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State of GPS on this phone ?

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?

[Workaround] GPS lock with bluetooth module and free software

If this was already posted, please don't shoot me. I am merely trying to help with a workaround for the flaky GPS on our SGS's.
I know that many of us are done dealing with the GPS on our Galaxy S, and to be honest I was already contemplating in the last two weeks to get rid of this phone and switch back to my Nexus One.
Also as many of you, I have tried various software fixes from changing some simple settings all the way to replacing system files with no real improvment.
My solution is certainly not for anyone and there might have been similar posts alreay, however I don't think those solutions where freeware and without any restrictions. This one is free and the software does not have any timelimit or other restrictions.
Requirements:
1) You need a Bluetooth GPS module (in my case I have a Holux GPSlim 236)
2) Download an app called 'Bluetooth GPS Provider' puplished by mobile-j.de (its free)
3) enable BT in settings, create a link to your GPS module
4) under settings/application/development make sure 'allow mock locations' is eabled
5) open 'Bluetooth GPS Provider' and under preferences the first item lets you choose the BT GPS receiver.
6) you may need to change the 'GPS type' under preferences if you cannot get data.
7) back on the main page of the 'Bluetooth GPS Provider' software click on 'Start'
Once you have a lock you can use the navigation software of your choice.
If you are using Google Navigation, it will ask you to enable the internal GPS, which is fine. Turn it on via the task pane and once you are on the mapping software you can tun it back off the same way. The software only checks at the startup of Google Nav if the internal GPS is running.
The tracking with my Holux was dead one - and I do mean dead on. It tracked every corner I took without any lag.
If I can get the APK of the file I will upload it here, but the app should be accessible to anyone on the market.
The APK is now attached in case someone has a hard time finding it

No offense intended, but I really don't feel like spending another $50-$100 for a bluetooth GPS receiver.
If you already have one, I can see this being a viable option though.

polarbee said:
No offense intended, but I really don't feel like spending another $50-$100 for a bluetooth GPS receiver.
If you already have one, I can see this being a viable option though.
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Well, I know what you mean.
If I didn't have the Holux already I would not consider this either, but someone else may not even realize this option exists and it certainly is a better solution than using the GPS receiver with a laptop and some windows based tracking software.

anosis said:
Well, I know what you mean.
If I didn't have the Holux already I would not consider this either, but someone else may not even realize this option exists and it certainly is a better solution than using the GPS receiver with a laptop and some windows based tracking software.
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Definitely agreed.

U can get them much cheaper on ebay. Or if you have an old windows phone, which is what I use (my tilt or fuze)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Nerz said:
U can get them much cheaper on ebay. Or if you have an old windows phone, which is what I use (my tilt or fuze)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
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Huh. Hadn't thought of that. Wonder if my Tilt could still prove useful then?

Perfect accuracy and tracking for me. Gpsgate for winmo is like 15 bucks.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

I tried using this but I kept getting some weird "resets" randomly. It wouldn't really reset but the screen would go black and then the home screen would re-load, the phone signal would be disconnected and then finally reconnect, just like it does when you power up your phone. The button backlights would be lit the entire time it "resets" though. I'm using Cognition v2.2 Beta7 right now.
When it does work it works really well. Just had too many "resets" trying to use it and becomes frustrating. Maybe updating to the latest Cog will help.

Nerz said:
Perfect accuracy and tracking for me. Gpsgate for winmo is like 15 bucks.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
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Does your old phone have an active SIM?
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polarbee said:
Does your old phone have an active SIM?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
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Nope. The sim door is actually broken on my tilt so I can't get service to it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

(Q) Nexus S Gps

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?
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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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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???

