SlashGear Japan
A Verizon update for the BlackBerry 8330 Curve and the 8130 Pearl has unlocked the GPS receiver so that it will work with more than just the carrier’s own VZ Navigator. Verizon themselves have not commented on the release, but there are multiple reports of users able to lock onto satellites in BlackBerry Maps. The functionality requires the OS 4.5 version of the RIM satnav software, as earlier builds lack the option to use a handset’s internal GPS.
However the unlock has not left the Curve and Pearl’s GPS open to every piece of navigation software; in actual fact, it appears that Verizon have merely extended the functionality to RIM’s own satnav system. Third-party applications have so far proved unable to take advantage of the smartphone’s GPS, including Google Maps for Mobile.
Still missing is geotagging for photos taken with the BlackBerry’s camera. It’s been speculated that Verizon will be activating that function in the near future.
[via SlashPhone]
2 Responses to “Verizon unlock 8330 & Pearl 8130 GPS for BlackBerry Maps”
Wil December 12, 2008
Does this mean you can pair your storm to the pearl to access assisted GPS?
NeutralBlackberry User December 18, 2008
I am about to fire Verizon anyway. All my friends using LifeInPocket free GPS Navigation, no mater they are with AT&T, Sprint, Nextel, T-Mobile even AllTel while I have been paying $10 a month for VZ Navigator which is much worse then the LifeInPocket.
I was using Motorola which Verizon blocked it then I upgraded to Blackberry while Verizon still blocking it.
Neutral