I've just gone out and done my first GPS test. Uh oh
When the GPS shows it has an error margin of 5-10m (I used to see 1-2m on the Desire, but the best I've seen with this is 5m) when locked on to 10 - 11 satellites, it is wildly off. My actual position is not even inside the actual blue circle area shown on google earth. Instead, it's out by about 35m. Totally useless for navigation. So, what was the point of including GPS on this thing if it's *that* useless?
Or, is it my device?
Mine is dead accurate down to 5m. In regards to accuracy, out blows out of the water the galaxy S it replaced
Sent from my Nexus S
MarkusPO said:
I've just gone out and done my first GPS test. Uh oh
When the GPS shows it has an error margin of 5-10m (I used to see 1-2m on the Desire, but the best I've seen with this is 5m) when locked on to 10 - 11 satellites, it is wildly off. My actual position is not even inside the actual blue circle area shown on google earth. Instead, it's out by about 35m. Totally useless for navigation. So, what was the point of including GPS on this thing if it's *that* useless?
Or, is it my device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done some non-scientific tests with my Nexus S along with my wife's Desire and my Garmin GPSMAP 62s handheld GPS unit. Obviously the Garmin is the best, but the Nexus S was about as accurate as the Desire, but not quite as sensitive. I found the Nexus S tends to raise/lower accuracy somewhat indoors or under any canopy/foliage whereas the Desire would remain mostly fixed. Under a heavy canopy both the Desire and Nexus S had issues with accuracy although the Desire could hang on a little longer.
As for actual GPS location accuracy, I found it was within several meters like the Desire, more than accurate enough for navigation or other GPS tasks.
I just re-read your post and noticed you're using Google Earth? Maybe that's the problem. I used Maps and C:Geo to located my position. C:Geo shows actual Lat/Lon position data that I can compare directly with the Garmin. Perhaps Google Earth doesn't display as well...I don't know as I don't really use it. But it's a thought.
Grr Maybe I should mention 2.3.2 manual update from 2.3.1. Too scared to update to 2.3.3!
And I found while walking, sometimes the GPS wouldn't update, instead I would 'teleport' backwards about 30m and then appear to move forwards towards my current location. This would repeat a few times. I had GPS status running the whole time too.
MarkusPO said:
Grr Maybe I should mention 2.3.2 manual update from 2.3.1. Too scared to update to 2.3.3!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I'm on v2.3.3 out of the box...don't know if that makes a difference either.
what's your model number? i9020 here
MarkusPO said:
what's your model number? i9020 here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the i9020a was released in Canada a week or so ago, they are 2.3.3 out of box.
Out of curiosity, why are you afraid to update to 2.3.3?
Matridom said:
the i9020a was released in Canada a week or so ago, they are 2.3.3 out of box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Confirmed, I9020a here too.
Matridom said:
the i9020a was released in Canada a week or so ago, they are 2.3.3 out of box.
Out of curiosity, why are you afraid to update to 2.3.3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i've heard of more gps problems, and loss of screen quality on the phone.
also, back to gps, the device can't settle. gps status shows that the mag.field that is 3 numbers, the first number of which changes when it's resting on a table - this alters the gps reading, and the compass on gps status rotates on its own - again wildly rotating 180+deg in some instances.
this really is bad.
i've also done some research, and it seems that there's an error reported to google showing that the ns has an error connecting to 'something'. the sgs had the issue that it couldn't connect to the site to update the agps database, and this totally screwed up gps readings. the only way is to use a third-party app to download the database - totally unacceptable imo.
likewise, interference and poor drivers on the sgs seem to have made their way onto the ns, which google are "looking into" which is a generic answer which translates to "we know and we don't give a shi*".
i dunno whether to get my money back...
bfksc said:
Confirmed, I9020a here too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you're both on the same device, and report great gps, i'm tempted to guess that your phone features new drivers that address the gps issues. What's the kernel and baseband version on the i9020a for canada? i'm guessing the build number is GRH78C?
MarkusPO said:
i've heard of more gps problems, and loss of screen quality on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No GPS issues, and screen is good. I heard that some say the display has a yellow tint, but I've not seen that in direct comparisons with other phones.
also, back to gps, the device can't settle. gps status shows that the mag.field that is 3 numbers, the first number of which changes when it's resting on a table - this alters the gps reading, and the compass on gps status rotates on its own - again wildly rotating 180+deg in some instances.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once the compass is calibrated using the standard figure-8 pattern, it's pretty stable for me. For a good compass, you need a triple-axis sensor like the one in my Garmin GPSMAP 62s which is very stable and does not react to vertical orientation changes. The compass in my Nexus S is very similar to the compass in the Desire and it works well enough, for what it does anyway.
i dunno whether to get my money back...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're unsure, then return it and wait for something else. Personally I'm very happy with the phone. The only real issue I have is the sensitivity of the power and volume buttons is too high - they're too easy to depress. A gel case helps somewhat though. Oh, there is the issue with the battery not charging to 100%, but that seems to be a v2.3.3 firmware bug which I figure will be fixed so I'm not counting that one.
if you're both on the same device, and report great gps, i'm tempted to guess that your phone features new drivers that address the gps issues. What's the kernel and baseband version on the i9020a for canada? i'm guessing the build number is GRH78C?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, it's GRI54. Kernel is 2.6.35.7 and baseband is I9020AUCKB2
bfksc said:
Nope, it's GRI54. Kernel is 2.6.35.7 and baseband is I9020AUCKB2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting, the build number is slightly higher than mine. I'm sure there's something in that new drivers maybe even new hardware.
My kernel is: 2.6.35.7-g7f1638a
[email protected] #1
and baseband is i9020xxkl8
and considering that the gps.git hasn't been touched for 5 months kinda suggests there's nothing that can be done in android...
http://android.git.kernel.org/?p=platform/hardware/qcom/gps.git;a=summary
Of course, no official word will ever come from Google. They only have to fend off problems until Dec. or until the next Nexus phone comes out... This has really put a damper on the Nexus line for me.
