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What's the state of GPS on this phone in todays date ? Did it ever get fixed to be as accurate as other phones ?
Update 9/30/10: I was pretty hopeless about the GPS after reading all of your comments. Today I met a dude on campus with a captivate. We were sitting inside a building, so I decided to test out his captivate against my Eris. I turned GPS on on both devices, and started google maps. The captivate got a lock withing 10 seconds as did my Eris. My eris had an accuracy of 40m, while the captivate had 60m. Not bad, considering what I have been reading here.
StDevious said:
What's the state of GPS on this phone in todays date ? Did it ever get fixed to be as accurate as other phones ?
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Mine works perfectly.
much improved since update
does better than any of my winmo phones ever did
Update supposedly did not contain a GPS fix. Supposedly getting the official fix by months end as per level 2 Samsung tech.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
droidal said:
Update supposedly did not contain a GPS fix. Supposedly getting the official fix by months end as per level 2 Samsung tech.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
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this month or next ?
I read end of this month on the GPS analysis thread today.
StDevious said:
this month or next ?
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Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
GPS is much better since update
saint168 said:
GPS is much better since update
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The update did nothing for the GPS. The GPS is still junk on these phones. Samsung is one of the most disorganised companies there are.
My gps works fine. But then again I don't sit around waiting for the manufacturer... I sit around waiting for devs.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Even with the tweaks that people put out on here it's still worthless. I don't know if it's an issue with the drivers that control the GPS or what but it's not normal for it to be this bad. I sent my phone back to Wirefly and if they send me a new one I know the GPS is still going to be junk on it so I may sell it and buy a different phone that runs on at&t.
galaxyjeff said:
The update did nothing for the GPS. The GPS is still junk on these phones. Samsung is one of the most disorganised companies there are.
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Actually my gps sucked balls before the update and now works extremely well. The update may not have contained a gps fix but mine has been much improved since the update. Before the update I would be lucky to lock onto 1 sat. Now I am able to lock onto 7-9 sats in under 20 seconds and pretty much stay locked.
Are you using the GPS Test app to get these locks? Or is there something else that shows how many satellites you're receiving info from? Because I can get 10 satellites 'locked' no problem using the GPS test app, but Google Maps or the Navigation app both still take forever to show my location, and track my movement, most of which is completely wrong (for ex it will have me driving in fields instead of on roads).
For me I can now lock indoors, which I could never do before. This is in the Gmaps app
Also I can actually get a lock in an urban setting (apts and buildings everywhere) and not have to stand out in a field somewhere for five minutes
There has to be some kind of tweak in the latest update, there just has to
matt310 said:
Are you using the GPS Test app to get these locks? Or is there something else that shows how many satellites you're receiving info from? Because I can get 10 satellites 'locked' no problem using the GPS test app, but Google Maps or the Navigation app both still take forever to show my location, and track my movement, most of which is completely wrong (for ex it will have me driving in fields instead of on roads).
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I use gps test to see how many locks I'll get. But, I can fire up google maps or google navigation without warming up with gps test and still be up and running within 20 seconds.
Gathering anecdotal reports on whether the GPS is fixed is worthless.
Some people get a lock indoors and think it is fixed, while others do serious Google Navigation and My Tracks testing and find it is not fixed.
I do not think the GPS is fixed to be as accurate as other phones. Yes, it has improved since stock, but stock was garbage -- now it is just poor.
phr00t said:
Gathering anecdotal reports on whether the GPS is fixed is worthless.
Some people get a lock indoors and think it is fixed, while others do serious Google Navigation and My Tracks testing and find it is not fixed.
I do not think the GPS is fixed to be as accurate as other phones. Yes, it has improved since stock, but stock was garbage -- now it is just poor.
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What he said.
climber1872000 said:
Mine works perfectly.
