Palm Pre has GPS issues, no fix in sight

Palm Pre Plus buyers are reporting that the recently purchased phone doesn't have GPS functionality in Google Maps. The Verizon device will not find a GPS signal when in the Google Services menu from the Location Services option and the user's location cannot be determined. A return trip to Verizon reportedly yielded no favorable results either.

One user says he's from a largely populated city, and his wife's iPhone has no trouble with finding GPS signals. Some believe the problem is just Verizon locking out the feature in order to encourage buyers to subscribe to Verizon's VZ Navigator service, though this isn't likely as the company doesn't do the same for Android or other recent smartphones.

Other users had success in fixing this issue by turning off Google Services, then power-cycling the GPS while another went as far as to remove the battery before restarting the GPS in the software. The problem is believed to be caused by the GPS' tendency to go to sleep mode in order to enhance battery life.

Another issue being reported with the Pre Plus' GPS capabilities is its inaccuracy, with reports putting it at up to a half mile away. Verizon has not yet commented on the problem or revealed any plans to address it. If unintentional, the issue is expected to be fixed with a future firmware update. [via PreCentral]

By Electronista Staff