Sony admits GPS on Xperia U doesn't work without internet (with screenshot)

[mvogl]

Posting here in the hope to get some response from Sony. Like many others I have a problem - the GPS on my Xperia U only gets a lock when the phone has access to the internet.

This means when I'm overseas and don't have mobile internet I can't download a map on Google Maps and then walk around a city with the help of GPS. Something you can do on any other Android phone.

A support rep just confirmed to me in writing that the Xperia U's GPS won't work with an internet connection. Screen shot attached.

When is Sony going to do something about this? I think it's reason enough for no one to ever buy an Xperia U again.

[Uliwooly]

Indeed, an internet connection it is needed at some point. plenty of other things eh? perhaps the 2013 Xperia lineup

[mvogl]

I think you guys haven't been reading my post right - although I think I made the problem pretty clear...

I of course download maps using WIFI before I go out on the streets in a foreign city. The problem is that my Xperia U won't get a GPS fix unless it has an internet connection (or it takes absolutely ages.) So once I'm out on the streets, because I don't want to turn on 3G while roaming (high cost) -- no GPS.

@Johan Lots of users have the same problem. It's a really disappointing customer experience.

[Uliwooly]

there might be something wrong with your phone, you should take it to a sony repair center

[almas_xperiaU]

Same here...My phone has been replaced twice...and I still continue to face the same problem...no gps fix without internet even after downloading the region's map...I think all xperia Us hav this problem...sony has cheated all of us!!

[Rado77]

Guys guys guys.... your phone is OK  

1st - don't use Google Maps sh*t as I wroted on first page, but use serious navigation app

2nd - GPS fix is slow, that's normal, because without internet connection GPS must download infos about sattelites possition directly from sattelites. This takes usually appr. 2-3 minutes, but it can be longer

3rd - using internet connection your phone as first download AGPS data (by file gps.conf) from network server(s) which is fast. Network server(s) answers to your phone about time and possition of sattelites and GPS is able to fix till 10 seconds

That's whole problem. Your GPS will fix anywhere on this planet, but you have to wait sometimes 5 minutes, and sometimes more (without internet connection of course). Just wait, find clear sky and be patient. And don't use Google Maps sh*t !!!

[Uliwooly]

5minutes? reallly? it doesn't take that long with my phones even google maps; w/ data plan and wifi off, it takes seconds.

[Rado77]

Yes it can be also seconds. My GPS fixes till 10 seconds for example (official 6.1.1.C.1.0 received through SUS). I remember on my 1st fw .184 wehre I waited 2-3 minutes for GPS fix. And now it's 10 seconds. The same phone. But you can google or Wiki regarding standard GPS working - fix for mobile devices (without AGPS) can be seconds, but also 2-3 minutes or more. This is GPS standard.

We can also confirm our GPS functionality by app GPS TEST

[JulioGeordio]

Google maps is very good. remember is is FREE!  Name me a good free map which comes close?

[jatinrungta]

Not any but it is a ram eater