[oturn]

Unfortunately, this method still requires a subscription to VZ Navigator...

It's common knowledge that Verizon locks the Pearl's GPS for use with only VZ Navigator. However, I recently discovered that it's possible to use a few other GPS enabled applications on the Pearl!

After a couple of months reading various forums, I only recently saw this mentioned, so I thought I'd share the love...in case there are others that don't know.

Simply start VZ Navigator, choose "Maps", then choose the "Follow Me Map". Next, leave VZ Navigator running and switch back to the Pearl's home screen by using Alt Escape on the keypad. At this point you can run other GPS enabled applications, and they will (might) see and use the GPS!

I've only tried this with a few applications. It doesn't seem to work with BlackBerry Maps, but it definitely works with Microsoft Live Search, and Nav4All. I'll be trying a few others as time permits.

Interesting that VZ Navigator is truly the "key" that unlocks the GPS. Maybe this will bring someone a step closer to coding a permanent GPS unlock for the Pearl...

[JSanders]

oturn, that is truly the key. Most all other GPS applications will work once VZ Navigator is subscribed, as has been documented here on the site.

[TinCanFury]

VZ Navigator?

[JSanders]

Originally Posted by TinCanFury

VZ Navigator?

Yes, if that was a question.

[TinCanFury]

I don't seem to have VZ Navigator on my Verizon 8130 Pearl

[Demon]

Originally Posted by TinCanFury

I don't seem to have VZ Navigator on my Verizon 8130 Pearl

There is a link to download it on your Pearls browser home page. You will also need to contact VZW to provision the account for it, I can do this for you if you like.

[TinCanFury]

ah, ok. what does provisioning the account for it do?

[Demon]

Originally Posted by TinCanFury

ah, ok. what does provisioning the account for it do?

Allows you to use the program.

[TinCanFury]

ah, at $9.99 a month.... don't think thats worth it just for GPS

[mizditz101]

Is there still that single use option type deal? Where its 24hrs for 2.99 or 3.99? I can't remember the price anymore, it's been so long lol
That always seemed like a better option for me, because I'd use it 2x one month, and never another one haha

[John Clark]

Originally Posted by TinCanFury

ah, at $9.99 a month.... don't think thats worth it just for GPS

TeleNav is also $9.99 and I think it's very worth it. I've not used VZ Navigator, though.

[StuartV]

JC, to use TeleNav (on a VZW Pearl), wouldn't you still have to pay for VZNav also, or use a BT puck?

[John Clark]

You can't use your built in GPS with TeleNav on Verizon. You'd have to have a BT puck. My point was that $10/month doesn't seem like too much to me. You get the latest map data all the time and the application works very well. But as I said, I've not used VZ Nav to know whether it's worth the $10.

[bullonwall]

Originally Posted by John Clark

You can't use your built in GPS with TeleNav on Verizon. You'd have to have a BT puck. My point was that $10/month doesn't seem like too much to me. You get the latest map data all the time and the application works very well. But as I said, I've not used VZ Nav to know whether it's worth the $10.

I have used the VZ NAV feature and I am absolutely impressed. Verizon has new premium plan that has VZNAV and unlimited txting in it, but unfortunately I have found out that they cannot apply this plan to the Blackberry. Not sure why, but I dont think they (VZW) classify the BB as a phone; I think they classify as handheld device. In any event, they cannot apply the plan, but I was able to configure the voice plan and data plan, and include the VZNAV and the txt package for the same price I was paying before. The math is crazy but it worked out. I work for a company that gets pretty good discounts on VZW service so I really lucked out. But, anyway, the VZNAV worked awesome. I think it gives turn by turn directions just as good as a Garmin, which my bother has.