Verizon Promises Gps Unlock!!

[spetrillo]

Why are we all worrying about if and when VZW opens up GPS to third party apps. We have this capability via the fine folks here at PPCGEEKs and other sites. Some people saw the stupidity of what VZW did, and simply worked around it. No harm no foul. This is capitalism we live in!

My bet says we will not see this fully implemented across a wide range of devices until second half of 2009. Getting 3 devices in 6 mos is nothing. Now replicate this across your product line and thats where the time will come.

Steve

[BigDiesel07]

Originally Posted by spetrillo

Why are we all worrying about if and when VZW opens up GPS to third party apps. We have this capability via the fine folks here at PPCGEEKs and other sites. Some people saw the stupidity of what VZW did, and simply worked around it. No harm no foul. This is capitalism we live in!

Steve

True... But if and when Verizon unlocks their GPS, that enables the good that we here at PPC Geeks enjoy be shared to all, to the mainstream, to the grandma down the street to the drug dealer around the corner.. We ourselves are fortunante, but this is good for all Verizon users...

[volsmcfalls]

Ok, I'm going to sound ignorant here...but what does this mean? I'm not sure I understand the terminology of "unlocking the GPS."

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the GPS functionality already work on Verizon, you just have to use the VZNavigator?

Does this mean that other third-party apps will be able to use the gps? Will you still have to pay for the GPS usage or would it become part of the data plan?

Also, what apps are you guys referring to when you say that there are already some "third-party" gps apps? Do you still have to subscribe to the GPS option through Verizon?

[BigDiesel07]

On an un-locked device, the GPS can be accessed by all software apps.. Google Maps and Window Live Search are the two most discussed... On a GPS-locked device, either the GPS is turned off or, in the case of Verizon phones, the GPS can only be accessed by VZW Navigator... Yes, you are right in that the GPS works on Verizon phones.. When GPS is unlocked, all compatiable third-party apps will work and be able to access the GPS Radio.. When GPS is unlocked, there is no charge to access it..

[devinc]

And let me add that I use VZ Navigator and it is light years BEHIND LIve Search and Google Maps. I would much prefer to use those two apps, not to mention the amazing number of freeware GPS apps that could be used (my favourite is GPS Park which allows you to mark the spot you parked your car and then use your GPS to locate it again).

Devin

[venom51]

I will just be happy not to have to carry my bluetooth GPS reciever as well. One less Item to charge, transport, dmage or loose all together.

[BigDiesel07]

Originally Posted by devinc

And let me add that I use VZ Navigator and it is light years BEHIND LIve Search and Google Maps. I would much prefer to use those two apps, not to mention the amazing number of freeware GPS apps that could be used (my favourite is GPS Park which allows you to mark the spot you parked your car and then use your GPS to locate it again).

Devin

GPS Park sounds like an app I might need to download.. All my friends laugh that I have such an advanced phone, yet I can't find the car..

[Kalnel]

I keep wondering if by "unlock" they mean that you can use it with whatever app you want, but you'll still have to ante up $10 to use it.

Nothing would surprise me!

[BigDiesel07]

Technically the GPS on Verizon phones is "unlocked", but only partially.. Partially meaning it only works with VZW Navigator...

[dtkeith]

Ah, Now lets see it on the HTC Touch and 6.1 on the HTC Touch!