Hello all! I am curious if free GPS (no data plan, just free GPS service) is available on the HTC 8525? I am really liking the Tilt [8925] with the full-keyboard, GPS, wi-fi, and 3 Megapixel camera, but I see that the HTC 8525 has a full-keyboard, wi-fi, and a 2 Megapixel camera. I can live with the 2-MP camera, but I really would like the GPS for free, if possible. Is there a GPS freeware software made for the 8525? Could the 8925 GPS software be installed on the 8525 with no issues?
Sorry if this sounds too easy. I am very inexperienced in "modding" a cell phone (my latest is making an old Motorola v120e WAP-enabled -- 4 years ago before cell phone carriers charged for it!). Back to the topic, if the GPS software requires modding the 8525, I would like a "modding for dummies" step-by-step instruction in layman's terms, and hopefully a guarantee that it won't fry the cell.
Lastly, if anyone has the 8525, would you be so kind as to critique it, compared to the 8925 if possible?
Thanks in advance!
Sorry for any confusion here. I overlooked that the 8525 is made for T-mobile. I didn't win it or bid on it yet, though. I don't believe that it's unlocked, but I'm sure there are some unlocking software out there. Point being, is the 8525 really worth the effort in unlocking it to AT&T, or should I just stick with the 8925 Tilt? The biggest difference is the 8525 costs $169.78 (used), where the Tilt starts about $250 (used).
ohpfan said:
Sorry for any confusion here. I overlooked that the 8525 is made for T-mobile. I didn't win it or bid on it yet, though. I don't believe that it's unlocked, but I'm sure there are some unlocking software out there. Point being, is the 8525 really worth the effort in unlocking it to AT&T, or should I just stick with the 8925 Tilt? The biggest difference is the 8525 costs $169.78 (used), where the Tilt starts about $250 (used).
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The GPS software that you can use on the Tilt can be used on the 8525. That's not really the problem. The issue is that the 8525 has no built in working GPS hardware. So this means you have to use a small bluetooth GPS receiver. It actually works well but you have to carry the bluetooth receiver in your pocket / car.
Mike
Interesting! I never knew that Bluetooth GPS existed! A BT-359 costs $46.95, which isn't too bad.
Sorry to get slightly off-topic, but what are the requirements for a handset to have, to be able to use that Bluetooth GPS device? I have the Samsung A707 Sync currently, would it be compatible with that handset? If so, would I need to get on an unlimited data rate plan [$30/month], or just by buying the GPS device, it covers all costs to using it? Is the software to put into the Sync included, or do I have to pay for it? I just use the Sync for voice calls (no texting/data messaging), but a hand-held GPS is pretty cool, especially when it's built-in to the cellular phone!
Thanks for your help!
Sorry, can't say about your Samsung A707 but if you connect via bluetooth there are NO charges to use the GPS software (apart from getting the sodftware and maps) as long as its not something that constantly requires updating through the GPRS system. But thats just crazy to do... Better to get a standalone GPS program, I've got Tomtom, and purchase maps.
Cheers....
mikechannon said:
But the advantage of having a program that you can buy a map/s for is that it will operate more smoothly in my experience as the map is held in your device.
The GPS Sirf III receiver I use is:
http://www.blueunplugged.com/p.aspx?p=120534
Mike
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Thanks for all the info! This is still all new to me, so forgive any stupid questions. Is there a difference between different Bluetooth models, besides the obvious rechargeable battery or included AC or DC power adapter?
I'm still unsure how this all works. What exactly does the Bluetooth adapter do, if the maps are stored on the cell phone? Like does it have up-to-date POI (points-of-interest) or are those required to be downloaded?
By the way, I have decided not to go with the 8525 at this point. I am still considering buying a Tilt (8925) if the Bluetooth adapter sounds too difficult to match up to my cell phone. (I understand that neither of you know for a fact if the Sync can get the maps loaded into it.)
Thanks again for any new info!
As stated, I use a STANDALONE program... It has maps loaded onto an sd card and can be purchased from off Tomtom(if I wish to update to the latest).
As for the bluetooth adaptor, EASY to sync. Like a bluetooth headset with 1 or 2 more steps. I prefer my hermes to the tilt as /8925/variio III( the names go on 4ever) as it has EXCELLANT graphics drivers the other model doesn't, apparently there have been issues about this and it doesn't look like HTC give a damn about fixing it.
