Unlock the Omnia GPS
Modern smart phones often include impressive processing power and advanced functionality, but wireless carriers sometimes prevent users from accessing all of a phone's built-in features. The Samsung Omnia is a perfect example, because its GPS functionality was locked for handsets sold and serviced through Verizon Wireless for months after its initial release. Fortunately, in July 2009, Samsung released updated software that unlocks the Omnia GPS for use by third-party applications. Omnia owners who have not yet unlocked their phone's GPS can do so by downloading and installing the new, free software.
Instructions
1. Visit the Samsung CF03 Software Upgrade page (see References), and scroll down to the section for Windows XP or Windows Vista, as appropriate.
2. Click the image or link for your Windows operating system.
3. Click the link to download and save the SCH-i910 Upgrade Tool for your operating system.
4. Install the Windows Mobile Device Center (for Vista) or ActiveSync (for XP). If you already have the application installed, you do not need to reinstall it as part of the software upgrade. For help with this step, click the "How do I...?" link.
5. Connect your Omnia to your PC with a USB cable. If necessary, set up a standard partnership to allow the devices to communicate.
6. Choose the types of files and information you want to back up (by copying them from your Omnia to your PC), and then synchronize the devices. Be sure to back up anything you want to save, as the software upgrade will completely erase your user data.
7. Close all open programs, and then double-click the SCH-i910 User Upgrade Tool icon to begin the software upgrade.
8. Read and click through the end-user license agreement, upgrade overview and reminder to back up your data.
9. Follow the onscreen instructions to change your Omnia's USB connection settings.
10. Use the Omnia stylus to push the reset button located in the hole next to the power button on the top of the phone.
11. Leave your phone on and connected while the software upgrade takes place, which may require 10 minutes or more.
12. Click "Finish" to quit the Upgrade Tool. Your Omnia should automatically restart.
13. Sync your Omnia with your PC to restore the data and files you saved to your PC in Step 6.
Tags: your Omnia, software upgrade, Upgrade Tool, Omnia your, operating system