Database Users

Has anyone ever stopped to think that maybe the third party GPS apps are wrong?

Okay so now that I have my vibrant I tested it out (only a few times) but I did test it in different applications, websites, and maps and navigation. Yes in the gps and compass apps it doesn't pick up at all compared to my slide BUT in every other application, on google where it finds your location, on yelp, movie phone, maps, and navigation it finds my location each and every time. It doesn't get me lost, it doesn't show me going in a different direction, and it doesn't show me somewhere else.
What if the configurations or settings are different with samsung, what if the third party app is not completely accurate? Why else would every other program find my location if the app says I am not found by even 1 satellite? I think the"fix" is just a change of setting that helps the app not the gps or the phone.
Time will tell but for me it us working fine for now.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

Well you can do gps tests within the os that say basically the same thing...

Ive used my gps with google navigate nermous times with no problem. in fact, it guided me on a 160mile trip just fine... What problems are people having with their gps?

Well, I've only had the phone for a day, so I'm still getting used to the quirks coming from a G1. GPS so far is the biggest disappointment. Android has been pushing location based stuff since the beginning, so the lack of a solid GPS is really screwing up some of my favorite apps. Locale for instance, it's worthless. It can't ever find me. The G1 always worked fine with it on Donut, Eclair, and Froyo.
Google Maps is the ONLY app I have that seems to even be able to get a rough idea where I am, and even then its circle is pretty big, about 4 city blocks. That's not GPS, that's network location, and it's fine for what it is, but not good enough when there aren't a lot of cell towers around. At home, it puts me out in the middle of a corn field. All the time I'm in maps, the GPS icon is up there blinking at me, telling me it can't lock. I've seen it work a couple times, for a short while. In GMaps and in GPS Test. But it takes a LONG time. The G1 could get a lock indoors in about 10 seconds. The Vibrant takes minutes, even with the A-GPS turned on in the test menus. That's insane. And it's not any better outside with a clear sky view. That might be acceptable, if it could hold the lock, but it doesn't.
Even stranger, in GPS Test, I get a single colored bar saying it's using that signal. There are 6 more with the same or higher signal strength being ignored. Very odd. Something is wrong with this GPS. It could very well be software, but Samsung needs to get on this and fast. If I can't find a way to get acceptable GPS performance within my 14 day period, I will likely return it. That will really suck, as otherwise I really like the device, but I need a decent GPS.

ttabbal said:
Even stranger, in GPS Test, I get a single colored bar saying it's using that signal. There are 6 more with the same or higher signal strength being ignored. Very odd. Something is wrong with this GPS.
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Click to collapse
This has been my experience as well, and I found the same thing when trying a friend's phone. If only T-Mobile/Samsung would acknowledge that there is a problem and say they are working on it...

No problem here
But as I came from the G1 I use Google Maps exclusively. I haven't had a single problem with it. Inside my house I can get a fix on my location on the map, exactly where it should be. Are you guys using the TeleNav?

ttabbal said:
Even stranger, in GPS Test, I get a single colored bar saying it's using that signal. There are 6 more with the same or higher signal strength being ignored. Very odd. Something is wrong with this GPS. It could very well be software, but Samsung needs to get on this and fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same issue... I can only ever lock on to 1 sat. This is not right. My G1 would lock on to many birds.

zoid_99 said:
I have the same issue... I can only ever lock on to 1 sat. This is not right. My G1 would lock on to many birds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if GPS Test is either wrong about that, or more likely, getting bad data from the OS or GPS driver. IIRC they are just parsing the NMEA data from the GPS driver, so "garbage in, garbage out". You don't get 20ft accuracy with 1 satellite being used.
I fooled with the settings in the "GPS fix 101" thread and got the thing working decently. Took a number of tries, and we'll see if it keeps working over time.
This really is something that TMO and Samsung should acknowledge and at least promise a fix for. Preferably with a close release date. And we shouldn't have to wait for Froyo either, get us a fix for JUST the GPS and a lot of people would be VERY happy. Well, that and the compass, that thing is even more worthless than the GPS before the fixes.
For the poster with Google Maps working, did you try with network locations disabled? Is the GPS icon in the status bar flashing or solid? If it's flashing, you DON'T have a GPS lock. Maps seems to be really good at using the network location stuff. I also enabled Skyhook in the GPS settings screen and Maps really seems to like that. Doesn't help with GPS performance though.