If the GPS is all you're after the bluetooth option is a good way to go but make sure you have at least 25 channels on your GPS receiver as I had a 16 channel receiver and it took up to and over 10 minutes to lock sometimes. Got a 52 channel receiver and it makes a HUGE difference. People say it shouldn't as there are only 25(?) GPS satellites but it makes a HUGE difference in lock time(< 1 minute) and signal strength...
Cheers...
Just to clarify a little for the Original Poster.
Because the Hermes does not have a built in GPS receiver you need an external one. So the Bluetooth receiver receives the satellite data and then uses bluetooth to beam the data to the phone. (it is not using bluetooth to receive satellite info, but using it to send the info to the phone).
Mike
ultramag69 said:
As stated, I use a STANDALONE program... It has maps loaded onto an sd card and can be purchased from off Tomtom(if I wish to update to the latest).
As for the bluetooth adaptor, EASY to sync. Like a bluetooth headset with 1 or 2 more steps. I prefer my hermes to the tilt as /8925/variio III( the names go on 4ever) as it has EXCELLANT graphics drivers the other model doesn't, apparently there have been issues about this and it doesn't look like HTC give a damn about fixing it.
If the GPS is all you're after the bluetooth option is a good way to go but make sure you have at least 25 channels on your GPS receiver as I had a 16 channel receiver and it took up to and over 10 minutes to lock sometimes. Got a 52 channel receiver and it makes a HUGE difference. People say it shouldn't as there are only 25(?) GPS satellites but it makes a HUGE difference in lock time(< 1 minute) and signal strength...
Cheers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the detailed reply! I don't currently own the Hermes 8525; I seen it on eBay for the price I mentioned earlier and was considering buying it. About 15 minutes later, I realized it's intended for T-mobile service, which I know can be unlocked to any SIM-card compatible company (i.e. AT&T/Cingular in the States) for a fee.
I am a bit unsure what you mean by "Standalone" though. I presume you don't have a "ready out of the box" GPS system with viewing screen, but the only other option I can think of is you put the memory card into the cell phone (or a PDA / laptop PC).
My Bluetooth-compatible cell phone has a MicroSD memory card slot on it, and I have the SD card adapter where I can put songs, pictures, and text files onto my cell phone via the memory card. Therefore,all that is needed is a memory-card compatible cell phone, and then download maps to the memory card and insert it into the cell phone. If that's the case, then I should be set! I would only need to find a Bluetooth GPS adapter (with 25 channels for best results). Am I correct on this understanding?
I heard that there are a few free map sites online, do they offer POIs for free too? I am going on my honeymoon in Los Angeles, CA and would really like to just use my cell phone with the above features on it with the Bluetooth adapter for convenience as well as not having to carry a full-size GPS with me.]
Another silly question, if you don't mind. Do the Bluetooth adapters work on more than one device at a time? For instance, my Sync A707 cell phone and my fiancee's Blackberry Pearl could each have a copy of the maps. Would the receiver work on both cells at the same time; or is it only pairable to one at a time? For the above scenario, we would have to both be within the amount of feet required to receive the Bluetooth signal, of course. [Since we're on our honeymoon on the other side of the U.S., I doubt we'd be separated that far away.]
ultramag69 said:
Just to clarify a little for the Original Poster.
Because the Hermes does not have a built in GPS receiver you need an external one. So the Bluetooth receiver receives the satellite data and then uses bluetooth to beam the data to the phone. (it is not using bluetooth to receive satellite info, but using it to send the info to the phone).
Mike
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Thanks, that helped me understand it much better than before. Not to belittle ultra, but I was thinking the cellular phone had to have 25 channels, but he meant the Bluetooth adapter should have 25 channels for best results.
I am considering a Hermes and probably will be getting one shortly within a week. I am not the OP, but either way thanks for the info. Which TomTom version is best on the Hermes - and which reciever is best with TomTom. Or is there a better GPS software for the hermes. Thanks again for all the info. I have been active on the Excalibur section, but have been interested in getting a Hermes as my next phone.
To the OP, the 8525 is actually an AT&T/Cingular phone here in the US, not a T-Mobile. The Wing is the only PPC on T-Mobile. If it says T-Mobile -then it is unlocked as it already comes Cingular/AT&T capable.
es_bih said:
To the OP, the 8525 is actually an AT&T/Cingular phone here in the US, not a T-Mobile. The Wing is the only PPC on T-Mobile. If it says T-Mobile -then it is unlocked as it already comes Cingular/AT&T capable.
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Thanks for that info! I read that on the eBay listing, I just presumed it was accurate on the listing.
