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GSM/Network based location

wmr1980

Lurker
Hi guys,

Something I've noticed since upgrading (I haven't done a reset yet as I'm still getting used to JB) to Jelly bean is as follows:

Location services don't seem to work when updating from the GSM network. For example I have a weather widget, or facebook location for example.

Before the upgrade, the phone was able to give me my location based on my GSM network without having to turn GPS on.

Currently, it only works if I'm connected to wifi network or if I have GPS turned on. I have location based services enabled from "use wireless networks".

I don't want to leave GPS on as it's a drain on the battery.

Oddly, google maps does seem to be able to use my GSM-based location.
Am I right that it's probably down to the apps not working well with Jelly Bean?

Surely I shouldn't have to enable GPS or HAVE to be on wifi network to get some location service working?
 
Have you rebooted since updating? I had the same problem - Google maps knew where I was but apps didn't. Works fine after restarting
 
Have you rebooted since updating? I had the same problem - Google maps knew where I was but apps didn't. Works fine after restarting

I'll sometimes even reboot after installing a bunch of apps- I certainly would reboot after an OS update. I use to do a lot of flashing ROMs on my previous phone and things would often be a little wonky when a new ROM first booted up- a restart almost always set things right.

Also, as Heisenberg says, leaving your GPS toggled on should not hurt your battery life- you essentially are just allowing apps to turn GPS on if they need it, after which they should turn it back off..
 
Thanks for the link re: GPS. Very interesting. :)

I have indeed rebooted the phone. When upgrading to JB, however, I was surprised (pleasantly) that it didn't reset everything or delete all my software. However, the GSM based network doesn't seem to update as it did.

However, since GPS doesn't use battery - then I may as well leave it on. My battery lasts a good 20hrs anyway, and always carry a fully charged spare battery - so I'm not overly bothered about battery consumption - I made that comment, as it seemed frivolous leaving something on unnecessarily, but as you've graciously explained - it's ok!

Thanks for your help. :)

I would be interested to understand why location services only seem to be working on Wifi and GPS rather than GSM based data though....

Eitherway I'm grateful for your answers :)
 
If you leave gps on I'd be interested to know if you get 'gpsd' using up battery on the battery page of settings. I'd never seen it before jelly bean but have this gpsd pop up ever since if I leave gps on so I'm leaving it off unless I need it
 
Well I shall try as of Thursday when I'm back in an office with no wifi. Let's see how it goes and report back. :)
 
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