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You people keep saying it works on your captivates. We know your either full of it or have a special edition phone that no one else got. No bodies captivate works 100% on GPS. If you think yours works then PROVE it!!! Take a long drive and track it on a map and post it here. I've yet to see such. QUIT SAYING IT WORKS WHEN IT DON'T.
whitenerj said:
You people keep saying it works on your captivates. We know your either full of it or have a special edition phone that no one else got. No bodies captivate works 100% on GPS. If you think yours works then PROVE it!!! Take a long drive and track it on a map and post it here. I've yet to see such. QUIT SAYING IT WORKS WHEN IT DON'T.
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Thank You! Locking on Satellites DOES NOT mean the GPS works - Hell you can just use location to find out where you are - GPS is for MOVEMENT and how WELL it keeps up with MOVEMENT. If People keep saying that it works it's improved after the update - Samsung nor At&t will do anything to fix it (don't believe me just call them and they will get angry telling you how the update fix ALL that was wrong with the phone). PLEASE stop posting it's FIXED or IT WORKS because it can see and lock on satellites. Drive/Walk with this phone and then ANY other phone - Trust it will make you want to SLAP someone at Samsung & At&t.
i admit after the JH7 update, gps locks in alot quicker! but it still samsung garbage! gps navigation show Turn right on Pine Ave, i turned Pine ave 2 block ago, gps navigation still showing Turn right on Pine ave. or i waiting at red light waiting to make a turn on Pine ave, gps navagion already tell me the next turn Turn right on Rose Ave. so do i turn right on Pine or keep driving straight and turn right on Rose?
netnerd said:
i admit after the JH7 update, gps locks in alot quicker! but it still samsung garbage! gps navigation show Turn right on Pine Ave, i turned Pine ave 2 block ago, gps navigation still showing Turn right on Pine ave. or i waiting at red light waiting to make a turn on Pine ave, gps navagion already tell me the next turn Turn right on Rose Ave. so do i turn right on Pine or keep driving straight and turn right on Rose?
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Are you sure this is a GPS problem and not crap code for navigation app?
So...I currently own a vibrant and want to pick up a nexus s mainly because I'll be guaranteed android upgrades. My main concern is if the nexus s utilizes the same gps chip as the other galaxy s phones. If it does, it is an epic fail because gps accuracy is still HORRID on these phones and would be a total dealbreaker.
Anyone know the answer?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
The Nexus S has an improved antenna.
But even then the GPS issues on the Galaxy S series were mostly software ones since they've now been patched between the update, and the app ont he market to reset the gps settings.
neok44 said:
The Nexus S has an improved antenna.
But even then the GPS issues on the Galaxy S series were mostly software ones since they've now been patched between the update, and the app ont he market to reset the gps settings.
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I've tried every fix out there and it still has me driving next to the highway in the woods or 2 blocks from where I'm standing.
My crappy Motorola cliq has pinpoint precision compare to the vibrant.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
neok44 said:
The Nexus S has an improved antenna.
But even then the GPS issues on the Galaxy S series were mostly software ones since they've now been patched between the update, and the app ont he market to reset the gps settings.
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But that mostly means that there is still a hardware issue and that means the difference between driving on the road and driving perpendicular to it.
mchimney said:
But that mostly means that there is still a hardware issue and that means the difference between driving on the road and driving perpendicular to it.
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Im still pretty sure its a SW error, friend has a Galaxy S phone, installed the latest leaked build for his phone and wala GPS lock in seconds
The Nexus S got recertified through FCC testing for upgraded BT/GPS hardware.
JCopernicus said:
The Nexus S got recertified through FCC testing for upgraded BT/GPS hardware.
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Now that's what I wanted to hear!
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
REQUEST
Those who already have their phone: please make a GPS test as it follows:
choose a location outside which you can easily identify on google earth (a tree, a big rock, something small but visible on satellite view)
go out there and use an app which shows GPS coordinates - preferably the free app GPS test
stand next to object and get the coordinates, write it down, etc (for this wait a while till more precise fix)
go back to house, type the coordinates into Google Earth
measure the distance between the location you got with your phone and the real object using Google Earths measuring tool
post the results here
Well, I'm not gonna do all that, but maybe this will help.