This thread is idiotic.

cashless said:
This thread is idiotic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow.. that statement was idiotic. Maybe you aren't having the GPS issues that others are having but this thread is helping me debug and decide weather or not I'm keeping the Vibrant or returning it.

You guys are not alone. There is obviously something wrong with either the hardware, or the software. Either way, the buyer's remorse period is halfway through, and neither company has said so much as a peep.
I will definitely be returning my device by the time the remorse period expires. What a shame that would be, because I really love this screen. All it would take is for T-Mobile and Samsung to acknowledge the problem, and state that a fix is on the way.
Here's my post, detailing my contact and findings with the two companies.
It's been a few days now, and I've heard nothing back. Never a good sign.

EDIT. Got it working

Care to share?

GPS Problems

I keep reading the problems with the GPS. Not doubting it, but I use the piss out of mine and never have a problem. I just put CM6 on my brothers EVO and we played with his GPS, comparing them. Mine is way faster and smother.
I want to know what to look for to see what the problem is?
Please help me, understand, your pain... ; )

My GPS Just Works™ too. I haven't had a problem with it yet and I hope it stays that way!

Literally sitting here holding mine in the windowsill. Approx 2 minutes and absolutely nothing in Maps. This was without the wireless networks option, which I'm turning on now. With it on I get a quick fix but it is inaccurate to the point of being unusable. My location which it claims is accurate to 70 meters is a solid 5 blocks to the southeast.
All this done with the brand new froyo leak. Doesn't bode well.
EDIT: I kinda wonder if my GPS settings are messed up from all the screwing around. Could one of you punch *#1472365# into your dialer and tell me what your settings are?

Set wi-fi to never turn off and use it frequently for a couple days, then try your GPS.......Samsung has totally messed up the GPS on this phone.

viperacr99 said:
Set wi-fi to never turn off and use it frequently for a couple days, then try your GPS.......Samsung has totally messed up the GPS on this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I had a nickel for every "fix" people have posted on these boards... Frankly I am just giving up on anything non-official until someone can put up some hard evidence of what they did and why it worked.

Can't say that I ever did anything to fix it. I just wanted to know if there was a test. No fix. I wish I could share what it is.
I sit here right now in my living room. I found an app that tells me the number I see and use. Right now. 9 to 10. 6 used. I'm in a one story house. I start Nav and click Map and within 5 to 10 sec... the arrow is on the street in front of my house. I never turn off the GPS icon. Why turn it off at all?
I feel like I need to share something to help, I just don't know what.
Sent using the Epic 4G

a454nova said:
Can't say that I ever did anything to fix it. I just wanted to know if there was a test. No fix. I wish I could share what it is.
I sit here right now in my living room. I found an app that tells me the number I see and use. Right now. 9 to 10. 6 used. I'm in a one story house. I start Nav and click Map and within 5 to 10 sec... the arrow is on the street in front of my house. I never turn off the GPS icon. Why turn it off at all?
I feel like I need to share something to help, I just don't know what.
Sent using the Epic 4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not your responsibility, it's Samsung's. You don't need to do anything.

Poryhack said:
If I had a nickel for every "fix" people have posted on these boards... Frankly I am just giving up on anything non-official until someone can put up some hard evidence of what they did and why it worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use nothing but wifi when at my house, and wifi has not been disabled by me since I bought the phone, and I get locks near instantly. They are ridiculously inaccurate, but I get locks fast. I get probably 70ft accuracy, which is a pain when driving as the GPS has to figure out what the wildly crazy inaccurate data means, but it works for the most part. Gotta make it more accurate samsung.

muyoso said:
I use nothing but wifi when at my house, and wifi has not been disabled by me since I bought the phone, and I get locks near instantly. They are ridiculously inaccurate, but I get locks fast. I get probably 70ft accuracy, which is a pain when driving as the GPS has to figure out what the wildly crazy inaccurate data means, but it works for the most part. Gotta make it more accurate samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean you get "locks" fast? Do you mean you have some indication that it is receiving a signal from satellites? Is the GPS icon still flashing?

No, it locks in on GPS within a few seconds. It is still only accurate to 98ft, which is the best I can ever achieve, but it is definitely a GPS lock.

muyoso said:
No, it locks in on GPS within a few seconds. It is still only accurate to 98ft, which is the best I can ever achieve, but it is definitely a GPS lock.
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Click to collapse
It's not locked on a gps satellite..... you're having a false positive.