Poll: Does your GPS work on Galaxy S 4G/Vibrant 4G

Hello everyone who owns Galaxy S 4G / Vibrant 4G. As a Vibrant owner, I would like to know (and I am sure many others as well) whether GPS works perfectly on Galaxy S 4G ? If it does, then please post screenshots from GPS test app if possible.
Also, please answer the poll and leave any comments regarding drifting/accuracy etc.
Because if it works perfectly, then it's safe to assume the issue with Vibrant's GPS is a hardware issue ( specially now that we have 2.2.1 ported for vibrant)

Moved of : Samsung Vibrant > Vibrant General
To: Samsung Galaxy S 4G > Galaxy S 4G General
thanks

Looks like I was the first one to vote. Tried several readings yesterday and one this morning. All very accurate and this mornings was more accurate than my Garmin for some reason.

the GPS on the SGS4G works as it should... I get 5 second cold start locks and <5m accuracy with no drifting. i drove around with it on and it had no issues on parallel streets that are very close to each other or anything like that.
it works better than my tomtom. so I am a happy camper with the GPS.

I used Root Explorer to pull out Telenav and while my Google Maps is still locking my location inside and outside, News and Weather no longer finds my location. I am really hoping Samsung wasn't trying to use Telenav to backbone it's GPS service.
If anyone else is having this problem let me know.

stellarvelocity said:
I used Root Explorer to pull out Telenav and while my Google Maps is still locking my location inside and outside, News and Weather no longer finds my location. I am really hoping Samsung wasn't trying to use Telenav to backbone it's GPS service.
If anyone else is having this problem let me know.
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odd... I didnt remove Telenav so I couldn't tell you.

It took me a while to get a lock straight out of the box, but I assume that it might have just been a fluke since I'm trying it inside. it functioned after I ran telenav x.x
Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk

Gps working fine on most if not all apps.even geotagging, etc
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The GPS does not work on either my Vibrant or my 4G at all. By the way yes, I have used a GPS unit before, I have owned several Garmin Nuvi (350, 1490) and currently have a 3790t.

Works fine on mine...
Sent from my DAMN Galaxy 4G¡!

My GPS is working a lot better than I expected coming from the Vibrant. It hasn't failed me yet.
Sent from my Galaxy S 4G using XDA App

psiah1418 said:
My GPS is working a lot better than I expected coming from the Vibrant. It hasn't failed me yet.
Sent from my Galaxy S 4G using XDA App
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Mine too!!
Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk

For those of you having GPS problems... I just came across this article on Google.
Have you tried this GPS fix? --> blog.photoframd.com/2011/02/09/gps-problems-on-your-samsung-galaxy-s-android-phone-try-this/
Please post your results if you try it.

Guys this is a thread of interest to me as a 3g vibrant owner, who's GPS works but is subpar.
For those reporting results can you confirm:
- you only have GPS on (settings>location&security> use wireless and sensor aiding are both off)
- you are not using maps to test with but an app like GPS test link or accessing the phone's lbsTestMode.

I have both SGS4g and the vibrant-(returning vibrant) side by side when I tested the gps lock. By far the SGS4g is quicker and have yet to experience any issue. Shocking isn't it.

I've been having issues with GPS - hard to get a lock, and low accuracy. But...
Toshinobu said:
For those of you having GPS problems... I just came across this article on Google.
Have you tried this GPS fix? --> blog.photoframd.com/2011/02/09/gps-problems-on-your-samsung-galaxy-s-android-phone-try-this/
Please post your results if you try it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This helped with the accuracy, but it still wasn't up to par with my G1 or iPhone.
SykesAT said:
- you only have GPS on (settings>location&security> use wireless and sensor aiding are both off)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wireless didn't make much of a diff on OR off. But I turned off sensor aiding and the accuracy is now almost perfect.

My two cents on this issue is that on my 2nd SGS4G the GPS works 85-90% of the time and on the 1st one I had at lunch day that one the GPS only worked 70% of the 3 days I had it.

Could one of you sgs4g users try and put your gps into ms assisted mode and tell me what your supl settings are?
The original vibrant would lock up, freeze apps and drain the battery 2% a minute when changing from standalone gps to either ms based or assisted. All this can be changed in the lbstestmode--application settings.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

I have actually ran sgs tools and followed the sticky post in the Captivate forums regarding gps fixes. Default settings were exactly like the vibrant, and I have set them to ms based, google supl no security, accuracy 50. Locked quick outside, ~20 seconds or so vs half way home (3 minutes). I'm going to try accuracy 150 with dynamic accuracy on my 2 hr trip up to north jersey this saturday, so I'll post my findings.
I do not use agps nor the sensor aiding. I can else conclude that even with default settings, once a fix is established and a position is determined on google maps, the gps has no trouble following. The only thing that bothers me is first fix, which I hope my current settings will address.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk

Thanks for your input guys, much appreciated. It seems for most of you GPS is a thumbs up!
Sadly Vibrant owners will never have a 100% working gps. Good luck with Galax S 4G custom ROMs now that you have unofficial clockwork recovery

GPS on Thunderbolt

Hows the GPS on the thunderbolt? I have read all about the battery issues, but haven't seen much on the thunderbolt. I have the option to upgrade right now, because of all the complaining I have done to Verizon about my fascinate, and wonder if I should switch? Any thoughts on GPS vs the fascinates?
thanks for the feedback!

420fan said:
Hows the GPS on the thunderbolt? I have read all about the battery issues, but haven't seen much on the thunderbolt. I have the option to upgrade right now, because of all the complaining I have done to Verizon about my fascinate, and wonder if I should switch? Any thoughts on GPS vs the fascinates?
thanks for the feedback!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS works great on mine. Gets a lock quickly and is as accurate as anything else.

crazed_z06 said:
GPS works great on mine. Gets a lock quickly and is as accurate as anything else.
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Click to collapse
did you have to do anything special, or was it good out of the box?

Good right out of the box. I get a quick lock in Zillow, Waze and Maps.

420fan said:
did you have to do anything special, or was it good out of the box?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good out of the box.

Accurate down to 2m out of the box. Rooted with Das BAMF and still the same.

Perfect out of the box. The first time I used mine it took a minute to search and find a satellite, after that it was super fast and spot on everytime!

Faster than my Droid ever was. Works better indoors too it seems...

The only time I've had a problem is when I'm inside the LSU Rec Center (all metal building). Anywhere else, and almost any other building, I get a fine GPS signal.

looks like I'm trading my Fascinate in for a Thunderbolt then! Tired of waiting on Sammy and Verizon to update the OS.
Thanks for all the replies.

I gotta say the GPS is accurate but it still takes a bit of time for me to get a lock. Not sure why... do you all leave your GPS on? I only turn mine on when needed.

I leave it on. Quick locks.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

I had quick lock out of the box and rooted stock. Once I flashed Das BAMF I had to run the GPS fix.

bmcclure937 said:
I gotta say the GPS is accurate but it still takes a bit of time for me to get a lock. Not sure why... do you all leave your GPS on? I only turn mine on when needed.
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Click to collapse
Mine takes a bit to lock on too. I always leave it off unless I need it. But I leave on Location Services.

bmcclure937 said:
I gotta say the GPS is accurate but it still takes a bit of time for me to get a lock. Not sure why... do you all leave your GPS on? I only turn mine on when needed.
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Click to collapse
I use Locale (the latest one that still has location as a condition)... My GPS locks quickly with an accuracy of 6.6 feet running latest Virus rom with lean normal kernel... stand alone GPS only...
Sent from my Thunderbolt using Tapatalk

LSUstang05 said:
The only time I've had a problem is when I'm inside the LSU Rec Center (all metal building). Anywhere else, and almost any other building, I get a fine GPS signal.
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Click to collapse
Ah hello fellow BR TB user!

GPS stopped when 4G signal dropped. Had to stop and flip on the switched to 3G only then it worked. I was in a 4G area.

coder_t2 said:
Mine takes a bit to lock on too. I always leave it off unless I need it. But I leave on Location Services.
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Click to collapse
Mine takes a second to lock too even after changing the GPS file.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App

My GPS works great, too. The only thing that I seem to be reading is that the TB isn't using the A-GPS data from the towers in order to get a quick lock after not using the GPS for a long time. That means it's using purely the GPS for location, which is fine, but it might take a bit longer the first time you turn on maps or nav. There's an update from HTC coming out (soon?) that addresses this issue and also some battery issues.

I've had issues with Roms built off of the newer version of ruu 605.9.(htc probably didn't release this version for a reason)
I have instantaneously and accurate gps lock with plane Jane v1
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