If I can get the Bluetooth adapter to work on my current cell phone I won't need the Hermes (as I would have to buy that adapter anyways). My current Samsung Sync has a 2-MP camera and music player, so the only thing I would be adding is the full QWERTY keyboard with the Hermes. I don't really think the Hermes is worth the $170 or more to me just for the keyboard (for text messaging).
I do like the Wi-Fi on the Tilt, so that the keyboard would be useful, to type online. That's why I am still leaning toward the Tilt, not the Hermes, if I do upgrade my cellular phone.
ohpfan, is your mobile a windows os phone?
Thats why we are using GPS on ours. We can load the software on easily. You need to do a google search and find out if you can use the GPS software on your current phone. All phones are not the same and can't do everything another can. Nokia N-series has GPS, HTC too. You will have to check to see if yours is capable.
Cheers...
ohpfan said:
Thanks for that info! I read that on the eBay listing, I just presumed it was accurate on the listing.
If I can get the Bluetooth adapter to work on my current cell phone I won't need the Hermes (as I would have to buy that adapter anyways). My current Samsung Sync has a 2-MP camera and music player, so the only thing I would be adding is the full QWERTY keyboard with the Hermes. I don't really think the Hermes is worth the $170 or more to me just for the keyboard (for text messaging).
I do like the Wi-Fi on the Tilt, so that the keyboard would be useful, to type online. That's why I am still leaning toward the Tilt, not the Hermes, if I do upgrade my cellular phone.
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I hope you know that the
8525 has wifi
abc12345 said:
I hope you know that the
8525 has wifi
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Well, geez that eBay member sure didn't do his research then! Thanks for that info too!! I even looked on CNet to compare models and it didn't mention the 8525 has Wi-fi in it.
To ultra: I will check tonight about if my cell can support GPS. Been a busy weekend here, so not much time online.
ultramag69 said:
ohpfan, is your mobile a windows os phone?
Thats why we are using GPS on ours. We can load the software on easily. You need to do a google search and find out if you can use the GPS software on your current phone. All phones are not the same and can't do everything another can. Nokia N-series has GPS, HTC too. You will have to check to see if yours is capable.
Cheers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just found out that the Sync uses a proprietary firmware, so I would say no to Windows OS . From my understanding, the Java in my Sync phone doesn't accept Bluetooth is why the GPS isn't able to work. Unless there's an updated Java that supports Bluetooth, I am not able to use my current cell. Which leads to the question: Is there a "universal" Java update for Bluetooth support, or is it cell phone specific?
OK, I found a nice price for a 8525 on eBay, only $115 (including shipping) for one that is sold "as-is," but it doesn't sound like anything other than a battery or charger is wrong with it. I purchased it, and should be shipped on Wednesday. I will keep you all informed on what happens with it when I get it! Once I get it working, I'll go for the Bluetooth adapter later on.
Just a little update ... there is another Sync user who is trying to get the Samsung u600 firmware "altered" so that the Sync can use the Bluetooth GPS adapter.
Hi, I'm back again, with an AT&T-replaced reconditioned 8525. It's really strange, that I've made a full circle once again, after about a month of asking this question! I am now a bit wiser, and hopefully not as naive, as before!
As mentioned in other threads, I've updated to WM6 already. I am back on eBay looking for Bluetooth GPS adapters. Ultra mentioned earlier to look for a 25+ channel model, which I found two that meet or exceed that data.
My research has found the lowest price [shipping/handling-included] at $39.90 for a BT-5 (12 channels); the next one up at $44.48 for a Sirf-3 (12 to 16 channels); and the last at $44.99 for a BT5721 (44 channels).
The obvious choice is the BT5721 for only $5.09 more than the cheaper BT-5 model, but has anyone had experience with any of the 3 models mentioned? Also, it seems that the TomTom brand is predominant in the U.S., but how reliable is the software -- does it hang, lock up, etc.? I don't want to first experiment with it on my honeymoon and get the other half upset for being lost in the 'hood.
I will consider any suggestions for what models to buy, be it from any of the 3 above, or other ones. I would like to spend no more than $45, as the BT5721 seems the best deal right now!
I sincerely recommend the one with the highest amount of channels. I know people will say that there are only 24 gps satellites BUT I had a 16 channel receiver and got BAD signal coverage (around urban environments especially). At one point my GPS software was telling me I was in the middle of Sydney Harbour (but to take the next right - don't ask me Tomtom did it...).
I updated to a 52 channel reciever and have had no problems since.