The screen tint is something that affects the AMOLED screens only, yours is SLCD, so should be immune to the "Yellow tint"
As for the GPS, you are already considering it useless, does it matter if it get's broken more?
No Risk, No reward...
If i where you, i would do a nandroid backup of the phone, flash to 2.3.3, test the tides, if it's really bad, restore the backup.
MarkusPO said:
I've just gone out and done my first GPS test. Uh oh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you really have to go and make another GPS-on-the-NS thread?
But yes, the GPS on (some / most of) the NS sucks. What's more interesting is that the 2.3.3 update seems to have shot the GPS of the N1 as well. And, wait for it, even people with newer SGS (who never had a problem with their GPS) are reporting that it's stopped working with the recent official 2.3 ROM.
My take is that Google accidentaly broke the way GPS works in 2.3.3. FWIW, I've returned my NS for now - I'm sitting this one out.
two interesting threads
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=842694
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=881941
the explanation in the last one is what i think is happening too on the ns. there's already a bug filed on google - i can't find it - that points out the error of the gps trying to connect and failing. i'm assuming it's trying to dl the assisted data and failing. that'd explain why a google employee suggested you use gps status to download it...
reading inbetween the lines, the voice of google is (rightly) blaming samsung, and this deal was probably more about the money between the two companies than the phone.
fallenguru said:
the 2.3.3 update seems to have shot the GPS of the N1 as well. And, wait for it, even people with newer SGS (who never had a problem with their GPS) are reporting that it's stopped working with the recent official 2.3 ROM.
My take is that Google accidentaly broke the way GPS works in 2.3.3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MarkusPO said:
likewise, interference and poor drivers on the sgs seem to have made their way onto the ns, which google are "looking into" which is a generic answer which translates to "we know and we don't give a shi*".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google doesn't give a shi*: Issue rejected.
Hopefully all those things will get better after Eric Schmidt has left Google.
Meh want Ice Cream! Now!
umbrella42 said:
Google doesn't give a shi*.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's basically my reading, too. I think they just aren't equipped, prepared or even willing to deal with customers on the individual level. Most of their consumer products are "free" with a take it or leave it kind of support and I think it's the same attitude we're seeing here, even though the N1 and NS certainly aren't free.
umbrella42 said:
Google doesn't give a shi*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fallenguru said:
That's basically my reading, too. I think they just aren't equipped, prepared or even willing to deal with customers on the individual level. Most of their consumer products are "free" with a take it or leave it kind of support and I think it's the same attitude we're seeing here, even though the N1 and NS certainly aren't free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If they didn't give a pooper-scooper, then they wouldn't have released any updates. Just because they're having trouble with a fix, or are reducing its importance relative to some users, doesn't mean they don't care.
I debated heavily over the Nexus S as I'm not a fan of Samsung phones and was not impressed with previous devices (Craptivate anyone?). This one changes that opinion, whether it's because Google pressed to get better hardware or Samsung woke up, I don't know but I'm happy with the phone. It's not perfect, what phone truly is? Just look at the Motorola Atrix - it's got some awesome hardware, but the software really sucks and ruins the phone. I had one but returned the Atrix and Multimedia dock as it was generally a very disappointing experience (store reported that ~50% of their sales were returned within a week!).
But the Nexus S does the job and I'll be keeping it.
bfksc said:
If they didn't give a pooper-scooper, then they wouldn't have released any updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That really doesn't follow, because having a semi-widely deployed platform to test these updates on is the whole point of the Nexus line from Google's point of view. Customer satisfaction is just not important to them, because they don't sell phones for a living. (Conversely, while every other phone manufacturer tries to leverage new versions of Android to sell new products, Google just doesn't have to.)
The NS is a fine piece of kit as long as you remember why Google's having it built and sold. They'll always focus on the new features, not the old ones. Nearly every Android phone has had GPS for ages, why bother with it?
i think it's fair to say that if google admitted the ns had faulty hardware / drivers, x% of NS owners would be seeking refunds / compensation. That is not good for company profilts. So the default fob-off "We're looking into it" is (by reading inbetween the lines) an admittal of "yes, the phone is faulty"
The updates to Android haven't been to fix faulty GPS, but to add NFC support amongst other things. Don't forget the community supports Android too, the community can fix bugs.
I've lost a LOT of respect for both Google and Samsung, and come to the conclusion the NS is nothing more than a GS in a different case, with less software on it, marketed by google and with a higher price tag. if htc were to make another 'pure Google' phone I'd buy it in a flash.
We're suckers anyone?
Related
I just wanted to start a new poll about the performance of the GPS. This time there's also an option to choose a firmware version (*). For the best results it is adviced to participate in the poll after a few weeks of "real life" usage, so you can form an informed opinion.
I've forgotten to include the JF firmware versions. For this versions please choose one of the options for the JG firmware versions. Unfortunately I can't edit the poll. I don't think that this will be a great shortcoming for the results because the differences between the JF and JG firmware isn't very big.
(*) Because I think too many errors will slip in when one can indicate the firmware and the GPS opinion by multiple choices, the list is a bit long. I tried to keep it as clear as possible
(Mods: In order to make the poll as "objective" as possible, maybe it is possible to make this a sticky and close the thread. I can add a link to a new post where the results/finding can be discussed or I or someone else could place a link to the old poll/gps thread where there's already a discussion going on)
cant vote in your poll as mine is yet to be firmware upgraded, im running JF3, and my gps is currently running fine in google navi (as i siad in the original thread it does jump at times but it is still very usable), however my tracks shows this first statment to be abit wrong. so im still working on it and need to try and sort out the firmware upgrade i cant seem to work it out just yet.
btw i have had tis second working phone for 1 week 3 days now, the first was taken back after a week where it would just simply not get a gps lock at all.
I have original firmware, Android 2.1-update1(have only rooted it), and no have problem with GPS at all, for now.
It fix the signal inside my home, my iphone 3Gs not, not lost the signal and bring me at destination, always.
Regards
No offense, but whenever I see people praising the quality of the GPS by if and how fast they do get a lock indoors, I die a little bit inside... That's not real GPS fix you're getting, that's just aGPS at work.
