topic Re: Problem with GPS in M Series

Problem with GPS

Petr — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 07:29:33 GMT

I have problem with using of GPS. When I am using my endomondo it fixed the location, but after few minutes it just loses the gps signal on the open road under clear sky and looks like it remains in search mode. It never fix position again. I need to manualy disable GPS. And after enabling it will fixed within few seconds. Unfortunatelly this problem occurs randomly and always I have to do this GPS disable/enable procedure. And this is really annoying.

Similar behaviour happen with other software like Sygic navi or GPS test

Is there any help? New firmware? Anything?

I am using Xperiam M Dual

model c2005

android 4.2.2

kernel 3.4.0

build number 15.2.A.1.12 (latest in our country)

Thank you

Re: Problem with GPS

Stephan_F — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 07:46:46 GMT

I have the same problem.

I have done like mentioned in the support forum, GPS.

I also installed the APP AndroiTS GPS Test Free (very good!) to see the status and signal strength of the GPS.

All was working well, good signal and more than 10 satellites (also in car and inside a building).

Have tested it and it worked well.

But suddenly no signal any more. Sometimes it is working a long time, sometimes it crashes after some minutes.

I had to switch GPS OFF, wait some seconds and switch GPS ON again and it works again.

For me it looks more like a software problem, hardware seems to work with good sensitivity.

Re: Problem with GPS

Stephan_F — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 07:51:57 GMT

here is the link:

http://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/FAQ/GPS/m-p/351902#U351902

Re: Problem with GPS

Stephan_F — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 15:26:16 GMT

Hi,

I have tested 3 days to find out what the problem with the GPS is.

I used the APP Androids GAPS Test Free to see the status and signal strength of the GAPS.

Before I have done like mentioned here:

http://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/FAQ/GPS/m-p/351902#U351902

If I use the GPS at fixed positions like in my office the sensitivity of the GAPS receiver is good.

Have tested it in car and it worked well, too.

The problem happens only if the GAPS signal is lost.

Then the EXPIRE M dual can not find the GAPS again.
Sometimes you can see 1 or 2 satellites, but not more.

If you switch GPS OFF, wait some seconds and switch ON again it works until it looses the satellites.

To simulate loosing of satellites I have put the XPERIA into a good shielding metal box.

Every time I have done this the GPS crashed and had to be restarted.

Seems to be a software problem if the connection to the satellites is lost.

Looks like it searches with lower sensitivity ???

Has anyone else the same experience?

Stephan

Re: Problem with GPS

Petr — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 09:35:11 GMT

It looks like that nobody from SONY would like to solve this issue. This problem is known for more than half year and we still do not have solution. Even though the GPS is not usable.

I am going to return this phone and buy different dualsim.

Re: Problem with GPS

Antonyt56 — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 11:43:53 GMT

I contacted Sony both through the contact form on their website and by calling up their UK help centre and in both cases the best support I could get was that Sony was not aware of any issues with Xperia GPS and that I should 'Repair' my phone using the instructions below (these were emailed to me):

"Thank you for contacting the Sony Xperia support centre.

We are sorry to hear of the issues you are experiencing with GPS on your Sony Xperia M.

We would suggest that you try to perform a repair of the software using PC Companion. If the issue is related to a problem with your software this will be repaired and your handset will work as intended. To do this, you will need to install PC Companion from the Sony Xperia website. Please follow the steps below to do this:

1. Go to sonymobile . com

2. Select Support

3. Choose your handset from the drop down list

4. Select "View All Software Updates"

5. Download for PC

6. Check the requirements and then "Download PC Companion"

To then perform a repair on your handsets software, please follow the steps below:

1. Open PC Companion

2. Start 'Support Zone'

3. Select Phone Software Updates

4. At this point a pop up will appear on screen asking you to connect your handset while powered on, as the software repair needs the handset to be switched off please ignore these connection instructions and click on the blue link which states "Repair Phone”

5. Some on screen steps will now appear for you to follow. Please also connect the handset when you are prompted to do so.

6. When you are asked to connect the handset (still with the phone powered off) please press and hold the key stated on screen for 30 seconds before connecting the handset and keep it held down as you connect

7. The repair process should now begin.

Please ensure your handset is not connected to your PC when performing the above as you will be instructed to connect your handset once you have followed the above steps. Your handset must also remain powered off at all times.

Please note it may be the case that user data is lost during this upgrade. We therefore recommend backing up any data to your SIM card, Memory Stick, or PC before upgrading.

Please be aware that if an update to a later version of Android has become available for your Sony Ericsson Xperia handset the new version may be installed. If this is the case you may notice some differences in the functionality of your handset when updating. All information regarding these changes can be viewed on the following link. We would recommend reading through this before updating."

Has anyone else tried 'repairing' their phone and if so did this fix the problem for you?

Re: Problem with GPS

samuelan — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 09:51:58 GMT

Same problem for me with the Xperia M single SIM

The sensitivity of the GPS is good, but after 5-10m or after passing under a bridge, the GPS signal is lost and never come back...

I have call the Support, they say that I have to use the update service, but I'm not sure that it will resolve the problem...

