[coreyoli]

Okay, so I subscribe to VZNav, it's a great deal, never have to pay for map updates, etc... However, it does not support finding a location based on coords, which means it won't work for geocaching...

So.. My question...

I hear there is a way to launch VZNav, set it to follow me, and then minimize it and use other apps...

Is this true??

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks,

-Corey

[JSanders]

Yes, that does work for some, not all.

It costs about $10/month.

[coreyoli]

Okay, another stupid question...

How do I minimize the app? When I hit End it closes...?

Thanks,

-Corey

[John Clark]

If you hit the red phone key, it should continue to run in the background.

[coreyoli]

I think I found the method, but not working.. Here's what I'm doing...

I have VZNaz on follow me...
I hit a side button to launch an app
Hit End
I'm back to my home screen now
Open Google Maps

However, it says GPS Temporarily Unavailable... So I'm afraid it's not working for me...

This sucks, lol...

-Corey

[coreyoli]

Originally Posted by John Clark

If you hit the red phone key, it should continue to run in the background.

Nope... When I hit the red phone key (End) it closes the app...

[John Clark]

Well, I've never used it so I can't help much more than that. If the red phone button ends it then there may not be anything else you can do. I'd go through the settings of VZNav and see if there is a setting for that.

[coreyoli]

Originally Posted by John Clark

Well, I've never used it so I can't help much more than that. If the red phone button ends it then there may not be anything else you can do. I'd go through the settings of VZNav and see if there is a setting for that.

Yeah, looked for one already.. Ugh... Why must Verizon make it so difficult!!

Lol.. Ohh well.. Guess I'll use the puck for Geocaching...

Thanks anyway J...

-Corey

[John Clark]

I'm sure someone who uses VZNav will be along and can shed more light.

[Demon]

You probably still have version 2.9. Download version 4.1 to replace it and you can leave it running in the background without having to use the application switcher.

[John Clark]

Wirelessly posted (BB 11020)

Thanks!!

[coreyoli]

Originally Posted by Demon

You probably still have version 2.9. Download version 4.1 to replace it and you can leave it running in the background without having to use the application switcher.

I'm using 4.1.0 just updated it some point last week... Just doesn't want to work for me.. VZNav works fine, but nothing else does...

I guess I'll just keep my puck around for geocaching.. Kind of sucks that I have a GPS enabled phone and I pay VZW $10/month and I still can't use the damn GPS the way it was designed!

[Redflea]

I know this sounds crazy...but have you considered calling Verizon to find out if they meant for it to not allow you to use other GPS SW?

[takeshi]

I think we know the answer to that ($$)...

[Redflea]

There really isn't any reason for VZW to care what GPS software he's using, once he is paying the $10 a month...they have his money, what could they care whether he uses VZNav or Google Maps, or WLS, etc.?

That doesn't make sense...it's like renting someone a house, and then telling them they can only use dishes and flatware that you supply them. Who cares?!

[CO_BBTechie]

Call it what you want, but it's what they do. So it doesn't make sense to you... perhaps you don't know why the policy is in place. Why didn't Apple want anyone making apps for the iPhone? Because they didn't want "other people's stuff" running on their device (IMO.) They have to approve each and every app that is added to the app store before making it available to their masses.

[Migizi]

Originally Posted by CO_BBTechie

Call it what you want, but it's what they do. So it doesn't make sense to you... perhaps you don't know why the policy is in place. Why didn't Apple want anyone making apps for the iPhone? Because they didn't want "other people's stuff" running on their device (IMO.) They have to approve each and every app that is added to the app store before making it available to their masses.

OK, so reading this thread, I think I understand now the issue I was having.

I have an 8330 with GPS. I downloaded Google Maps, works fine, I set all permissions to Allow, and it still can't see the GPS. Changed all the various advanced options to have Locate On, still no luck. Tried the built-in Blackberry Maps, same deal - works, except for GPS, despite full permissions. I downloaded VZNav, works great, WITH THE GPS. Tried the other Apps, still no GPS access.

Am I understanding this correctly, that Verizon is somehow preventing me from using the GPS with anything other than VZNav? Because that is just incredibly frustrating. Like, early AOL frustrating. So ridiculous.

[Redflea]

Originally Posted by CO_BBTechie

Call it what you want, but it's what they do. So it doesn't make sense to you... perhaps you don't know why the policy is in place. Why didn't Apple want anyone making apps for the iPhone? Because they didn't want "other people's stuff" running on their device (IMO.) They have to approve each and every app that is added to the app store before making it available to their masses.

I was responding primarily to Takeshi's post that $ was involved:

Originally Posted by takeshi

I think we know the answer to that ($$)...

There is no additional $$ gain to Verizon in blocking use of other GPS apps after they already have someone's VZNav subscription $$.

Apple's approach to 3rd part app developers on the iPhone is completely understandable from their corp history and approach to managing the software side of their HW platforms...I get that in their context, didn't surprise me at all, made fun of my iPhone owning friends about having to get their apps from their "Apple-mommy." ;)

I still don't see any $ reason for Verizon to intentionally lock out using other GPS apps once they have someone's $10 a month. I wouldn't even be surprised if it was unintentional...could as likely be that their vendor just coded the app that way. That's why I suggested calling Verizon to ask (not that it's terribly likely a CSR would actually know, but that's another issue...)

If anyone has an idea on why Verizon would do this intentionally, it would be interesting to hear it. I'm genuinely curious what they would have to gain...the only potential I see is if they were going to try to get some ad or partner revenue out of VZNav - I haven't seen anything like that (yet!) when I've used VZNav.

[alb123]

What would be the benefit of runniing VZNavigator over an application like Beyond411 which will pull up directions from a search result using Google Maps, I think. Its worked perfectly for finding locations for me. Does VZNavigator have voice directions or something?

Chris

[arieltf]

Yes, VZNav has voice directions. Version 4.1 also has traffic info and alternate routes (to bypass the traffic).

--Ariel