Could you add JFx options to the poll please ?
I have JF1. GPS works most of the time, but could be better.
demusss said:
Could you add JFx options to the poll please ?
I have JF1. GPS works most of the time, but could be better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I can't edit the poll (maybe a mod could?).. As an alternative I suggest to vote for one of the JG firmware options.
Case_ said:
No offense, but whenever I see people praising the quality of the GPS by if and how fast they do get a lock indoors, I die a little bit inside... That's not real GPS fix you're getting, that's just aGPS at work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it is GPS. I have disable aGPS and removed the APN from data settings, the APN field is blank, because I not have a flat account with my carrier provider(WIND Italy).
And WIFI is OFF. It is only the GPS, sure!
Regards
Can I suggest everyone goes on here -
http://www.facebook.com/#!/SamsungUKmobile
And promotes the GPS issue some more? They obviously are enjoying the positive press...lets see if they like some critical feedback as well.....
Well I've now set up my SGS with Copilot and used it in the same position in my car as I used my Iphone 3G, with Copilot, and I must say that the performance is extremely poor.
I thought the GPS in the Iphone was poor but it beats my SGS hands down.
firmware: I9000ADJF1.
That seems low compared to other posts I've read!
This really has to be the most ridiculous poll yet.
I've had problems in all firmware, although XWJM5 (as opposed to XWJM2) is yielding some hope for a fix. It's looking quite a bit better and is a lot more stable for a lot longer.
XXJF3 was great for a week then died and now it's so intermittent its ridiculous.
XXJG5 was better but had the habit of losing GPS signal and putting you 100 metres off and convinced it had to draw a track between your last known good and where it thought you were.
XXJM2 was better than that in that it took account of your speed and heading and never put you more than a few feet off, but it was still prone to making silly mistakes when it lost GPS signal.
XXJM5 is looking considerably better, but they still need to sort out locking onto Satellites < 20 SnR and more than 8 satellite fixes.
The reason I think for this is because of those things called Urban canyons, buildings, trees, etc, which have an annoying habit of destroying your GPS signal. A lot of other devices will cope. Unless you can see Satellites over virtually overhead, forget all hope.
sjdean said:
This really has to be the most ridiculous poll yet.
I've had problems in all firmware, although XWJM5 (as opposed to XWJM2) is yielding some hope for a fix. It's looking quite a bit better and is a lot more stable for a lot longer.
XXJF3 was great for a week then died and now it's so intermittent its ridiculous.
XXJG5 was better but had the habit of losing GPS signal and putting you 100 metres off and convinced it had to draw a track between your last known good and where it thought you were.
XXJM2 was better than that in that it took account of your speed and heading and never put you more than a few feet off, but it was still prone to making silly mistakes when it lost GPS signal.
XXJM5 is looking considerably better, but they still need to sort out locking onto Satellites < 20 SnR and more than 8 satellite fixes.
The reason I think for this is because of those things called Urban canyons, buildings, trees, etc, which have an annoying habit of destroying your GPS signal. A lot of other devices will cope. Unless you can see Satellites over virtually overhead, forget all hope.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your observations. Unfortunately it isn't possible to poll every single firmware version with the current poll functionality
Just did this track with a brand new SGS 16 GB w/JM1.
It was easy to vote.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...254,0.046434&z=15&iwloc=00048d2c278fbc21e8849
Still, as sjdean mentioned, I suspect that this issue is related to several factors and cannot be singled out that easily. I have to have one in my hands to believe it but now I guess I'll go to the store to get my money back home. Not that I don't believe that Samsung and Broadcom might end up making their magic work... I'll probably not have enough patience to wait.
Beowulf_pt said:
Just did this track with a brand new SGS 16 GB w/JM1.
It was easy to vote.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...254,0.046434&z=15&iwloc=00048d2c278fbc21e8849
....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol, as if a child tried to draw a route on a map. That's not good at all
Bynar010 said:
Can I suggest everyone goes on here -
http://www.facebook.com/#!/SamsungUKmobile
And promotes the GPS issue some more? They obviously are enjoying the positive press...lets see if they like some critical feedback as well.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just incase it gets deleted, here is my comments on the facebook page
Ghosty like all the others here im happy with most of the phone but i had to take the first one back as it would never get a lock on any gps satalite, the second one however is a little better as a least this one can be used to navigate, but in my tracks it is all over the show, please can you at least issuse a statment about... what the fault actually is weather it be hardware or software/firmware, as the most annoying part of it all is not knowing what is wrong, as if its software/fimeware related im sure people will hangonto the phone waiting for the fix, if however it turns out to be hardware related then there is gonna be alot of upset customers, wanting exchanges. i think you just need to clarify exactly what the issue is, saying we are working on a fix just anit good enough, especially when you are locked into a 2yr contract with a phone that only half works.
come on samsung sort it out, and give the general public some idea of what is actually gonna be done about this.
See more
2 seconds ago · Comment · LikeUnlike · Report
as you can see i have not held back
ghosty_uk said:
just incase it gets deleted, here is my comments on the facebook page
Ghosty like all the others here im happy with most of the phone but i had to take the first one back as it would never get a lock on any gps satalite, the second one however is a little better as a least this one can be used to navigate, but in my tracks it is all over the show, please can you at least issuse a statment about... what the fault actually is weather it be hardware or software/firmware, as the most annoying part of it all is not knowing what is wrong, as if its software/fimeware related im sure people will hangonto the phone waiting for the fix, if however it turns out to be hardware related then there is gonna be alot of upset customers, wanting exchanges. i think you just need to clarify exactly what the issue is, saying we are working on a fix just anit good enough, especially when you are locked into a 2yr contract with a phone that only half works.
come on samsung sort it out, and give the general public some idea of what is actually gonna be done about this.