J3ff said:
It's not locked on a gps satellite..... you're having a false positive.
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Click to collapse
A false positive that follows my exact location within 98 ft across 4 states? Im gonna go out on a limb and say that its not a false positive.

muyoso said:
A false positive that follows my exact location within 98 ft across 4 states? Im gonna go out on a limb and say that its not a false positive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even though it is following you, I think you are basically having the same problem as a lot of other people. It shouldn't have that much error, especially all the way across 4 states.

+ or - 98 feet across 4 states = NO GPS LOCK.
98 FEET IS A HELL OF A LOT!
lol.
A real gps lock has the arrow + or - ONE or so feet for me on ALL my other phones. Hell My touch Diamond knew which room of the house I was in!
A real gps lock also is not bouncing all around. It smoothly follows every road you're on.
It's ok that you just don't realize it, but don't sit there and say that your GPS WORKS PERFECTLY when it can't even get a real lock on where you are.
Again, 98 feet + or - is not a real lock.

If the user is showing the estimated accuracy of 98 ft, there is a satellite lock. One of the GPS bugs on the Epic is that all units always report an estimated accuracy of 30.0 meters (98.4 feet) when a lock is achieved, instead of dynamically calculating the estimate as a variable. This is not the same as the actual accuracy, which is typically pretty good.
The bogus estimate shows up in GPS Test, for example. But without a lock, the estimated accuracy is reported as 0 meters (or 0 feet).
This is not the most serious GPS bug. That bug has different symptoms -- no lock on multiple satellites because the phone fails to refresh the time-sensitive GPS cache data over time. A variety of user behavior, including very frequent use of the GPS, or frequent reboots, will prevent the onset of this bug by causing the cache to be refreshed or cleared.
The Cold Start workaround works by forcing the cache to be refreshed each time when the GPS starts. A complication is that the workaround seems not to work when WiFi or 4G is enabled.

gps fixed without hardware changing. located in 10s

make sure your wifi/apn work well.
it works great on NERO V3 and V4.1
method:
dial *#3214789650# into lbs
first choose:app setting
1:Sessing Type
(Tracking)
2:test mode
(H/W Test)
3p mode
(H/W Sensitivity Test)
4:start mode
(Cold start)
5:GPS Plus
(ON)
6:
(ON)
7:
(50)
8:
(OFF)
second choose supl/cp setting
1: FQDN type
(Custom Config)
2:
supl.nokia.com
3ort
7275
4:SUPL security
ON
5:AGPS mode
(SUPL)
then back to home and reboot your device.
after it, get into lbs again
1.choose delete gps data
2.get position test
3.after located, change 1st "cold start" into "hot start".
completed.
get more detail from
bbs.gfan.com/android-503202-1-1.html

I had 3 and now running 4.1. GPS picked up within 3 - 4 seconds with v3. With 4.1 my GPS picked up in 2 seconds. I did not have to modify any files.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

Here's the best fix:
1.) Install Nero 4.1
2.) Leave it alone.
The end.
If that doesnt work:
1.) Install Nero 4.1
2.) Do the hardware fix
3.) Leave it alone.
The end.

my solution: get a new phone once a suitable 4" replacement comes out on t-mobile.

it works!
this by far is the best solution!
I get 10m accuracy now whereas i used to get 1200m before...

Let me try it a bit more, but it seems it works!
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

HOLY ****?
i got 10 satellites in 5 seconds, then they all started connecting and now my accuracy is 12 meters???

I think your all connected to wifi, maybe thats why your getting good locks. Disable it and try again.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk

I was out walking my dog this morning (no wifi) and while yes I was in a clearing, I turned on GPS Status for the first time since installing the new rom so it came up with the default html page explaining GPS Status, but I read it before so I closed it immediately and was already locked onto 8/11 birds. 2 seconds maybe. 7m accuracy.
On the flip side when I first got my phone I tried to use it as a GPS to navigate and drove around for 30 minutes without ever locking onto a single bird.
I understand and do believe there is a hardware problem with many Vibrants however I also believe that there has been a HUGE software problem as well.

iwillkillyou said:
I think your all connected to wifi, maybe thats why your getting good locks. Disable it and try again.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using OP's "fix" for 3 days and so far it's working very well. I typically get locks in 10s or less, and accuracy 15-30 ft, inside. I nearly always disable wi-fi when I test GPS, but I've tried it both ways with this setup and it's working virtually the same either way.
At this point my only reservation is I've seen so many similar suggestions to tweak some setting that don't really pan out over time. This one may do the same, but so far so good.

