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Friday July 17, 2009
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 And a tiny ray of light shines from Verizon's cold, cold heart: the famously restrictive carrier has issued a software update for its Samsung Omnia SCH-i910 smartphone that unlocks the GPS radio.
That means subscribers can install third-party applications--either free or paid--that make use of GPS, and are no longer forced to pay $10 per month for VZ Navigator for location-based services. It's a little later than a company rep had previously announced in Verizon's support forum, but better late than never, right?
Of course, VZ Navigator still works on the Omnia. It's a solid app for voice-enabled, turn-by-turn directions. But this latest software update for the Omnia lets subscribers install apps like Google Maps for Mobile or Windows Live Search and hook into the GPS radio, in the same manner that someone on Sprint, AT&T, or T-Mobile could already do with the Omnia and other smartphones.
If you've got a CDMA-based Omnia on Verizon, head to Samsung's site to grab the CF03 update.
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July 18, 2009 7:19 AM
I contatcted Verizon Tech support for the unlock of the GPS because I have the phone but contrary to this article I was told there is no such thing except their own VZ Navigator .Kindly verify this.Thanks
July 18, 2009 10:00 AM
Hi Kay,
Thanks for writing. I don't have a loaner Samsung Omnia in front of me, but I would skip customer service and try downloading the update I linked to in the post (where it says "CF03 update" at the end).
Sometimes it takes a little while for these updates to make it to a company's customer service department, so it doesn't surprise me--especially since Samsung is the one who posted the update, not Verizon. Hope this helps.
July 19, 2009 9:57 AM
I have a Omnia. I can confirm this is valid. I went to the Samsung web site and the update was there. It even gave step by step instructions. I can say, I have tested the GPS using the google map app for Windows Mobile and it works.
It could be that the Verizon operators may have not been reading their memos.
July 25, 2009 3:58 PM
I just downloaded, installed and tested with Google earth, and maybe I’m missing something, but I think it is just LBS (location through towers), not GPS that is unlocked. I opened Google Earth; sure enough it has my location tracked, but not accurately. It’s a showing up about a block away from where I actually am. And it says when I turn it off and back on that it's only accurate to within 2000 meters.
I went to "Use GPS" and it never found any satellites. Ended up with the same "Can't find satellites" message it always use to give me. This is great if I need to know the city I am in, but it is nowhere near accurate enough for street level travel. I think we've been had.
July 27, 2009 7:17 AM
NVM what i said earlier, it works and it's great! you just have to go to 'Settings, Personal, Phone, Services, GPS and Change Setting' and make sure the 'Location On' is selected. I had to do a restart and get rid of a warning pop up afterwards, but it works now. Make sure to get the new Google Earth with Latitude too to reay enhance the features of the phone.
August 29, 2009 2:34 PM
I was really excited about the upgrade but like everyone else I am disappointed with subpar performance of the gps tracking system. It is not spot on with google and not even close with live search. as for some of the other upgrades that come with the update they are good. You get highlighted lettering like the iphone and easy one touch settings, however I am having trouble highlighting some texts and emails when I try to delete several at one time. Any help???? My phone also seems to be running a bit slower than before.
October 27, 2009 9:11 PM
Would I be able to install this update on an Omnia and get GPS capability for free while using Page Plus service provider?
November 13, 2009 8:54 AM
I put all the stuff in, with excitement regarding this upgrade thinking "FINALLY!" First it did tower triangulation. Then, I told it to use the Location on setting and re-started. Now, it shows I'm in Vilnius! That's probably a nice place and all, but when I'm in St. Louis, it would be nice to be on the same continent! To me, this is just one more reason to tell Verizon...thanks, but no thanks...in the future. Too much sleight of hand!