See more
2 seconds ago · Comment · LikeUnlike · Report
as you can see i have not held back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have some severe problems with the GPS most of the time. ( I still can't reproduce the artistic trackings though I see all over this forum - although I never used mytracks, but always use another program for this). Nevertheless, I still want my GPS to be very reliable and the reports I read makes me a bit uncomfortable. I use it a lot for "offroad walking" and I depend for 100% on my GPS for this. I need the thing to be accurate. I need to trust on it. So yes, I'm also waiting for Samsung to come out and make a statement about this.
ghosty_uk said:
just incase it gets deleted, here is my comments on the facebook page
Ghosty like all the others here im happy with most of the phone but i had to take the first one back as it would never get a lock on any gps satalite, the second one however is a little better as a least this one can be used to navigate, but in my tracks it is all over the show, please can you at least issuse a statment about... what the fault actually is weather it be hardware or software/firmware, as the most annoying part of it all is not knowing what is wrong, as if its software/fimeware related im sure people will hangonto the phone waiting for the fix, if however it turns out to be hardware related then there is gonna be alot of upset customers, wanting exchanges. i think you just need to clarify exactly what the issue is, saying we are working on a fix just anit good enough, especially when you are locked into a 2yr contract with a phone that only half works.
come on samsung sort it out, and give the general public some idea of what is actually gonna be done about this.
See more
2 seconds ago · Comment · LikeUnlike · Report
as you can see i have not held back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I left a slight 'snotty' comment on there about the issues a couple of weeks ago, to be fair, they didn't delete the comment but they never replied either!
ghosty_uk said:
just incase it gets deleted, here is my comments on the facebook page
Ghosty like all the others here im happy with most of the phone but i had to take the first one back as it would never get a lock on any gps satalite, the second one however is a little better as a least this one can be used to navigate, but in my tracks it is all over the show, please can you at least issuse a statment about... what the fault actually is weather it be hardware or software/firmware, as the most annoying part of it all is not knowing what is wrong, as if its software/fimeware related im sure people will hangonto the phone waiting for the fix, if however it turns out to be hardware related then there is gonna be alot of upset customers, wanting exchanges. i think you just need to clarify exactly what the issue is, saying we are working on a fix just anit good enough, especially when you are locked into a 2yr contract with a phone that only half works.
come on samsung sort it out, and give the general public some idea of what is actually gonna be done about this.
See more
2 seconds ago · Comment · LikeUnlike · Report
as you can see i have not held back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for those of you that remember my post on the samsung page, here is the official response from them:
Samsung UK Mobile Hi, thanks for getting in touch. Head Office is currently working on a solution to the GPS problem and we hope to have a solution very soon. Rest assured, this is a high priority task for us.
maybe we are getting through to them after all.
Yeah they seem to have put that on all the GPS complaint comments on their facebook page..except mine....perhaps I was too *****y!!
The GPS on my JM2 is just useless... no matter where I am, in my appartment or at the very centre of the city, its just unable to locate me.
Hi all,
I have used my GPS with sygic maps mobile 10 for 1387 Km and it works well!
Yes, when I entry in a tunnel it not immediately switch the screen from night and day light, it switch after about 50meter when already was inside the tunnel. This mean it is not 100% accurate but work well. Consider which has travel a street named "street of tunnel". In the same travel, the GPS of the my Iphone3gs with tomtom lost the signal always and employ many more time for take the signal again.
In city, have used POI features on the Galaxy S, and work well!
I'm "sorry", but cannot say "have a problem with GPS", because not have any problem with this GPS, for now. Some day ago has a problem with alarm clock, always have a problem with copy/paste from gmail and yahoo e-mail, but not with GPS.
For who interested, have the original rom, android 2.1-update1, only rooted.
Regards
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
IF YOU HAVE A GPS ISSUE... I DO NOT CARE. THIS THREAD IS NOT FOR YOU. THIS THREAD IS FOR PEOPLE TO POST WHO DO NOT HAVE AN ISSUE. BELIEVE IT OR NOT, THERE ARE SOME OF US OUT THERE!
I guess androidmonkey ran with my idea and made a poll (shocker, guess who is leading at the time I posted this, those with no issues...)
I'm so freaking tired of post after post about the same people having a GPS issue. It makes the phone look poor and you guys are certainly greasing the wheel well enough. Who is the minority here?
So I thought a thread of those reporting no issues would be a welcome site.
*I am not stating anything about the compass, frankly, not sure I have ever even noticed it... *
Instead of creating a boasting thread, as part of the Samsung Defense Force, why don't you post helpful information that could help every other owner of this phone?
For example: Manufacture date, ship date, actual statistics / proof of your GPS performance and so forth.
^ post helpful information? Are you serious... all I do on here is help answer questions and write guides.
I am rooted/stock. There is nothing special done, no fixes, no tweaks.... I don't feel the need to make a video of my phone as proof of this, lol.
My gps works good enough to get me somewhere ... that's all I need it for..
I agree. There's some slight downers here...
Go for it! I think a rah-rah thread might have value. It helps beat the drum to drown out the critics and all those annoying tests and facts. That way, if a GPS fix does not materialize and I have to resell my Vibrant used as a lemon, there will be better demand in the open market.
Caveat emptor. Carpe diem.
s15274n said:
^ post helpful information? Are you serious... all I do on here is help answer questions and write guides.
I am rooted/stock. There is nothing special done, no fixes, no tweaks.... I don't feel the need to make a video of my phone as proof of this, lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^ Cool story, Bro.
So, I post a reasonable request, and you respond by being a douchebag. Way to help people all the time.
How long does your your gps take to lock? If its a few seconds, then i would like to know what's different with your phone
Gps is a HUGE issue. My gps is still taking minutes to lock which is basically useless and I've turned mine off.
s15274n said:
I'm so freaking tired of post after post about the same people having a GPS issue. It makes the phone look poor and you guys are certainly greasing the wheel well enough. Who is the minority here?
So I thought a thread of those reporting no issues would be a welcome site.
*I am not stating anything about the compass, frankly, not sure I have ever even noticed it... *
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hate trolls as much as the next guy but the Samsung Galaxy S series has MAJOR issues with GPS. This is not BS, *****ing, whining, etc, its a REAL issue. I sent a link to my location to a friend the other day and the GPS said I was 30 miles away. Sometime though the GPS is spot on, im talking about within 10 feet. Other times its miles off. I know 3 people with this phone and all have the same issues. Not to mention the hundreds of people on this forum.