An other call to the support, and they say that I have to return my phone... But I'm sure that this is not a hardware problem!

If somebody has a solution...

Re: Problem with GPS

Petr — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 09:34:21 GMT

I have tried upper mention process with reinstaling software with PC companion. But after succesfull repair there is still same behavior of GPS.

Rapair do not help with GPS problem.

Re: Problem with GPS

Stephan_F — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 12:41:52 GMT

I have the same experiance, all the infos from support center did not solve the problem.

Only restarting GPS helps (sometimes for some minute only).

I think it is a software problem because after restarting it works until the GPS signal is lost again.

Re: Problem with GPS

Antonyt56 — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 10:23:35 GMT

From my reading it seems as though this is a Jellybean bug - http://www.androidcentral.com/psa-galaxy-nexus-gps-problems-jelly-bean-theres-easy-fix

There is a fix in that article for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and perhaps it could work for the Xperia M, I just updated my phone to Jellybean 4.3 yesterday and tried the fix mentioned in the article linked above but have yet to test out my GPS, I'll update if I experience the same problem again.

Re: Problem with GPS

Balthasar — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 07:56:25 GMT

hoped after update to 4.3. gps will be fixed too, but still not working properly.

Looses connection and let me hang without orientation in the jungle.

As a navigation in car, its unusable (google maps).

Re: Problem with GPS

cwthomas — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 15:44:08 GMT

I would be interested to if anyone has managed to resolve this issue, as a keen runner I find it hugely frustrating that the GPS tracking does not function and certainly would not have purchased the Xperia M had I known of this problem.

Re: Problem with GPS

twm — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 10:33:10 GMT

I have the exact same problem and have noticed that removing any covers from the phone drastically increases gps signal.

Basically i could never signal indoors, which I thought was normal but after removing my cover I get excellent indoor signal according to Endomondo

Re: Problem with GPS

MarekJuju — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 15:57:49 GMT

I think I've found a solution:

1. Latest software: 15.4.A.0.23

2. Turn on everything in Location Services

3. Use some app that constantly measures satellite signal strength (for example 'Satellite Check') thus preventing GPS signal loss

4. Open your fitness app after the signal stabilizes

I use it for mountain biking and last 4-5 rides everything's ok.

This is a hardware problem, GPS antenna is too weak...

Re: Problem with GPS

cwthomas — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 20:07:51 GMT

I returned my phone to Sony UK for repair, hopefully the phone will be returned with fully functioning GPS (if not I will be requesting a replacmnt unit / model).

Re: Problem with GPS

twm — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 06:28:51 GMT

@MarekJuju wrote:
I think I've found a solution:
1. Latest software: 15.4.A.0.23
2. Turn on everything in Location Services
3. Use some app that constantly measures satellite signal strength (for example 'Satellite Check') thus preventing GPS signal loss
4. Open your fitness app after the signal stabilizes
I use it for mountain biking and last 4-5 rides everything's ok.
This is a hardware problem, GPS antenna is too weak...

I can confirm the method working also with Jellybean 4.1 as I now managed to track 50km successfully during cycling.

Re: Problem with GPS

Antonyt56 — Thu, 01 May 2014 20:29:19 GMT

@cwthomas wrote:
I returned my phone to Sony UK for repair, hopefully the phone will be returned with fully functioning GPS (if not I will be requesting a replacmnt unit / model).

Good luck, Sony don't care. I went through the exact same process only to have my phone returned to me last week with the GPS still not working (I think all they had done at the repair centre was reset the phone and maybe install a newer version of jellybean 4.3). I then phoned Sony to complain and they said all they could do is a manufacturer's repair under the warranty, which is what I just had had the phone returned from! Useless. Basically, as I explained to the Sony customer services lady, this is an issue (unless the poster above is correct which I don't beleive he/she is but I will try the fix all the same just to see) with android jellybean 4.3, which people have been complaining about for ages on google support forums (https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/maps/GAiqqqTlbIY%5B1-25-false%5D)

@cwthomas, keep us posted on how you get on asking ffor a replacement as if you manage to get them to give you a replacement model not on Jellybean 4.3 I will get them to give me one too.

I came acros another possible fix here (http://www.askstudent.com/how-to/solved-searching-for-gps-issue-on-nexus-4-or-android-phones/ - look for Matt Hill's comment in the comments at the bottom of the page), which I've just tried tonight so I'll feedback to say if it works.

The most important question is IF and WHEN Sony Xperia M will be getting kitkat update. Does anyone know, a poster on these boards seems to think it will be sometime this year (http://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/Xperia-M-M-dual/Sony-Xperia-M-Going-To-Get-Android-4-4-Kitkat-Soon/m-p/616923/highlight/true#M5151)?

Re: Problem with GPS

cwthomas — Fri, 02 May 2014 14:58:22 GMT

My phone arrived back today, GPS still not working, presently en route back to Sony - decidedly unimpressed by the service from Sony so far....

Re: Problem with GPS

cwthomas — Fri, 02 May 2014 18:46:41 GMT

@Antonyt56 wrote:
@cwthomas wrote:
I returned my phone to Sony UK for repair, hopefully the phone will be returned with fully functioning GPS (if not I will be requesting a replacmnt unit / model).