Others may have a different opinion but I believe the one with the most channels is money well spent, and the petrol you save running around in circles trying to get a GPS fix & trying to work out WHERE THE HELL YOU ARE (not to mention the high blood pressure and hair replacement costs) more than make up for the "extra" $$$$$...
Cheers...
ultramag69 said:
I sincerely recommend the one with the highest amount of channels. I know people will say that there are only 24 gps satellites
. . .
I updated to a 52 channel reciever and have had no problems since.
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Thanks for the reply! After I posted on here, I located a 51-channel solar Bluetooth GPS -- the BT2.3MR (not available "Buy it Now" but first one I monitored sold for $56). To see the item I'm talking about, go to: http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Solar-Bluetooth-GPS-Receiver-51-Channels-free-ship_W0QQitemZ300246493051. Are there any issues with solar-powered GPS devices? Or are they too new to even get feedback on?
I will keep looking for a 52-channel GPS receiver, as I'm pretty frugal with my money on eBay. Thanks again!
I can't post this in development because I an still a nobody ...
Would it be possible to add in rfcomm for Bluetooth SPP serial port? The Nook would make a great tablet for telescope mount control over BT. You can't do it with the iPad due to the security around the BT stacks. It would also allow NEMA GPS modules to be read for different applications.
I'm running CM7 7.0.2 and this isn't yet available.
Just a dream?
Not sure if this is what you're talking about, but you can send the GPS data to the Nook form a GPS device like a Cell phone or GPS receiver. I use a stand alone GPS receiver and sometimes my Droid cell phone to send my location to the Nook to use CoPilot and Google Maps on the Nook. That's at least half of what you're talking about right?
Calla969 said:
Not sure if this is what you're talking about, but you can send the GPS data to the Nook form a GPS device like a Cell phone or GPS receiver. I use a stand alone GPS receiver and sometimes my Droid cell phone to send my location to the Nook to use CoPilot and Google Maps on the Nook. That's at least half of what you're talking about right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, you got me pondering...
I got out my trusty Garmin GPS 10 and I can pair but it's not connected. That could be for a couple of reasons (the Nook only connects on demand maybe.) But if what you are saying is correct, maybe it does support SPP since it uses a comm port for the GPS.
But, when I connected from my notebook and checked the services, SPP wasn't one of them (just OPEX and AD2P.) I will keep playing but I half expect that part of the SPP stack requirements are missing.
On the plus side, if the GPS will work too, that is a second plus since it's nice to be able to ask the GPS for the specific time and location during the telescope setup (it matters.)
I'll look for an app in the Market that might read an external GPS devices and show the location. I notice most apps are for reading the phone GPS (which we don't have.)
Thanks!
Android does not support SPP, but there are multiple apps in the market which do, Bluetooth GPS Provider is the one which I prefer as it works very well and just works no matter what.
Thanks folks,
I fired up the Garmin GPS 10 and it works using Bluetooth GPS. That means an application can add in the SPP. That is perfect and gives us hope!
I really appreciate the responses!
Awats said:
Thanks folks,
I fired up the Garmin GPS 10 and it works using Bluetooth GPS. That means an application can add in the SPP. That is perfect and gives us hope!
I really appreciate the responses!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, apps can directly talk with a Blutooth GPS. There are a handful which do this, or again, Bluetooth GPS Provider will provide the BT GPS to every app that asks for GPS.
This isn't only about GPS. GPS is just one aspect. I want to communicate with any serial device over BT. My understanding from reading it that rfcomm and the applications can supply that function.
What I did notice last night is that even without an application that supplies rfcomm, the Nook would still discover the devices unlike the iPad. I could pair to pretty much anything I wanted but it wouldn't connect. That's normal from my perspective.
At least I know it can be made to work.
khaytsus said:
Android does not support SPP...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the XOOM does at least. Not sure whether it was Motorola's or Google's doing though. I use a Bluetooth to Serial adapter from Roving Networks quite successfully with it. I'm unaware of any other devices that do it.
I agree that native Android doesn't support SPP but the rfcomm library does and if it's linked into the application, SPP works.
Now if I can only find a way to use VNC to control my PPC from the Nook without going through a remote server (maybe via adhoc or BT ...)
Any device at API level 5 (2.0) or above may support BluetoothSocket, RFCOMM and therefore SPP unless the OEM did something to screw it up.
I am coming from a long history of HTC use and so I apologise if this question has an obvious answer.
Previously, if I wanted to connect to my bluetooth in the car (previously paired with), I would just hit the bluetooth button in quick settings to turn it on and that was it, just like connecting to wifi.