Please tell us your firmware version, kernel version, baseband version, manufactured date, etc.
androidmonkey said:
Please tell us your firmware version, kernel version, baseband version, manufactured date, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FW: 2.1 update 1
Base: T959UVJFD
Kernel: 2.6.29
MD, I do not have my box with me.... I got it on 7/15/10.
JonC... 1/2 of your posts are whining about GPS. I'm not spending the time to make a video for you dude.
How bout people quit making NEW threads about gps?! There is already a thread with a fix, if someone has something to say about gps issues post there and stop clogging the forum with the same ****!
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
s15274n said:
I'm so freaking tired of post after post about the same people having a GPS issue. It makes the phone look poor and you guys are certainly greasing the wheel well enough. Who is the minority here?
So I thought a thread of those reporting no issues would be a welcome site.
*I am not stating anything about the compass, frankly, not sure I have ever even noticed it... *
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude you read my mind! GREAT POST. I'm all for it. Heck, why be anti something when you can be pro something right?
I hate seeing all these posts about the gps issue as well. It does make the Vibrant look bad....so to them gps minorities, keep your problems to one thread instead having multiple threads that just spreads bad vibes across the boards...
For the record, I have ZERO problems with my GSP. It locks on pretty fast and works like a charm...
Two thumbs up for this post...
s15274n said:
FW: 2.1 update 1
Base: T959UVJFD
Kernel: 2.6.29
MD, I do not have my box with me.... I got it on 7/15/10.
JonC... 1/2 of your posts are whining about GPS. I'm not spending the time to make a video for you dude.
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Click to collapse
Then go make it for the hundreds of other people experiencing the issue with the exact same device, on the exact same baseband and kernel version. Out them as the HTC sleep cells that they all are.
Also, just to get serious for a second here:
Nobody ever said that the Galaxy S wasn't a sweet device. It's simply disappointing that Locational Services are severely busted, and we worry about having to trust Samsung on their word.
You know: their word.
So, it apparently works perfectly for you. That's neat. Congratulations. Unfortunately, it doesn't work for the majority of us here. Instead of showing us how this is an isolated incident (with your seemingly 'perfect' phone), you've chosen to boast on an internet forum. This provides us with less hope than actual evidence that it could be our individual phones that are defective (which would point to hardware).
Not really sure how that helps anyone, sport.
^ blagh blagh blagh... more posts about GPS... this thread is not intended for you, you are the reason I made it.
^ Cool story, bro!
Man what dissapointment I thought someone had finally received a phone with a working GPS
The Vibrant is a great phone but let's face it, the GPS software just plain sucks and I'm sure that goes for everyone. My G1 could lock on 8 sats in my house where the Vibrant can't find a single one. Outdoors I may get 3 after 5 minutes and even then the map program is not that accurate.
I guess you started a thread to make yourself feel good but get ready to be flamed
^ Flame away. Or, wait for others with no issues to post. Either way, I'm tired of the GPS whining threads.
I too have been wondering what all the fuss is about. I would like to know a repeatable symptom that makes people think there is a problem. If it's just time to lock, well there are so many variables to consider. Sometimes my phone locks on in seconds, usually if I have used the GPS recently. If it has been longer (like days or weeks), then it takes my phone longer (five minutes???). It also depends on the weather, and if you are moving while trying to get a lock. I have owned several stand-alone GPS devices, and have used military GPS receivers too. They ALL have these same issues.
Now if the complaint is something other than lock time, then that would be a different story.
I really don't see the GPS in this phone operating any better or worse than any other GPS that I have ever used.
I got my phone the day it came out, and my serial number ends with 10.07, and using stock FW (rooted of course). No lag fix applied either (I have heard of a lot of people having issues with g maps and lag fixes).
I guess this thread backfired on the fanboy OP.
Not sent from my Vibrant using XDA App 'cause I returned it.
MrGibbage said:
I too have been wondering what all the fuss is about. I would like to know a repeatable symptom that makes people think there is a problem. If it's just time to lock, well there are so many variables to consider. Sometimes my phone locks on in seconds, usually if I have used the GPS recently. If it has been longer (like days or weeks), then it takes my phone longer (five minutes???). It also depends on the weather, and if you are moving while trying to get a lock. I have owned several stand-alone GPS devices, and have used military GPS receivers too. They ALL have these same issues.
Now if the complaint is something other than lock time, then that would be a different story.
I really don't see the GPS in this phone operating any better or worse than any other GPS that I have ever used.
I got my phone the day it came out, and my serial number ends with 10.07, and using stock FW (rooted of course). No lag fix applied either (I have heard of a lot of people having issues with g maps and lag fixes).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't comment on the past phones or gps units you may have used but I can comment on mine. Using the programs GPS Status or GPS Test:
My G1 within seconds can lock on 6-8 sats sitting in my livingroom - this phone cannot locate one that's a (hopefully) software problem.
Outdoors my G1 locks on 8-10 sats in seconds - the Vibrant barely finds 3 (I have had 4 but the signal was so weak I don't count it), again software problem. Now even with 3 sats locked, using maps it will at times show me off the road that I'm on (example, travelling on the FL Turnpike and it shows me on a parallel service road, or I exit and map shows me passing the exit before it begins to show the turn.
There is a problem with the GPS and Samsung has acknowleged it and is working on a fix (again hopefully). I certainly don't think the software on the G1 should be so far superior to the one on the Vibrant don't you?
smashpunks said:
My gps works good enough to get me somewhere ... that's all I need it for..
I agree. There's some slight downers here...
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Click to collapse
I don't think people are being downers for wanting a major feature of their phone to work PROPERLY. Just good enough, is not good enough.
It's like saying well, while they put a nice transmission in my car, it doesn't include reverse...but that's ok because I mostly drive forward.