I did a cold start on Maps. Got a lock on within 10 seconds. Pretty damn good. Now I'm using GPS Test app and was able to lock on all satellites. 7 out of 7. This is all within my house. Wifi is off.
I can happily say that GPS works fine. From my experience anyways.
Yup GPS is fine locked faster and seems more accurate than my vibrant
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
It was either Endgadget or gizmodo, but they said the GPS still sucks on the nexus s that it took forever for them to get a lock. I was tired of playing with ROM's etc, which is why I sold my vibrant and got a mytouch4g. I do miss the vibrant, but I geocache and a accurate GPS is something I needed.
aohmer said:
It was either Endgadget or gizmodo, but they said the GPS still sucks on the nexus s that it took forever for them to get a lock. I was tired of playing with ROM's etc, which is why I sold my vibrant and got a mytouch4g. I do miss the vibrant, but I geocache and a accurate GPS is something I needed.
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Click to collapse
load of BS. took less than 0.5 sec to get a lock and the accuracy is incredible.
aohmer said:
It was either Endgadget or gizmodo, but they said the GPS still sucks on the nexus s that it took forever for them to get a lock. I was tired of playing with ROM's etc, which is why I sold my vibrant and got a mytouch4g. I do miss the vibrant, but I geocache and a accurate GPS is something I needed.
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They also said they were driving while trying to get a lock... And in my experience (Nexus S, TomTom, Garmin), a GPS can't get a lock while you're moving. Maybe the best ones can, but their test is not enough to say that Nexus S sucks.
I feel that I have a bad GPS. It's. Not seeing more than 2 satellite outdoor. I will test it more
demo23019 said:
Yup GPS is fine locked faster and seems more accurate than my vibrant
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
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Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Those that say that the GPS issues of the Galaxy S line of phones were fixed via the software update and market app probably don't own a Galaxy S phone. The GPS is definitely not fixed. In fact, it's the only reason why I'm in this forum. I'm willing to give up AT&T 3G for a working GPS -- I plan to sell my Captivate and buy a Nexus S if the GPS works.
Also, those that say they got a fast lock and great accuracy, that doesn't exactly mean anything yet. Most Galaxy S users had great GPS performance out-the-box, and after a hard reset. But the performance gradually degrades over the course of a few days, and then you eventually want to throw your phone out the window. So the fact that only some Nexus S owners have great GPS performance -- and not ALL -- leaves me discouraged. But we should have a better assessment after a few days.
Maybe Samsung and/or Google also released in market the pieces that they have produced, before changing the GPS antenna....
Maybe that's why some users have GPS issues and others not...
So maybe we have 2 deferent produced devices....
Nice scenario don't you think???
I was in California over Christmas and I flashed Assonance 5.0. My GPS started working perfectly. I assumed that the ROM itself was the cause of the improvement, but, when I got back home (Chicago), the GPS reverted back to the way it was before (slow to lock on and always loses lock). This would lead me to believe that the differing results from the GPS are not due to hardware, but location.
Good things in California...like GPS and IN-N-OUT
I just got back from California on Friday, and that trip made me decide to sell my Captivate, gps didnt work at all.
verysafety said:
Good things in California...like GPS and IN-N-OUT
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Click to collapse
You bastards with your In-N-Out
If you guys haven't tried Da_G's fix yet I'd look into it. I'm using the Darky port rom and it incorporates the fix and my GPS is really good. I get quick, accurate locks and it follows me properly while driving. Admittedly I've only been running this version of the rom (7.0.1) for a few days now because I keep flashing new versions when they're released but so far there has been no noticeable degradation of GPS.
nybmx said:
You bastards with your In-N-Out
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Nothing like a double-double with fries...