I have done nothing but installed axura rom.ine locks in couple of seconds and works flawllesly. Even the accuracy is fantastic.

My gps went from bad to worst, 600 metter accuracy, maybe its the rom, ill try teamwhiskey. i been crying for a working gps lately.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk

I do see a improvement will check it out for a few days to see if it holds

Not perfect but now I actually can get a GPS signal, which is a plus

adiprince1 said:
I have done nothing but installed axura rom.ine locks in couple of seconds and works flawllesly. Even the accuracy is fantastic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had applied both the hardware and software fixes while using many versions of Nero and my GPS would never get quick locks, usually it wouldn't lock at all.
Flashing Axura fixed my GPS too. Locks within seconds and has 7-9 meter accuracy.
Axura also fixed my fiance's GPS (with no hardware fix). She had the same issues with every other rom, slow/no locks. So I know it wasn't only my device.
I don't know what method Devs4Android used to fix the GPS, but it works perfectly. They need to sell the fix to Samsung so customers can get functioning GPS out of the box.

never had a problem with the gps locking on to sats and getting 20-40 foot accuracy. the problem is the drifting and staying locked once you start moving or just standing there. that is the problem i have. driving down the highway and bam your on the other side going the wrong way, or in the middle of the field a mile away. that is problem i have

fioricet said:
never had a problem with the gps locking on to sats and getting 20-40 foot accuracy. the problem is the drifting and staying locked once you start moving or just standing there. that is the problem i have. driving down the highway and bam your on the other side going the wrong way, or in the middle of the field a mile away. that is problem i have
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thankfully, Axura fixed that for me as well. Not only does it lock fast, but its accurate too.

After 2 days.
Last 2 days, I've tested my GPS in some different scenarios. In every one it has been quick and accurate enough.
I got 8 satellites in average, and the accuracy was of around 7-8 meters, something that has never happened before. I did the hardware fix, and it helped with the SNR values, but this is the definite best solution yet!
I'm still testing, but I've got a very good feeling about this method.

The only difference I see between this "fix" and other "fixes" is changing the SUPL server to supl.nokia.com. Since the original thread came from a Chinese forum, I'm guessing the SUPL server might work well in China. Not sure how effective this would be in the US or other countries.
That said, this isn't really a fix. All it does is change the SUPL server, which for most of us (using supl.google.com) works just fine. The Cold Start -> Delete GPS Data -> Lock -> Hot Start method will work just once because it clears bad cached GPS data if you've moved, but it's old news (dozens of other threads on this one) and it's not really a "fix."
The hardware fix is still one of the few real fixes out there.

jamesyl said:
The only difference I see between this "fix" and other "fixes" is changing the SUPL server to supl.nokia.com. Since the original thread came from a Chinese forum, I'm guessing the SUPL server might work well in China. Not sure how effective this would be in the US or other countries.
That said, this isn't really a fix. All it does is change the SUPL server, which for most of us (using supl.google.com) works just fine. The Cold Start -> Delete GPS Data -> Lock -> Hot Start method will work just once because it clears bad cached GPS data if you've moved, but it's old news (dozens of other threads on this one) and it's not really a "fix."
The hardware fix is still one of the few real fixes out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I take it you haven't tried this. I agree with what you say, however, I've been using OP's suggested settings for 4 days and see a significant improvement in lock times (only exception is I leave it set to Coldstart). I've been turning my phone off at night and after booting yesterday morning it locked in 14s first time, this morning in 7s. I know lock times can vary depending on where the sats happen to be at that moment, but this performance is much better than I was getting previously, which was in the 1-4 min range on first lock of the day. It's so simple to try there's no real reason not to see if it helps, unless you're already getting lock times like this. Only time will tell if it lasts, but so far so good.
(Running pure stock JI6, and I've also done the HW fix posted in the sticky, which definitely improved my SNRs.)

