I can't believe Verizon now released VzNavigator while keeping the GPS disabled on the phone. They disabled a feature on the phone so that they can charge for it later. They told me on numerous occasions that they were going to enable it eventually through a software update. Does anyone know whatever happened with that? In my opinion, this is just bad business.

Actually works on mine. You sure it's not a setting you haven't enabled yet? You have to turn the GPS Services to location on.

VZ Navigator is working pretty decently for me. On OS .176 and VZ Nav 2.9.7

I doubt you'll see the GPS opened for 3rd party apps. I recommend just getting a bluetooth puck and forgetting about it. They work fine.

Wirelessly posted (BB8830VZW: BlackBerry8830/4.2.2 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

OMG. Seriously I really cared about this. Hell, first time posted, but I was in talks with the lawfirm that handeled the V710, we even sent a letter to VZW's CEO letting them know about impending legal actions. Because I posted a question on some forum before I bought the phone, they decided not to proceed. My point, I really cared. Now its old. So we all know Verizon has their ways of pissing us off but let's bury it.

verizon never said they would enable gps on the phone, they did say vznav is in making for gps needs.

yes the update, does not allow 3rd party apps to use, get gps positions, the gps chipset, they from playing with it, seem to be using the qualcomm gps and triangulate the position, since gps is way off with vz nav.

Yea, thats the other thing, VZ Nav sucks. I added it and played with it today. Bad maps and doesent update location too well. Went back to my puck w/TeleNav

VZNav seems to be working pretty well for me, it is off a couple feet, but the turn by turn directions are fantastic. I just traveled from Tucson Arizona to a new Time Share in Las Vegas Nevada, and VZNav took me there without issue. It even re-calculated the directions a few times for me automatically "Decided to make a pit stop" ... I am very happy with VZNav, for the price it works well ... Heck a hour ago we were craving dinner, we just typed in "Italian" and it listen all the italian restaurants around us, and gave us turn by turn directions with just a click of a button.

Yeah, I can do the same thing with InfoSpace, along with movie places, entertainment, etc. Best of all, when it lists all these places it will even pull up the phone number associated with it and I can dial it to call the place up to make reservations and stuff. All for free.... except the GPS stuff which would be nice. I'm boycotting VZNav.... All you people buying the subscriptions to VZNav are just hurting the chance of VZW opening up the GPS. Good job! :thumbsdown:

I definitely agree with boycotting VZNAV!!! It's not like we don't like it. It's the fact that Verizon has CONTROL of our phone and restricts GPS and\or any other things, just the way they want us to use it. We should be able to use the GPS like everyone else that has GPS. Think about it. Everyphone that has GPS are able to be used while JUST the 8830 from verizon is blocked. Seriously what is the point of having a GPS chip if its blocked and not used to its full potential.
Verizon shouldn't care what we use on our phone cause as long as we have a verizon phone means we have their service. Verizon must be a$$es. BOYCOTT VZNAV!!!

I agree, free would be so much better; but come on, its $10/month. If its that painful, then go to another provider who has the gps unlocked. I pay ~$170/month for my phone right now, so whats another $10?

$10 here....$10 there and all the sudden your paying $170.00 a month for a phone!!!!

yeah,
well,
I can't argue with that.

true......true....I'm at $140. month and I travel quite a bit. VZNAV is something I can"t be without. Additionally, VZ has the best network in the business. Unfortunately they are quite aware of that fact. Hence the $10. fee to go along with the who gives a crap attitude.

Are there any services for GPS on a BB that don't require a monthly fee? I'm fine purchasing a GPS puck, but to pay a monthly fee? I'd rather skip it.

lol. Reminds me of the Tommy Boy quote:

"Twenty dollars for the rent...hmm...maybe instead they'll spend it on the whores!"

too funny

If you have a Bluetooth puck you can use applications like BB Maps, Google Maps, & Live Search without a monthly fee.

Really? That's great. But how is it compared to the monthly fee type services?

Well it varies. Basically you can get turn by turn directions similiar to what you would get with Google maps and Mapquest on your PC. Doesn't give you dynamic directions, you have to manually select the next turn. Still nice to have. If you are trying to find a restuarant near your location you can do that too.

I have the .176 and vz nav 2.9.8 and it is not working for me. Whenever I open it, it just closes. Any ideas? Location is on to.

What is a GPS puck and where can I get one??

Not on VZW. Check out AllTell, ATT, etc. I think Sprint can even be made to use Google Maps for free?