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Unofficial ROM unlocks Omnia GPS

Posted on Friday, Apr 10, 2009 by Mike McDaniel
 
Filed Under: News; Tags: verizon, samsung, rom update, omnia, leaks

A new "unofficial" ROM for the Samsung Omnia has made its way into wild at MoDaCo [via BGR], promising to unlock some sought-after features. Currently available in the U.S. from Verizon Wireless, the Omnia's GPS chip has been locked down, much to the chagrin of, well, everyone. Out of the box, you're forced to use VZ Navigator for all of your GPS needs. But using this ROM, update you should be able to use free third-party apps like Google Maps and Live Search.

Other changes in addition to the GPS unlock are:
  •  5 percent battery increments
  • Ability to disable threaded text messaging via system settings
  • Pop-up keyboard keys a la iPhone
  • Auto-lock keypad settings now include Off, 2s and 5s
  • Opera Mobile 9.5 build 15679
  • Weather Bug and Windows Live Widgets
  • Favorite settings, now known as easy settings
  • Windows Live

If you are brave, let us know how it works after the update. But by all means, back up your data first, and read through the thread at MoDaCo. This is unofficial stuff, so be careful.

And while this unofficial fix is nice, we're still waiting for that official, open GPS unlock that Verizon said was coming. How 'bout it, guys? (fwiw: A BGR commenter says official GPS unlocks are coming May 11.)

 
 

Comments

so the gps unlock tutorial and files are at http://www.theidoctor.org/omnia.html

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/13/2009 - 06:53.

Nice.
I'm using an Omnia or a week now and I love it.
It's fast, stable, the screen has good sensitivity, it's good.

I'm not sure if it's better than the Touch HD, but it's definitely one of the best WinMo I've ever used.

You can read my complete review in here.

Submitted by MobileSpoon (not verified) on Mon, 04/13/2009 - 18:03.

Installed the update this evening. My computer did not recognize the device on the first try, but picked it up on the second connect attempt. After that everything proceeded according to instructions in the thread. I immediately downloaded google maps and the program picked up the gps location on the first try. GPS is UNLOCKED>

Submitted by Aviator (not verified) on Tue, 06/09/2009 - 23:01.

Does this unlocked mean that it wont charge you for using like Google Maps and is like a GPS you can buy at a store with no monthly data payment?

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/28/2009 - 20:58.

It means that the GPS will work with Google Maps and Bing. ... Data usage is the same. (ie, ain't nuthin' for free ...)

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Mon, 06/29/2009 - 08:39.

it just means that Verizon unlocked the GPS so you can use Google Maps and Windows Live - that's it- so far that's all they have continued to LOCK it to - the tricky Fs did what they promised - but did not fully release the GPS - spread the word- because I've installed many of good GPS apps and they won't see GPS
iGO8 having been one of the ones that works great aside from no GPS - yet!
Verizon I guess figured people would buy VZnavigator when they saw the lucrative feature of the GPS apps they have allowed- which don't track, no turn by turn, no follow me... why have bothered unlocking the GPS to further limit any expansion- only to find we'd come back to Verizon

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/03/2009 - 15:46.

I'm thinkin about unlocking the gps on my i910, but I need to know if it WORKS. Can any one confirm or deny this. Any tips would also be appreciated.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/12/2009 - 23:03.

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