This "works good enough" or "I don't really use it that much" attitude isn't helping with the fact that this portion of the phone is not working as it should. No complaints for folks like that makes it easy for Samsung to drag their feet on a solution. I am on my THIRD Vibrant (switched out for reason other than the GPS, since that IS broken right now) and the GPS has not performed well enough for me to get any practical use out of it on any of them. Three different Vibrants with different manufacture dates.
There is a problem, a prevalent one. A few people experiencing the problem on just one version of the phone would be one thing, but it affects all models. How Samsung hasn't been taken to task like Apple was is beyond me.
http://twitter.com/Samsungservice/status/21089686644
Samsung is testing software to optimize GPS on Galaxy S phones. Look for updates in September. Details & download instructions to follow.
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Click to collapse
Awesome .. good news ....
I sort of figured that it'd roll in with the Froyo update, which is supposed to drop within the September timeframe too.
masterotaku said:
I sort of figured that it'd roll in with the Froyo update, which is supposed to drop within the September timeframe too.
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Click to collapse
I hope so. I'm actually pretty surprised they let a device go this long with this problem. Mine works much better after some HACKS but honestly, the phones' gps should work right out of the box in my opinion. And if we get towards the end of September and the only update addressed is to fix something that was broken in the first place thats going to hurt Samsung seeing as there's been talks about September Froyo.
Great, thanks for the update! Looking forward to it!
Sent from my Rooted Samsung Vibrant using XDA App
Good stuff. Hope it comes with froyo.
Notice how they don't mention that there is a problem... "Samsung is testing software to optimize GPS on Galaxy S phones."
Sounds some what promising. Thanks for the update.
They've been very careful about how they are wording their responses on this issue. They are trying to pull an Apple, by admitting there is a problem without admitting there is a problem.
I certainly hope it gets fixed as it is really aggravating. Tried using the GPS today with Flixster and all I got was a black screen for my efforts (had to pull the battery to turn it back on).
Just turn off GPS and use network-based location for the time being. It's worded perfectly, but it does promise an update. It's no different from what other manufactures do. "an update to improve functionality" and etc.
I haven't heard of anyone's GPS completely not working, so you could call it optimizing. My Vibrant has the same issues as everyone else it seems, the issue is still on my old Mytouch and my friends Droid. So I would personally call it optimizing and not fixing.
.02
Is that gps freezing common? Most reports I've seen have just been lock and accuracy issues. Mine is slow to lock and doesn't have the best accuracy (25-40 feet), but doesn't freeze the phone.
Sent from my SGS Vibrant
tissimo said:
Is that gps freezing common? Most reports I've seen have just been lock and accuracy issues. Mine is slow to lock and doesn't have the best accuracy (25-40 feet), but doesn't freeze the phone.
Sent from my SGS Vibrant
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Click to collapse
Today was the first time I encountered this issue, although it has been mentioned on this forum as well as others. Doesn't seem to be widespread, but it certainly is annoying.
Heygirl,
Forever the optimist Disabling a major feature of the phone is a poor workaround for a problem that really should never had made it past whatever QC Samsung has. Darn shame as this really is a good phone. It will be a great one once this issue if fixed.
tweak89 said:
Today was the first time I encountered this issue, although it has been mentioned on this forum as well as others. Doesn't seem to be widespread, but it certainly is annoying.
Heygirl,
Forever the optimist Disabling a major feature of the phone is a poor workaround for a problem that really should never had made it past whatever QC Samsung has. Darn shame as this really is a good phone. It will be a great one once this issue if fixed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you want from me or anyone else? A fix that doesn't exist yet? I said to avoid the GPS and likely, it's driver from crashing the entire phone - to DISABLE it and this goes for anyone else having the same issue but not knowing the cause. If you have a problem with that, you can finish this sentence yourself.
Well this is what we all were waiting for. Of course people are still going to *****, but we shouldn't care. This phone is clearly the best investment you can make in terms of a phone, let's celebrate.
Now that this issue is addressed I hope their sales increase and development increases for these trail blazing phones.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
zoid_99 said:
Notice how they don't mention that there is a problem... "Samsung is testing software to optimize GPS on Galaxy S phones."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Typical corporate spin...just the iPhone 4 fiasco. Companies don't want to be legally liable by admitting fault.
heygrl said:
What do you want from me or anyone else? A fix that doesn't exist yet? I said to avoid the GPS and likely, it's driver from crashing the entire phone - to DISABLE it and this goes for anyone else having the same issue but not knowing the cause. If you have a problem with that, you can finish this sentence yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow,sensitive much? Not sure where I asked you or anyone else for anything (expecting a company to back their product and make it right isn't too much to ask, though). You gave me some advice and I commented. You seem to be taking it as a personal attack. Oh well.
Mark271 said:
Well this is what we all were waiting for. Of course people are still going to *****, but we shouldn't care. This phone is clearly the best investment you can make in terms of a phone, let's celebrate.
Now that this issue is addressed I hope their sales increase and development increases for these trail blazing phones.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that's optimism!! When the patch is being downloaded on my phone and the GPS is working properly, then I will celebrate, you can be sure of that
tweak89 said:
They've been very careful about how they are wording their responses on this issue. They are trying to pull an Apple, by admitting there is a problem without admitting there is a problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, Apple would say "Our problem is inherent in all phones of this type, if you don't like it, simply return the phone and move on"
Now, all they have to do is bundle it up with froyo and it's all good!
j0hnZ said:
I haven't heard of anyone's GPS completely not working, so you could call it optimizing. My Vibrant has the same issues as everyone else it seems, the issue is still on my old Mytouch and my friends Droid. So I would personally call it optimizing and not fixing.
.02
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Click to collapse
I have 4 of these phones in my family and not a single one works GPS wise. None of them will lock on to any of the GPS sats here in Kansas. Occasionally there will be a blip on one of the satellites to 15 - 18 dbHz, but then it'll return to 0.
Hello all i was looking over the gps fix information and kinda stumped to see if anyone else is noticing this or there is something wrong with my device.