If I do this on my S7E, I then get another screen popping up that tells me my device is visible to others and lists previously paired devices for me to select from, and then I have push the back button to leave that screen?
Is there a simpler way as I used to do on my HTC?
cheers
C.
PS - I am sure this will be the first of a number of questions as I get used to TouchWiz and Marshmallow......Sorry.....
crazyC said:
Previously, if I wanted to connect to my bluetooth in the car (previously paired with), I would just hit the bluetooth button in quick settings to turn it on and that was it, just like connecting to wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you ever *paired* your new phone with your car?
I've only had two cars with BT in them, but in both cases the car and phone had to be paired before they would work together.
Once that was done then it would work as you expect.
Specifics of getting your *car* into pairing mode I can't help with, but once you do that you should be able to select it while scanning from the phone (as you've seen already the phone will list devices it finds) and you can finish walking through the pairing.
C0derbear said:
Have you ever *paired* your new phone with your car?
I've only had two cars with BT in them, but in both cases the car and phone had to be paired before they would work together.
Once that was done then it would work as you expect.
Specifics of getting your *car* into pairing mode I can't help with, but once you do that you should be able to select it while scanning from the phone (as you've seen already the phone will list devices it finds) and you can finish walking through the pairing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yes, it was paired with the bluetooth fine (its actually a visor BT device, not the car itself), and when I turn on the BT it shows up on the list of previously paired devices)
Don't have to make it a trusted device for it to auto-pair?
Why turn Bluetooth off at all?
Just leave it on.
Regards,
Dave
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
neezy13 said:
Don't have to make it a trusted device for it to auto-pair?
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Click to collapse
Nope, just had to be paired.
Trusted Device brings in the Smart Lock stuff, which enables the option of having your phone NOT authenticate you (pattern/pin/finger/passwd) when connected.
For example, I have my car bluetooth set as a trusted device so that when I'm driving I don't get any identity challenge to use the phone (like for navigation), the screen will just come on as requested.
Smart lock is blocked by my exchange administrator as I get my work emails on my phone.
I turn the Bluetooth on the phone off because I don't turn the one in the car off and it's just outside the house and will stay connected.
Sent from my S7 Edge
I cant find much info on this device so I figured I would ask here. I picked up one of those Carplay AI Box dongles for the car and am having an issue keeping a bluetooth connection. Im trying to connect to and ODB MX+ which is attached to my car, via bluetooth and an app like DashCommand. Only issue is everytime I restart the car I have to go into the pairing menu of DashCommand for it to reactiveate bluetooth on the Ai Box. For whatever reason it seems bluetooth just isnt staying on. Even when the app is running and its connected the bluetooth indicator on the MI Box is off.
psychoholica said:
I cant find much info on this device so I figured I would ask here. I picked up one of those Carplay AI Box dongles for the car and am having an issue keeping a bluetooth connection. Im trying to connect to and ODB MX+ which is attached to my car, via bluetooth and an app like DashCommand. Only issue is everytime I restart the car I have to go into the pairing menu of DashCommand for it to reactiveate bluetooth on the Ai Box. For whatever reason it seems bluetooth just isnt staying on. Even when the app is running and its connected the bluetooth indicator on the MI Box is off.
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Click to collapse
What device. You haven't listed what the device is details, what you've done to resolve it or what the reseller suggests.
You brought a cheap Chinese origin device and then expect support - do you realise xda isn't the seller or the support forum. What I mean by that is you have to put the effort in to get help
Wake up on the wrong side of bed today or whats your deal?
I came here asking for help which I've done multiple times over the years, never once getting such a crap response. Yes, I bought a cheap Chinese android device, have you never purchased anything from China? I bought it because from the limited info on the internet it seemed to be the fastest one out there with the Snapdragon 665 cpu. If there was a better one made my Samsung or whoever I would have bought that but they dont exist so excuse me for buying somethign from China.
Any why on earth would I assume XDA is the reseller? There are literally hundreds of thousands of threads on this site of people asking for help with something they didnt buy from XDA so no idea why the hostility.
Thanks for your worthless reply, why did you even bother?
You could try one of the 'Bluetooth auto connect' apps on the Play Store.
But what I would do is use Tasker. Setup a profile with tasks that: turns on Bluetooth, then connects to your ODB device. And set the profile to activate when the display is 'on'.
You lucked out with yours as my CarPlay AI box doesn't even allow more than one device to be paired...so I've been unable to even pair my ODB reader.