it though!!!

[pdub73]

When the Titan first came out the GPS wasn't even enabled but after some time VZW released a ROM update to activate it as well as add WM 6.1 threaded text messaging...so they usually do what they say they are going to do...but they take their sweet time...

The Microsoft contract doesn't sound like a bad thing...