[Q] My Nexus 7 can't get a GPS fix at all

Hi,
I've recently aquired a Google Nexus 7. One of its great uses, I believed, would be as a driving aid, w/ cached Google Maps or with an alternative driving/location app, such as CoPilot. But, after testing it for two days I see that the device can't get hold of a GPS signal at all.
What the problem seems to be:
- The device is stuck at "searching for GPS". It never actually gets a response; no GPS at all.
What I've tried so far:
- Resetting the device to factory settings -- since it's brand new and I only had a couple of apps installed, I thought that a fresh start would be a good idea just in case.
- Moving to various locations and checking whether it was a location problem. I've tried both "on the go" -i.e. in a car- and static. No GPS at all cases.
- Downloaded GPS Status. It's always at "Looking for GPS location". My longest record so far is 10 minutes of it -- still, no GPS.
- Checked with a couple of other apps just to see if I'd find more information related to the problem, none helped. It seems that if a GPS fix isn't found, they can't offer much help.
- Disabling Google's Location Services and disabling Wi-Fi access, in case it messes up with the GPS receiver. No luck.
- Rebooting the device. Nope, doesn't do anything.
- Using GPS Doctor's -a paid-for app- auto-fix and manual fix features. Tried aquiring a GPS signal for 10+ minutes, nothing happens.
- Leaving the device for more than 30 minutes under clear sky and more than an hour next to the window, trying to find a signal. Nada. No workie.
- Dancing naked under the stars next to twelve lit black candles. No luck, but it felt great.
Things to note:
- It's running Android 4.2.1
- I'm in Greece ATM, maybe this is a country thing? I'd bet against this, just pointing it out.
- AFAIK, the device hasn't aquired a GPS signal at all so far.
- The device is brand new, never operated before I opened the box.
- It has not been rooted, messed with etc. etc. at all.
Any ideas welcome. Thanks in advance for your help!

The reviews of GPS Doctor indicate that it MIGHT solve your problem. It's a paid for app at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.epekware.gpsdoctor&hl=en

peterk-1 said:
The reviews of GPS Doctor indicate that it MIGHT solve your problem. It's a paid for app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Since it was only 1,5 euros I gave it a try -- no luck. After using both auto-fix and the manual fixes and searching for a GPS fix for 10+ minutes, it doesn't seem to work.

Sorry I've just re-read your initial post and saw you had tried GPS Doctor.
You've tried it outside. Is there any indication that signals are being received - satellite number and a bar graph that changes colour when a satellite has been "resolved". Is this a Greek model? - If it was for a different market then it may be that it is trying to resolve the satellites to give a location in the intended market (once a location has been fixed the GPS will quickly get a fix when powered up again within say 100km using the data it stores, the almanac etc you can clear in GPS Doctor). Before returning the unit I'd give it a try by leaving it with a view of the sky for at least 30mins

peterk-1 said:
Sorry I've just re-read your initial post and saw you had tried GPS Doctor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's actually not your fault -- I've added GPS Doctor to my initial post *after* you've suggested it & I've tried it, for bookkeeping and so that other who try to help see at one place what I've tried doing so far.
peterk-1 said:
You've tried it outside. Is there any indication that signals are being received - satellite number and a bar graph that changes colour when a satellite has been "resolved". Is this a Greek model? - If it was for a different market then it may be that it is trying to resolve the satellites to give a location in the intended market (once a location has been fixed the GPS will quickly get a fix when powered up again within say 100km using the data it stores, the almanac etc you can clear in GPS Doctor). Before returning the unit I'd give it a try by leaving it with a view of the sky for at least 30mins
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I've tried it outside. It's a Brittish model, not a Greek one, but I'm trying to use it in Greece ATM. There's no indication whatsoever that it has resolved a connection to a satellite when I'm trying, so I guess it'd be reasonable to say that it hasn't reached one so far.
I'll try your suggestion. 30 minutes of straight satellite-searching it is -- thanks again!
*Update*: 30 mins doesn't seem to do the trick. I'll keep trying, then, until a better suggestion comes up.

There is an app called GPS Test or GPS Test Plus which will show the strength of each satellite signal received. My Nexus 7 often gets a lock inside a wood frame house but going outside with a clear view of the full sky works fastest. Hope you are not using a conductive case as the antennas are on the rear of the tablet.

jinx100 said:
There is an app called GPS Test or GPS Test Plus which will show the strength of each satellite signal received. My Nexus 7 often gets a lock inside a wood frame house but going outside with a clear view of the full sky works fastest. Hope you are not using a conductive case as the antennas are on the rear of the tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, thanks for the suggestion. I've tried GPS Test -it's under the "couple of other apps" that I've mentioned trying in my OP- but it seems that my Nexus 7 doesn't even get a satellite signal to begin with -- thus GPS Test displays no information.
I'm not using a case and I've tried leaving it for about 30 minutes under the clear sky. No signal at all. I have it by the window, ATM, just searching & on charge.