Good luck, Sony don't care. I went through the exact same process only to have my phone returned to me last week with the GPS still not working (I think all they had done at the repair centre was reset the phone and maybe install a newer version of jellybean 4.3). I then phoned Sony to complain and they said all they could do is a manufacturer's repair under the warranty, which is what I just had had the phone returned from! Useless. Basically, as I explained to the Sony customer services lady, this is an issue (unless the poster above is correct which I don't beleive he/she is but I will try the fix all the same just to see) with android jellybean 4.3, which people have been complaining about for ages on google support forums (https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/maps/GAiqqqTlbIY%5B1-25-false%5D)
@cwthomas, keep us posted on how you get on asking ffor a replacement as if you manage to get them to give you a replacement model not on Jellybean 4.3 I will get them to give me one too.
I came acros another possible fix here (http://www.askstudent.com/how-to/solved-searching-for-gps-issue-on-nexus-4-or-android-phones/ - look for Matt Hill's comment in the comments at the bottom of the page), which I've just tried tonight so I'll feedback to say if it works.
The most important question is IF and WHEN Sony Xperia M will be getting kitkat update. Does anyone know, a poster on these boards seems to think it will be sometime this year (http://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/Xperia-M-M-dual/Sony-Xperia-M-Going-To-Get-Android-4-4-Kitkat-Soon/m-p/616923/highlight/true#M5151)?

My issues are pretty much the same as those explaind in the 4th post on page one of this thread, I reckon this issue relates to the Xperia M as opposed to 4.3

Reading through this thread makes for pretty damning reading re so called 'support' from Sony, they appear to have been aware of the issue for a number of months and for whatever reason are failing to rectify - it should not be up to the customer to find 'work around' solutions - the product should work straight from the box.

I'll see what the the next week or so brings, in the meantime if someone from Sony could post the email address for the deparment that deals with complaints it would be appreciated.

Re: Problem with GPS

Antonyt56 — Sat, 03 May 2014 20:23:35 GMT

@cwthomas wrote:
@Antonyt56 wrote:
@cwthomas wrote:
I returned my phone to Sony UK for repair, hopefully the phone will be returned with fully functioning GPS (if not I will be requesting a replacmnt unit / model).

Good luck, Sony don't care. I went through the exact same process only to have my phone returned to me last week with the GPS still not working (I think all they had done at the repair centre was reset the phone and maybe install a newer version of jellybean 4.3). I then phoned Sony to complain and they said all they could do is a manufacturer's repair under the warranty, which is what I just had had the phone returned from! Useless. Basically, as I explained to the Sony customer services lady, this is an issue (unless the poster above is correct which I don't beleive he/she is but I will try the fix all the same just to see) with android jellybean 4.3, which people have been complaining about for ages on google support forums (https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/maps/GAiqqqTlbIY%5B1-25-false%5D)
@cwthomas, keep us posted on how you get on asking ffor a replacement as if you manage to get them to give you a replacement model not on Jellybean 4.3 I will get them to give me one too.
I came acros another possible fix here (http://www.askstudent.com/how-to/solved-searching-for-gps-issue-on-nexus-4-or-android-phones/ - look for Matt Hill's comment in the comments at the bottom of the page), which I've just tried tonight so I'll feedback to say if it works.
The most important question is IF and WHEN Sony Xperia M will be getting kitkat update. Does anyone know, a poster on these boards seems to think it will be sometime this year (http://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/Xperia-M-M-dual/Sony-Xperia-M-Going-To-Get-Android-4-4-Kitkat-Soon/m-p/616923/highlight/true#M5151)?
My issues are pretty much the same as those explaind in the 4th post on page one of this thread, I reckon this issue relates to the Xperia M as opposed to 4.3
Reading through this thread makes for pretty damning reading re so called 'support' from Sony, they appear to have been aware of the issue for a number of months and for whatever reason are failing to rectify - it should not be up to the customer to find 'work around' solutions - the product should work straight from the box.
I'll see what the the next week or so brings, in the meantime if someone from Sony could post the email address for the deparment that deals with complaints it would be appreciated.

Noone from Sony will comment on these threads, I've made them aware of the threads several times, they just do not care. I don't think it's an Xperia M issue, if you look at the first link in my previous post you'll see that the exact issue has been occuring across a vareity of devices all sharing one commonality - they are running jellybean 4.3. Sadly the Xperia M is the only phone that meets all of my needs, otherwise I would have made a chargeback request with my credit card provider, gotten the money back for my phone and bought a differernt phone and as a result of the standard of customer service I've recevied in this case I will never buy a Sony product where there is a suitable alternative and I will also advise my family and friends to do the same (no wonder the company is going down the pan - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-27234511). Fundamentally this is a Google/Android issue in that they've released an OS with a faulty GPS and have done nothing to fix it, despite countless numbers of people complaining to them (again, see the first link in my previous post). Unfortunately this is what happens when virtual monopolies arise, I mean what else are people who can't afford whatver it is for an iPhone £500-600, going to use? A windows phone or a blackberry? Hmmmmmm......