Double double with animal style fries!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I live in cali and gps works perfect. When I went to arizona it sucked. Location does seem to be a factor.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Let me just lock this one down right here...
Location may be a factor in such that if you are located inside a concrete bunker the GPS will not work well, and if you are located outside in the middle of a field on a clear day the GPS will work better.
Please, read this before commenting further... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Positioning_System#Space_segment
You will find that the GPS satellites move through the day, and no one satellite is covering the same area all the time. A fundamental property of the GPS system is that coverage is spread across the entire globe. And while any given satellite will follow the same path around the planet (once every 12 hours), the system is intrinsically designed such that it doesn't matter which specific satellites you can hear from the ground.
If you are getting better reception in X state, and worse reception in Y state, then Z confounding factor is causing that difference, not your location.
my gps has been very good (both locks and tracking)
with both Chrnous and Doc's latest roms.
nbs11 said:
Nothing like a double-double with fries...
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nahrah said:
Double double with animal style fries!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
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Pffft, 4X4 hold the fries!
Oh, and my GPS has always worked out of the box......
My GPS never worked until I flashed ASSONANCE. Now it works here in Toledo, Ohio, Clearwater, Florida, Pittburgh, PA, Detroit, MI, Los Angeles, CA....no problems whatsover. I use it all the time. Myabe I am just one of the very few "Lucky Ones".
I drove from Seattle, WA to Los Angeles, CA and back for xmas during one and a half week period. Here's what I think about the GPS. Since every time I tried to use it here in Seattle, it doesn't work very well at all and I end up giving up and turn the GPS off. But on this trip, I let it get a lock even though it took more than 4 mins to do so. Then I have it plugged into my car's power, so the backlight stays on. Using Google Maps, I let it keep trying to lock and track during my entire trip. To my surprise, it works better and better. It seems to be needing to gather enough info at each location to get better responses. Now, I can get a lock just about anywhere in the west coast in about 7 to 10 secs. Tracking is still a little off. But it's close enough that I can start using location based apps again, like gas buddy, foursquare, facebook, etc. I wouldn't use it for navigation as I said, the tracking is still a little off. So, my theory is that use the GPS whenever you can. Leave it on if you can. The more you use it, the better it works. Just my 2 cents worth.
Coming from the HD2 I had hoped for a big improvement in GPS lock times. It is better but not amazing. Compared it today to my son's ZTE Blade and his was way faster. Disappointing!
Anyone else feel the GPS is nothing special? Could be something to do with the Vodafone mods I guess...
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA Premium App
touchee said:
Coming from the HD2 I had hoped for a big improvement in GPS lock times. It is better but not amazing. Compared it today to my son's ZTE Blade and his was way faster. Disappointing!
Anyone else feel the GPS is nothing special? Could be something to do with the Vodafone mods I guess...
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA Premium App
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I'm very interested in this topic. I'm struggling mightily with my Galaxy S right now trying to walking navigate a big city. It's consistently off by at least a block in location and the compass is totally worthless. Phone has frozen solid twice, with the required 5 minute reboot to get going again. Major PIA. I'm really hoping the Sensation will solve this problem.
Any GPS experiences you can post will be greatly appreciated.
samnada said:
I'm very interested in this topic. I'm struggling mightily with my Galaxy S right now trying to walking navigate a big city. It's consistently off by at least a block in location and the compass is totally worthless. Phone has frozen solid twice, with the required 5 minute reboot to get going again. Major PIA. I'm really hoping the Sensation will solve this problem.
Any GPS experiences you can post will be greatly appreciated.
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I bought my fiance the Vibrant at launch so I definitely have felt the pains of a horrible GPS on a phone. That said, the Tmo version's GPS has been real, real good. It's even performed pretty solid downtown here in Chicago.
Now are there better GPS units in phones out there? Possibly. But for what you are using it for and the phone you are coming from, you will definitely be happy with this feature.
