back in business

My mobile computer is back in action with the latest hacked software.  It's running oh so smooth and fast.  I originally hacked my phone back in March but about a month ago my number one app, the Opera Mobile browser, started crashing after 5 seconds. And the device would freeze up on me many times a day. I had to do soft resets all day long and sometimes more than once at a time. Without Opera Mobile, I had to use Pocket IE (PIE) with no iphone-like finger scroll or tabs! I felt like I was back in 2005. I don't think I'm necessarily that busy of a guy but for some reason it took about a month to find the time to fix.

After a bunch of research to make sure I won't end up with a useless brick and a few initial stumbles I got it updated with the latest OS and radio ROMs.  It works quite well.  Apparently Verizon did release a WM6.1 update but the GPS only works with the Verizon Navigator app.  So this hacked release doesn't use whatever code is on that official Verizon update, rather I believe it is derived from the XV6900.  I documented my steps this time so I can make quick updates in the future.

Some day when I have more time I'll get the aGPS working.  Currently it takes a few minutes for the GPS to get a fix and it only works outside.  It is possible to get it to work instantly and indoors with some added configuration.

The guy who created this hacked ROM included remote desktop and internet tethering.  It has improved memory management and unnecessary applications removed.  I installed a little flashlight app that lets me use my camera flash as a flashlight.  That would have come in handy as I checked a friend's oil level in the dark two nights ago.

I can't wait for Firefox Mobile and Opera Mobile 9.5 to be released.