Okay, after quite some time out in the open sky and next to the window, I'm quite sure it's not about finding the time to contact satellites or anything of the such. The device simply cannot find my location.
Any new ideas?

Send it back if possible,sounds like a faulty GPS.
There are location setting hidden in accounts,see if they are on.
Sent from my A100 using xda app-developers app

My problem with the GPS is that it will SEE the satellites (according to several GPS test apps), it just won't lock on to any - no matter how strong the signal or whether or not I'm indoors or out.

Kodiack99 said:
There are location setting hidden in accounts,see if they are on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, thanks for the reply -- do you mind sharing more info on this one?

Try faster fix, its free but requires root.
Sent from my GT-I9100

alferret said:
Try faster fix, its free but requires root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure of what you mean by that, could you please elaborate? Thanks!

Sino316 said:
Hi, thanks for the suggestion. I've tried GPS Test -it's under the "couple of other apps" that I've mentioned trying in my OP- but it seems that my Nexus 7 doesn't even get a satellite signal to begin with -- thus GPS Test displays no information.
I'm not using a case and I've tried leaving it for about 30 minutes under the clear sky. No signal at all. I have it by the window, ATM, just searching & on charge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If Settings - Location access - location access ON and GPS checked yet you still receive no satellites then your GPS function is defective. Return it to the seller.

Same GPS issue with N7
Hi OP, did you get any solution for your problem?
I am facing a similar issue, I am trying to use GPS on a US bought N7 in India.
Is this a common problem, i have tried many gps apps, but none shows my location.

If your N7 is new and GPS never worked properly and your various location settings are correct, you might want to return & exchange it for a different unit as it could be a hardware problem, beyond any software or Apps-based solutions here. If you are using a weather app, does it find & use your location info?
I had a similar issues with GPS and eventually returned that malfunctioned unit locally to exchange it, upgraded from 16GB to 32GB unit as it was also having the random touch-screen key-pressed issues, etc. It either won't find the location and/or is off by a few miles to as much as a thousand plus miles, sometimes putting the N7 in the middle of the ocean, LOL. The new 32GB unit is flawless.
What I recommend is to try to download from Google "Play Store" - GPS Status by MobiWIA (v 4.0.1 is what I'm running on mine - has been using this for 2 years on multiple devices and it worked for us here - USA) Basically, it download & update, refresh and give assisted hand to the built-in GPS receiver - it run in the background and will turn on to track/lock on to various GPS satellites, inititially showing 5 to 7 sources indoor and at many as 8 to 12 sources within 60 seconds. Outdoor and clear view of open sky, it will lock faser & find more satellites. It is ad-supported and free, not a metered trial-ware
With a WiFi signal, Google Maps open quickly and zoomed it quickly to my locations in 15 seconds - very accurate and as good as when I'm using it on our HTC devices - same is true when I use Nav(free) USA - free off-line GPS software with preloaded maps as it does not drain the battery quickly.
I like the giant 7" screen for "cool" naviagation but until I'm comfortable with a solid & secure mount inside our Honda CRV, I'll stick with the smaller 4" screen of our HTC smartphone with unlimited 3G data access, as a drop will risk breaking the fragile glass lens that's prone to cracking.

similar issue but...
Had already tried Faster Fix (which gave error) and Faster GPS (which managed to reset GPS.conf) but still couldn't get Google Maps to lock in GPS. Was wondering if problem was GMaps or N7.
I googled 'nexus 7 can't get GPS lock' and ended up here. Decided to try GPS Status which showed everything working as it should ('copy location to clipboard' option lets you verify the location via browser). Went back to GMaps hoping GPS Status might help it along, but still got the same 'your location is temporarily unavailable.'
So not hardware must be software. Didn't have to look far checked 'other apps' in the GPS Status program and discovered Orux Maps, free. Upon starting and clicking GPS button didn't take it more than a few seconds to get the lock.
OP issue might still be hardware but thought I'd post here in case someone else ends up here.