I didn't own a HD2, so I can't compare, but my Sensation locks in less than 10 seconds. I don't think that is very bad at all.
phoenx06 said:
I didn't own a HD2, so I can't compare, but my Sensation locks in less than 10 seconds. I don't think that is very bad at all.
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I have owned almost all high end android devices for T-Mobile and the Sensation/MT4G have the quickest GPS locks by far. My Sensation locks in less than 4 seconds and my MT4G is a little quicker but both are great! Compared to my G2x which takes more than FIVE MINUTES to lock!!
The test I did today between the ZTE Blade and the HTC Sensation used the GPS Status app.
Basically I switched both on at the same time (they had both locked previously and had downloaded the AGPS data) and simply watched the time to the first fix.
ZTE Blade would get a warm lock in 2 seconds
HTC sensation would get the warm lock in about 10 seconds
Indoors by a window the gap was more pronounced between the two devices. I feel the sensation is struggling a bit, and indoors it shows more, as the Blade coped much better with the weaker signal and fewer satellites.
Interestingly when both were locked outside and with a clear view of the sky, the Blade would show 8 or 9 satellites whereas the Sensation would only sometimes (very occasionally) have this number, more often just 6.
I have also observed that even when the Sensation has, say 5, satellites with green bars it still takes several seconds to process the info and finally display position. With the Blade, once it gets about 4 green bars, it's straight there with a position.
Weird. I think it may be something to do with the UK units as there is a gps.conf.vodafone in /etc/ so that implies some messing around by them. But the difference between that and the gps.conf in /etc/ seems to simply be the choice of NTP server (ie. north america or europe).
Appreciate the responses.
A quick lock is definitely good, but what matters even more to me is accuracy and direction. Is the compass reliable, and is your actual location shown on the map closer than 100ft?
If I can't use it in a strange city to get my bearings and navigate on foot it's a deal killer.
Thanks.
nccu_eagles said:
I have owned almost all high end android devices for T-Mobile and the Sensation/MT4G have the quickest GPS locks by far. My Sensation locks in less than 4 seconds and my MT4G is a little quicker but both are great! Compared to my G2x which takes more than FIVE MINUTES to lock!!
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My G2X gets a instant lock and is accurate to less than 10 feet.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
jrwingate6 said:
My G2X gets a instant lock and is accurate to less than 10 feet.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
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I had three different G2x NONE of them locked that fast. I'm not talking about using some dumb gps status app I mean real world navigation to a destination. I enter the address and it starts giving VOICE directions...sensation is much faster than g2x in that aspect
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App
samnada said:
Appreciate the responses.
A quick lock is definitely good, but what matters even more to me is accuracy and direction. Is the compass reliable, and is your actual location shown on the map closer than 100ft?
If I can't use it in a strange city to get my bearings and navigate on foot it's a deal killer.
Thanks.
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Click to collapse
I'm averaging 3-10 meters depending on situations.
I use MMTracker to read OSGB 1:25000 UK maps and the positional accuracy is very good on both the Sensation and the Blade. GPS Status reports very similar grid positions too on both devices.
I've never really found the reported error in GPS Status to be that relevant or accurate. But when using a map overlay (eg. Google or MemoryMap) the position seems very good in relation to the known map position.
Using the Sensation in the car with Sygic it copes well, with occasional loss of signal, but nothing to worry about.
Overall I'm very pleased with the Sensation. But I can't help feeling it's not that sensational. It's great hardware, but leaves me disappointed software-wise, when I consider what I can do with my HD2. If it gets rooted and then that's another story. If it doesn't I shall probably sell it and stay with my HD2. I'm giving it a month to test .
