hello everyone! new eris user with a few questions

[matt0590]

first i would like to say this is a very good and user friendly forum, i have read the stickys up top and they have really helped me out with my phone so i would like to thank everyone who took the time to put those together

my first question is, i sort of understand rooting but not to the fullest extent. i know we are all anxiously waiting to get 2.0 or the 2.1 update but will i have to root to get those updates? will i be okay if i just dont root and wait till the updates are released?

my second question is will the google maps app be improved? i do have a garmin and i love it but there are times where i have used google maps on random road trips that i take with my friends, finding partys to go to etc and they have all led me long ways and i know for a fact that there were shorter ways to get to my destination...will it have turn by turn also?

thank you for taking the time reading my thread and sorry if these have been answered already...just introducing myself

 

[soulfetcher13]

First question is user preference. If the cost benefit risk is worth taking in your opinion, then go for it. There will be plenty of help in these threads let me tell you. The second one maybe unclear. We should get turn by turn, but I would think Google maps, the performance and route selection wouldn't change much. It's still giving you directions, just speaking them to you in the next iteration. But again, I am unclear on this. Welcome to our party.

 

[sic4672]

first i would like to say this is a very good and user friendly forum, i have read the stickys up top and they have really helped me out with my phone so i would like to thank everyone who took the time to put those together

my first question is, i sort of understand rooting but not to the fullest extent. i know we are all anxiously waiting to get 2.0 or the 2.1 update but will i have to root to get those updates? will i be okay if i just dont root and wait till the updates are released?

my second question is will the google maps app be improved? i do have a garmin and i love it but there are times where i have used google maps on random road trips that i take with my friends, finding partys to go to etc and they have all led me long ways and i know for a fact that there were shorter ways to get to my destination...will it have turn by turn also?

thank you for taking the time reading my thread and sorry if these have been answered already...just introducing myself

1. No, you do not have to root to get the 2.1 OTA updated that will be issued by Verizon. Now basically what rooting will accomplish is allowing you into the deepest parts of the OS. Many people want root to install a custom ROM on their device. These ROMs are made by community enthusiasts and talented programmers. They can have the bloat shipped with the Eris stripped out and run more effeiciently, but this all depends on the skill of the programmer. As posted above, the choice is yours; however, if you are not tech savvy and don't want to risk damaging your phone beyond repair then just wait for Verizon to release the official OTA update.

2. The new ROM issued by verizon will have an updated version of Google maps that includes the navigation function (turn by turn spoken directions as with a stand alone GPS unit). The maps themselves are stored on Google's servers and not locally on your phone (hence why you need a data connection for the navigation feature). The maps are updated by google and your program will have access to those updated maps without installing anything new. This is a benefit of Google maps navigation since you won't have to spend money on updated maps as you do with a standard GPS unit.

I hope I was able to answer your questions. If you have anything else, feel free to PM me. BTW, usually Google maps works better for me then my stand alone GPS. If you don't mind me asking, where do you live?

 

[carmendiva]

Hope you enjoy your eris hon

 

[LittleMissSunshine]

Just so you're aware, If you root your Eris, it's just like jailbreaking an Iphone, it voids the warranty, so if your Eris bricks, or doesn't function down the road, they will not help you.

 

[JohnnyThumbz]

Welcome to the forums!

 

[wilceaux]

I would also add that you make sure your GPS is enabled when using Google Maps, for better accuracy.

 

[matt0590]

thanks for all the help guys, im loving the phone so far im probably not going to root

 

[matt0590]

1. No, you do not have to root to get the 2.1 OTA updated that will be issued by Verizon. Now basically what rooting will accomplish is allowing you into the deepest parts of the OS. Many people want root to install a custom ROM on their device. These ROMs are made by community enthusiasts and talented programmers. They can have the bloat shipped with the Eris stripped out and run more effeiciently, but this all depends on the skill of the programmer. As posted above, the choice is yours; however, if you are not tech savvy and don't want to risk damaging your phone beyond repair then just wait for Verizon to release the official OTA update.

2. The new ROM issued by verizon will have an updated version of Google maps that includes the navigation function (turn by turn spoken directions as with a stand alone GPS unit). The maps themselves are stored on Google's servers and not locally on your phone (hence why you need a data connection for the navigation feature). The maps are updated by google and your program will have access to those updated maps without installing anything new. This is a benefit of Google maps navigation since you won't have to spend money on updated maps as you do with a standard GPS unit.

I hope I was able to answer your questions. If you have anything else, feel free to PM me. BTW, usually Google maps works better for me then my stand alone GPS. If you don't mind me asking, where do you live?

i live in L.A county mins away from los angeles lol and my garmin is always much more on point with giving better routes