i know its an old post but i am facing the same issues here! at the beggining i thought i have got a faulty device. Thats why i bought a used one and tested it before purchase live. The GPS was working just fine. I installed Cyanogen 13 opened GPS Status again and found Satelite. I thought everything was working like it should be. After 10 Min. i went to the car and drove to a friend without any issues. After 3 hours i went home again without any problems. But as the tablet restarted i never got a satelite signal again... always looking for my position.
I am pretty sure thats a software issue. Went back to stock firmware. Problem remains.

gps not good at all

I hate to start a new thread, but this problem is driving mad. I have spent 2 days researching and I can't seem to find a fix for my problem.
This is it. When I open maps GPS takes about 15 to 20 seconds to fix... Not to big of a deal but what kills me is the GPS will just lose its signal for no reason and then just hang.... Or if I am sitting at a red light the position keeps moving. So one second I am here, and the next second I am there... And it keeps moving about 3 meters.
I find if I reboot then it is good for about 10 to 15 minutes and then it starts all over again.
I am running rooted 4.2 slimbean. 33 radio. But the problem persists no mater which ROM I install. It was also happening on stock before I rooted.
One more thing. I have tried all of the market apps like faster fix and so on. Nothing helps.
Anyone have the same problem or a solution.
I am going to have to sell then phone if I can't get GPS to start working properly.
Thanks to anyone who can help.

kevjef420 said:
When I open maps GPS takes about 15 to 20 seconds to fix... Not to big of a deal but what kills me is the GPS will just lose its signal for no reason and then just hang.... Or if I am sitting at a red light the position keeps moving. So one second I am here, and the next second I am there... And it keeps moving about 3 meters.
I find if I reboot then it is good for about 10 to 15 minutes and then it starts all over again.
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Click to collapse
Hi,
I'm not sure how you are determining when you have a fix but in any case don't use maps to try and diagnose, use "GPS Status" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2) or a similar tool so you can see exactly what is happening.
If you have many tall trees or buildings then any GPS will lose its position and may need to start using network/wifi information.
Hope that helps,
Dennis

dbareis said:
Hi,
I'm not sure how you are determining when you have a fix but in any case don't use maps to try and diagnose, use "GPS Status" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2) or a similar tool so you can see exactly what is happening.
If you have many tall trees or buildings then any GPS will lose its position and may need to start using network/wifi information.
Hope that helps,
Dennis
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I consider a GPS fix when the symbol stops flashing and my location is shown on maps. that takes about 10 to15 seconds normally. i am trying to use GPS in the open no tress no buildings, also my previous phone SGS2 never had these issues so I know it is either hardware or software related but as I stated, I have tried different ROMs and different modems including stock before I rooted and I have the exact same issue.
This is unacceptable cause I travel a lot and I need a working GPS. I even use a T-Mobile sim when I travel to the states

kevjef420 said:
Well I consider a GPS fix when the symbol stops flashing and my location is shown on maps. that takes about 10 to15 seconds normally
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Click to collapse
I have a Nexus 4 on stock 4.2.2, I normally get a fix within a few seconds when out in the open. I have had no issues with the GPS and in fact its better than any previous Android phone I've had previously (Samsung, HTC, Motorola, I suspect the CPU speed helps here a lot).
I mentioned buildings because traffic lights are generally not in the open country.

dbareis said:
I have a Nexus 4 on stock 4.2. Normally get a fix within a few seconds when out in the open. I have had no issues with the GPS and in fact its better than any previous Android phone I've had previously (Samsung, HTC, Motarola I suspect the CPU speed helps here a lot).
I mentioned buildings because traffic lights are generally not in the open country.
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Well I drive in city and outside of city. The problem presists either way. I never had these problems with my s2.
If i reboot it could be great for 10 or 15 minutes. Then it starts acting up. I know i have a problem when i see the halo circle around the arrowhead that represents my position. This is indicating that the gps fix is not great and there is uncertinty as to the exact location. Then it starts jumping around.
I installed the gps status app as you suggested and i can see the location jumping around in that app when i am at a stand still. Also it will show that i am travelling 10 km/h as it sees my position is constantly moving even though i not.
Again if i reboot everything will be fine for a while then this all starts to happen. After a bit it will loose my position completly and say searching for gps... Then it will never finf position unless i reboot.

It sounds like a hardware problem with your device.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

korockinout13 said:
It sounds like a hardware problem with your device.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
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Click to collapse
That is my biggest worry is that it is a hardware problem.
I bought the phone off of kijiji and I don't have original receipt. Don't think I could get warranty claim.