Same. Gps locks very fast
Swyped from my HTC Sensation Pyramid using my thumb and eyes
Off topic guys but witch navigation apps are you using on the sensation. Cause i've tried igo, navigon and sygic and all of them have prroblems with Sensation's resolution. Thanks and sorry for my english
leftheodo said:
Off topic guys but witch navigation apps are you using on the sensation. Cause i've tried igo, navigon and sygic and all of them have prroblems with Sensation's resolution. Thanks and sorry for my english
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I use Google maps but I'm in the USA
nccu_eagles said:
I had three different G2x NONE of them locked that fast. I'm not talking about using some dumb gps status app I mean real world navigation to a destination. I enter the address and it starts giving VOICE directions...sensation is much faster than g2x in that aspect
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App
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Well I'm talking real world too. When I open google maps. My GPS icon locks instantly. I don't have any bugs on my G2X but I know plenty of people who got multiple buggy units. I'm not the only one with a G2X who had a great GPS. It's honestly the best GPS on a phone I've ever used.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
nccu_eagles said:
I had three different G2x NONE of them locked that fast. I'm not talking about using some dumb gps status app I mean real world navigation to a destination. I enter the address and it starts giving VOICE directions...sensation is much faster than g2x in that aspect
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App
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Click to collapse
Lol dude, In a way you are like me.
When you have something you defend it.
When you had the G2x you would defend that phone like crazy. Now that you have sensation it sounds like you see the G2x like a piece of crap.
Sent from my G2x
I am using co-pilot and my sensation took about 45 seconds for first lock when taken out of the box and subsequent locks take about 10-15 seconds.
Not quite as good as my HTC Desire but still fast
Gps is very fast
Gives good directions on the highway at about 60mph
moshe22 said:
Lol dude, In a way you are like me.
When you have something you defend it.
When you had the G2x you would defend that phone like crazy. Now that you have sensation it sounds like you see the G2x like a piece of crap.
Sent from my G2x
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I never defended the G2x that phone sucked I never made it a full day using it I would always pop my sim card back into my MT4G running cm7 ...and there is no way that his gps is that fast on his the g2x. forums are full of people complaining about the gps on that POS phone...he's saying his ICON appears LOL type in an address in the navigation app and see how long it takes before it starts giving VOICE COMMANDS and turn by turn directions. it will display "waiting for route / searching for gps" for a few MINUTES on the G2x
I obviously jinxed myself with the GPS. The past day here in Chicago I can't get closer than a 500 meter lock. It was previously working perfectly with quick, accurate locks.
Any ideas?
I just got the infuse, and especially indoors the gps signal seems to be lost or insufficient very frequently.
Seems to work alright outside.
I'm on stock btw.
requiem3 said:
I just got the infuse, and especially indoors the gps signal seems to be lost or insufficient very frequently.
Seems to work alright outside.
I'm on stock btw.
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GPS isn't supposed to work well indoors. If it does, consider that a bonus.
However, my experience is that the Rogers Gingerbread release seems to perform better and actually does lock indoors - this is usually a feat reserved only for high-end standalone chipsets like MTKv2, STM Cartesio, and the tried and true SiRF Star III.
Lol of course the signal is gonna be weak indoors. Why do you need it indoors? Do you get lost on the way to the bathroom? lol
If you root there is a nice GPS fix that seems to work for some. It appears to lock in better for me when I'm out and about.
Sent from my rooted infuse flashed with infused!
P1 Wookie said:
Lol of course the signal is gonna be weak indoors. Why do you need it indoors? Do you get lost on the way to the bathroom? lol
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Using gps indoors can be useful with apps like foursquare or anything else with location based check ins. However, I've come to accept that phone gps sucks indoors, essentially making foursquare useless for me because once I'm inside where I'm at, I'm not going to go back out just to turn on gps and check in.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997R using XDA Premium App
welchertc said:
Using gps indoors can be useful with apps like foursquare or anything else with location based check ins. However, I've come to accept that phone gps sucks indoors, essentially making foursquare useless for me because once I'm inside where I'm at, I'm not going to go back out just to turn on gps and check in.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997R using XDA Premium App
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WiFi/Cell-tower netloc always works fine for me with Foursquare.