I was using the "GPS status" application from the market and was able to get about 8 or 9 satallites seen but was not showing a fix on them the indicator was just staying on 0/9 Fix/Sat
Using the same app at same time in mytouch slide was getting 8-9/9 or so with only like a 3m error where the vibrant was getting an error rate of 10m+
is this normal with the fix settings that is posted in development thread or am I missing something or maybe just a bad device. The phone is getting the location and giving me directions just seems like quality of signal is far less then what it should be even with the fix applied.
if anyone could test for me that has the vibrant install "gps status" and get fix with maps and run this application and see if shows you green sattelite locks or that 0/8 thing that I noticed.
Samsung has committed to deliver a firmware update sometime in September to fix the GPS issues.
Returning your phone for a replacement will not solve your problem.
Sent from Samsung Vibrant
M9x3mos said:
Hello all i was looking over the gps fix information and kinda stumped to see if anyone else is noticing this or there is something wrong with my device.
I was using the "GPS status" application from the market and was able to get about 8 or 9 satallites seen but was not showing a fix on them the indicator was just staying on 0/9 Fix/Sat
Using the same app at same time in mytouch slide was getting 8-9/9 or so with only like a 3m error where the vibrant was getting an error rate of 10m+
is this normal with the fix settings that is posted in development thread or am I missing something or maybe just a bad device. The phone is getting the location and giving me directions just seems like quality of signal is far less then what it should be even with the fix applied.
if anyone could test for me that has the vibrant install "gps status" and get fix with maps and run this application and see if shows you green sattelite locks or that 0/8 thing that I noticed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not "normal." Neither is it news. Browse or search this forum and find many similar reports of GPS problems. The GPS on Vibrants, like all Samsung Galaxy S devices, is defective. The GPS Status symptoms you report seem common to all Vibrants; European models have different symptoms, but similarly unreliable accuracy.
And be a little skeptical of assertions that "Samsung has committed to deliver a firmware update sometime in September to fix the GPS issues."
Samsung has committed to no such thing, but rather has announced a September rollout to "optimize" the GPS, whatever that means. Whether or not this will comprise a "fix" remains to be seen. (A "fix" would imply that something is broken, which Samsung has not admitted.)
kind of like the iPhone reception issue lol
i thought that was something with agps hand off that was causing the problem. will all that stuff turned off and phone even in airplane more it never achieves fix from sat that is in any way accurate like signal is low.
even my android running hd2 after about 5 mins gets a gps lock better then this thing with better strengh.
has anyone tried the gps status app and seen what I mean. not fixing on any sats.
Please read the forums first. Your symtoms are the most talked about topic since the phone was released.
Not sent from my Vibrant using XDA App 'cause I returned it.
M9x3mos said:
has anyone tried the gps status app and seen what I mean. not fixing on any sats.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course I have. Many other Vibrant users have. Our symptoms with GPS Status or GPS Test are pretty much like yours.
What is especially bizarre is that the Vibrant will appear to "lock" on only one satellite and report a position with some degree of accuracy. That is impossible under the way GPS works -- three or four satellites are required.
The relationship between this bug and the other accuracy bugs inside the unit - errors in how well the actual coordinates get tracked versus reality -- are not well understood. The best thing is to wait and see what the September changes accomplish. There is no guarantee there. So if can, and are still within your buyer's remorse return window, you may want to return your phone for a refuind and wait to see what gets fixed. (You can always buy another one if there is a real fix.) If you are beyond that window, you don't have much choice but to hope.
Stresa said:
Samsung has committed to deliver a firmware update sometime in September to fix the GPS issues.
Returning your phone for a replacement will not solve your problem.
Sent from Samsung Vibrant
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No they didn't. They said they were going to "testing software to optimize GPS". I wish they would have said they are "testing software that will FIX GPS".
zoid_99 said:
No they didn't. They said they were going to "testing software to optimize GPS". I wish they would have said they are "testing software that will FIX GPS".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you think that means... lmaoooo its a safe way of saying they know there is a issue yet not completely saying its broke and we need to fix it. Instead they throw out a optimized gps coming..
smashpunks said:
What you think that means... lmaoooo its a safe way of saying they know there is a issue yet not completely saying its broke and we need to fix it. Instead they throw out a optimized gps coming..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's one way to look at it -- if one is disposed to play stooge for corporate spin.
I say give them credit for -- and hold them accountable -- what they actually say. Since Samsung has never admitted a flaw in the GPS performance -- only that it apparently fails to meet some users' expectations, as if it's all our fault! -- we cannot know for sure what they mean by "optimize." It may be a fix, and I hope it is. But it may just be incrementally better than it is today. I am cautiously optimistic, but that is all.
Atleast they acknoledged it pretty quickly. I will give it to september or when ever the G2 from tmo comes out just unlock sell it and buy that one.
Lol was affraid of some software bs after the behold II fiasco saying they will get 2.1 and then say they are stopping at 1.6 which they still don't have.
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App
zoid_99 said:
No they didn't. They said they were going to "testing software to optimize GPS". I wish they would have said they are "testing software that will FIX GPS".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They can't say that because that would be admitting that there is a problem, which would be a poor decision from a marketing and probably from a legal stand point as well.
I agree though, it would be nice to have them say "man, we screwed this up and we promise to do everything we can to make it right". The carefully crafted statements from marketing/legal just come off as insulting to the user base who has already committed to the product.
After a nice reboot, GPS in gmaps, GPS test, and any other GPS-enabled app seems to work great. However, after a couple of hours, especially if connected over WiFi, GPS stops acquiring a lock. GPS test even shows that it "sees" a good number of satellites, but fails to lock. The only solution is a reboot, sometimes two.
I have also noticed that during the aGPS lock portion, it tends to jump between tower locations at random. After this, sometimes it will lock, sometimes it will not. I have also noticed that on rare occasions, GPS becomes unavailable altogether.
Please tell me that some among you are experiencing this issue as well? Folks at BAW are reporting the same. I have a Captivate as well, and the problem is *identical* to the issues I see there, except that the aGPS tower association happens much faster on the Epic.
