Internal Gps??? Anyone Able To Hack?!?

Gervy · #1 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 08:14 AM

I tried a search, so don't flame me if this is covered already.

Considering all the hacking on the Apache format phones, (WM5 kitchens, WM6, etc...), has anyone figured out a way to utilize the internal GPS to work with any GPS programs (such as Tom Tom, or iGuidance)?

I know this was once thought impossible, but didn't know if any of you ninjas conjured up a miracle.

Desperate for GPS w/o adding yet another device to my utility belt.

GErvy

TonyDiv · #2 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 10:04 AM

Yea, unfortunately this subject has been beaten to death on a number of forums. Although some are claiming very limited success, the bottom line is that it just isn't going to happen. (unless Sprint or Verizon decide to make it happen. again, ain't gonna happen)

The good part is that some of the BT gps units (like my BT-55) are really small and not much of a hassle to lug around.

ls6tt · #3 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 12:38 PM

It is not the same GPS, it is AGPS, from my understanding, that transmits does not receive and cannot work with GPS apps

fordomatic69 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 02:03 PM

You are correct ls6tt.... this is "Assisted" - GPS which means it uses a combination of satellites and cell phone towers to triangulate your position and is primarily used for emergency services. Some carriers are also now offering location based services (i.e. retaurants, shows, etc.) based on where you currently are.

Gervy · #5 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 05:41 PM

Bastards. Time to buy another BT unit, and hope this one doesn't die.

pierocksmysocks · #6 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 05:51 PM

Yeah the htc apache only has A-GPS (assisted gps using cell tower triangulation), you can *technically* use the gps feature by running fieldtrial, but it's not very accurate to be honest. The accuracy is about +/- 500 feet. Now it'd be great if someone could possibly make an application that can pull the data from fieldtrial.

Here's another off the wall suggestion, you can pick up some pretty slim bluetooth gps modules, just get an extended battery case and stick the gps module in there with a normal battery. Not exactly built in, but hey it works.

daveedem · #7 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 07:30 PM

I have customer who swears Sprint told her the 6800 was going to have GPS (not AGPS) capabilities by Q4 2007.

I've been searching around and I can't find any official word about that... anyone else hear this rumour?

saqer · #8 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 09:50 PM

Sprint reps are known to release inaccurate information sometimes. Just a month back when speaking to a CSR he told me I can upgrade my Power Vision plan to allow for use with navigation. I wouldn't have to pay anymore and I would be able to use my 6700 for with gps. He was obviously clueless, because I cannot at all use it for GPS unless I use my BT unit.

There is speculation, though, for the the 6800 that it'll have A-GPS capabilities but only with Sprint's navigation service, but only after Rev. A is rolled out and HTC releases the ROM update for the 6800.

Krayziepop · #9 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 11:12 PM

...and pigs sprout wings... he11 freezes over...

Ah the joys of Sprint!

EtherealRemnant · #10 (**permalink**) 10-11-2007, 06:21 AM

I don't get why Sprint wouldn't at the very least, activate Telenav for the phones... I mean, they make money off of it if they do it that way so it just doesn't make any sense the way they go about things...

Same with Verizon.

But who knows... CDMA sucks as far as being locked into everything the carriers want you to have.