New firmware unlocks GPS on Verizon-branded Pearls and Curves, carrier's intentions unclear
by Jacob Schulman 
posted Dec 5th 2008 at 12:31AM
If you've been itching to get your GPS on but weren't feelin' the $9.99 monthly charge for VZ Navigator, today is a good day. Verizon 8330 Curve and 8130 Pearl devices have finally been (somewhat) decrippled, as users over at HowardForums are reporting that the GPS in the aforementioned devices started working once they applied the 4.5.0.97 update. As this is an unreleased firmware version, we're unsure if this was an intentional measure, or simply an epic mistake. But one thing we're sure about is that if Verizon does shut this down in the next firmware update, the backlash will surely be enough to whip up one heck of a Storm. Unfortunately at this point, it's only working in BlackBerry Maps, while Google Maps is left out of the party; but hey, we'll take whatever we can get.[Image via Boy Genius Report, thanks Nate]
Filed under: Software, RIM, Verizon Wireless
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Madmax @ Dec 5th 2008 1:54AM
great.
interesting blog post about The Benefits Of Having a GPS Vehicle
Tracking System -
http://www.techreviews4u.com/?p=2321
BillyShears @ Dec 5th 2008 3:11AM
Everytime that little back-alley part of my brain that controls decisions like "cell phone provider" starts to wonder about going back to Verizon, an article like this snaps me back to the simple reality of "I
eazid @ Dec 5th 2008 3:17AM
Note that the unlock also works on the official OS 4.5.0.77 release from Verizon. Confirmed.
Derek @ Dec 5th 2008 8:28AM
I have 4.5.0.77 and BB Maps doesn't work for me. VZNav can't seem to hold a good signal on my Curve compared to my Dare either.
Cliff @ Dec 5th 2008 9:29AM
It's not firmware that unlocked it, it's their network that unlocked it; since they are aGPS chips they depend on the "a", or assist server, to be able to do anything. It even works with the Alltel version 4.5.0.89
tony @ Dec 5th 2008 9:29AM
i didn't have to do an update for mine to work. i didn't the other day and now it does. i'm running 4.5.0.77
SirHambone @ Dec 6th 2008 1:22AM
When I bought my Curve from VZW........ My GPS was working out of the box. Not sure what I am running but I have had my Curve for 2 months now. Never used Navigator never will..... prefer the gps to locate or just get on the web on my blackberry to locate directions
Deb @ Dec 17th 2008 8:33AM
My sister got the pearl over 6 months ago & she was able to download google maps for free.
Avi @ Dec 18th 2008 11:57AM
Argh! I sold my Curve and bought a Storm! Doesn't seem to be unlocked (but my 30 days of free VZNav aren't up...)