HTC Desire GPS problem – fix expected soon
HTC have issued a short press release regarding a problem with the GPS function on the HTC Desire. Users on the Android forums on the Whirlpool website have also been talking about the issue today. Owners of the new Android phone have reported that the GPS lock is slow to lock, and when the lock does occur the feature only works intermittently, or the GPS lock simply does not work at all.
A user on the forum, Peter@Telstra, who I take to be Telstra spokesperson/media contact Peter Symons, has also posted on the Whirpool forum, and said this:
We hope to release both a patch that can be applied over-the-air as well as a full ROM download. Details of where and how to get the update will be made available when they are finalised.
I had a pre-production model of the HTC Desire to test last week, and this issue was not evident in my usage.
Peter also posted the following on the Whirlpool forum a little later:
The design of the Telstra ROM and the introduction of incorrect GPS settings are unrelated. It was simply an unfortunate mistake that took place in the factory.
Below is the full text of the HTC press release:
Regarding GPS function on the HTC Desire in Australia
HTC and Telstra have been made aware of an issue relating to the GPS function on the HTC Desire smartphone in Australia.
After investigating customer reports we have found that the software for this feature is set up incorrectly. The device’s GPS hardware is not affected and will operate once a minor software update is made.
HTC and Telstra are working closely to resolve this issue as a matter of urgency and aim to rectify this issue in the shortest possible timeframe. Currently, we are working to develop, test and introduce a software update and will continue to update customers on our progress on a regular basis until this has been resolved.
We are committed to ensuring excellent quality and user experience for all our customers, and we regret any inconvenience caused to our customers.
Update: word, and date from Telstra
Telstra have sent the following email to HTC Desire purchasers:
“We have had an update on the HTC Desire released to us, I thought you should know.
GPS feature on HTC Desire:
HTC and Telstra have been made aware of an issue relating to the GPS function on the HTC Desire smartphone in Australia.
After investigating customer reports we have found that the software for this feature is set up incorrectly.
This means the HTC Desire is currently unable to operate GPS navigation. The device’s GPS hardware, however, is not affected and will operate once a minor software update is made.
We are working as quickly as possible to develop, test and introduce the software upgrade.
We expect to have this update available by next Friday, 30 April 2010.
Unfortunately this fault was introduced during production of the commercial version of the device. Testing by Telstra, HTC and Google showed that the GPS functionality working well prior to this.
HTC and Telstra apologise for any inconvenience or frustration this may cause our customers.
We have been assured that a software update to activate this feature will be made available shortly.
This software update will occur either over the air (wirelessly) or via an update customers need to download via their PC.
Customers will be notified of the update’s availability and how to access it via a text message.
Customers can also check in with the HTC Australia technical team on 1300 482 482 for assistance. Service hours are 8am to 8pm (AEST).”
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