We need a fix, and fast. Evo was FAR faster in acquisition, and 100% reliable.
Downloaded the latest google maps and google nav?
launch sprint nav first, close it, then try google maps/nav.
ConceptVBS said:
Downloaded the latest google maps and google nav?
launch sprint nav first, close it, then try google maps/nav.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed I have. The issue crops up after a while of non-use. Then, only a reboot comes to the rescue. Sad.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=771503
No dice. It works... at first. However, after I left my phone on the charger (and on WiFi) overnight, and started up maps this morning, again on wifi, no lock for over 3 minutes. I started up the Sprint navvy app, and no lock. I went to diagnostics and it got stuck on "waiting for gps" for over 2 minutes until the icon FINALLY stopped pumping away. However, it's still "getting GPS", so I have to tap "go back" and then once more return to GPS diagnostics. It then says "10%", which is obviously a bogus number; GPS Status shows a reasonable fix, though a few satellites are still shown with yellow bars that seem never to quite resolve.
This has NEVER happened with the Evo. Obviously, there are still some unsettling issues with this device's satellite lock.
I was able to replicate this same problem -- Left Wi-Fi on over night, was programming tasker to auto-gps when I open up the Navigation, went to test and now gps will not lock on for me either.
The epic's gps has a lot of the same issues the others have. Sprint lied about the gps being fixed. You will have to wait until Samsung releases the new drivers to get your gps working 100%. They said some time in September.
I had my epic on wifii and charged last night and I just tried my gps here at work and got an automatic lock using google maps which my hero was not that accurate.
shep211 said:
The epic's gps has a lot of the same issues the others have. Sprint lied about the gps being fixed. You will have to wait until Samsung releases the new drivers to get your gps working 100%. They said some time in September.
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Click to collapse
ROFLMAO, you really think they will get it 100%, I doubt they even know about the issue of it not working after time. And some time in sept means sept 30th or later so you can't return the phone. I love this phone LOVE LOVE this phone but if they don't fix it soon I"m out.
My Epic has successful navigated me to 3 places so far. Only once did I use it to actually so somewhere I didn't already know how to get to. It was a 25 minute drive and the only thing I noticed different from my EVO was the 98 feet circle bug plaguing the Epic.
For me, that's all I need my GPS for. I start it from my car sitting still. I can't get a lock inside my house when I want to use maps for something, but I couldn't get that with my Evo either. My apartments have an inter-dimensional beast living within the walls that feeds on dreams and cell phone reception...
robl45 said:
ROFLMAO, you really think they will get it 100%, I doubt they even know about the issue of it not working after time. And some time in sept means sept 30th or later so you can't return the phone. I love this phone LOVE LOVE this phone but if they don't fix it soon I"m out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung knows of the gps issues and has said they are working on the issue. The gps not working after the first few days is a know issue on all galaxy s phones. Are they going to fix it 100%? Who knows. I returned my captivate and bought a new one just so I can see if the gps gets fixed. If it does not get fixed this month i will be returning my captivate again.
I would guess its probably that the GPS stops coming back from standby... hopefully that is just a driver issue, and not the hardware failing to respond to wakeup singals.
I'm not holding my breath... Sammy is very content to think that the Epic's GPS is performing to spec. They have even said that it meets all their standards and requirements. We need to make some noise.
I have no faith in Samsung making fix so I took it back to Rshack got refund today .
Just to be clear...Samsung never stated that the Epic was going to SHIP on day one with the update.
It may well be a few weeks until the promised update starts rolling out and it's hard to say which Galaxy S carrier will be first.
Sent from Samsung Vibrant
I can't believe people return this phone over not so great gps. It sucks yea but hell what phone out is worth leaving this for ?
My gps has gotten me to plenty of places. And no offence but if your 30 meters off and you can't find your destination then maybe you buy a real one... this phones the ****..
Stresa said:
Just to be clear...Samsung never stated that the Epic was going to SHIP on day one with the update.
It may well be a few weeks until the promised update starts rolling out and it's hard to say which Galaxy S carrier will be first.
Sent from Samsung Vibrant
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd agree with you, except that Sammy specifically stated that the Epic's GPS was performing according to their specifications. I take this as meaning that there will be NO update to Epic phones. Infact, many Captivate and Vibrant forums are supposedly pulling files off the Epic in order to "fix" the GPS issues on those phones... I just see this dragging on and on and on, but maybe I'm just used to HTC's inability to push out fixes in any reasonable time - hopefully Sammy will be different.
I just re-read the quote that I've seen in news stories and I would agree that it seems to imply that the Epic was fixed and the Vibrant and Captivate were pending.
It's not clear to me where this quote originated from within Samsung and I'm wondering if there are any language translation issues creeping into this causing a misunderstanding.
Sent from Samsung Vibrant
smashpunks said:
I can't believe people return this phone over not so great gps. It sucks yea but hell what phone out is worth leaving this for ?
My gps has gotten me to plenty of places. And no offence but if your 30 meters off and you can't find your destination then maybe you buy a real one... this phones the ****..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently many (some) people can not survive day to day living with out being coddled by technology...
Stresa said:
I just re-read the quote that I've seen in news stories and I would agree that it seems to imply that the Epic was fixed and the Vibrant and Captivate were pending.
It's not clear to me where this quote originated from within Samsung and I'm wondering if there are any language translation issues creeping into this causing a misunderstanding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think there was a mistranslation. I have no doubt the words of that Samsung statement were carefully parsed by English-speaking marketers and lawyers at both Samsung and its carrier partners. The skill is called dissembling -- giving a false impression by half-truths without actually telling a gross lie.
Note that Samsung did not actually promise to fix the GPS issues in time for the Epic release, but it sure gave that impression, and Sprint acquiesced. For that matter, Samsung has never committed to "fix" the GPS -- which would mean admitting something is broken -- only to "optimize" it. That might be construed to mean anything, and will be so construed if no complete fix materializes. Yet the public paraphrases the statement optimistically and credits Samsung with more of a commitment than it really has made.
This is not naive corporate behavior, but rather sophisticated spin.