yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Dnorwood:
Okay, so I was one that said GPS wouldn't find a satellite after the update. Well I rebooted, started GPS test, and ended up finding satellites and locking even. I took some screen shots, and interestingly immediately after the system took the picture, all satellites were lost and it had to re find them. While I did have wifi on (need to download almanac data), I had never gotten a lock before. This was also sitting in my living room, not near a window.

I attached the pictures of the consecutive tests as like I said the system would lose lock after each screen cap.

Now on maps, it still had me in my neighborhood, but not right at my home. So the real world use for navigation might not be great.

Still not completely happy with it as my friend's Xoom can pinpoint me to approximate location in my house.

Just my experiences, still not reliable enough imho.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] BarryH_GEG:
It's the guy with "super glue screen mod" that did that. He hasn't resonded yet to the request for a vid. It might not even be him and his Prime in that picture. Poor Prime, it certainly looks molested. :(
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] n11:
Nice job on the video but you're not quite there yet. Mine has seen the same improvement in finding and locking sats while indoors. However...you need to run two more tests to see if it is 'working'.

1) Continue the test you just ran and just let it sit there. Do the locks stay in place or does it lose all of them on a random basis and then recover?

2) Run the exact same test with the TF201 in your car while moving (in the hands of a passenger). Does it hold the sats while driving? Alternatively you can use Google Navigation and see if it navigates properly.

I've run both tests and both failed. We have some improvement...but...at least in my case, there is

not

a working solution. One of the most frustrating elements of this gps fiasco is that well meaning people go through various stages where they think that gps is working. I'll look forward to seeing it really working...when it does.

Thanks again for the video.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] don_cheadle:
If that's what's needed for this thing to be a workable product, might as well pack it in and wait for a company that isn't completely retarded to step up to the plate.

I'm still so amazed ASUS could screw up so badly.

---------- Post added at 09:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:40 PM ----------

Gonna need more than that. Most people aren't even getting accurate readings under 60 feet. Try a half mile.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Walkamo:
Relax, I was asked by another forum member (Skeptical) to try this test and I did... Just shared the results.. No need to be an ass about it..

Walkamo
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] BarryH_GEG:
And you won't. Kobal, the **** that posted the pic, photoshopped it. Someone's got way too much time on their hands and doesn't seem well socialized. :mad: I on the other hand am obviously gullible.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] don_cheadle:
LULZ.

What a jack ass.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Walkamo:
Thanks for the info... I will try those other two tests....

Walkamo
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] skeptikal:
I agree that it may not be fixed but it is definitely a marked improvement which gives me hope. After watching Walkamos video I tried mine and it will now lock a bunch of Sats indoors where it wouldn't before. My video is uploading to YT now. I will test driving tomorrow. I'll be alone so I can't video that but will report back anyway.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] n11:
Agreed...we have progress. Now we have to get to the goal line...hopefully.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] skeptikal:
Honestly, prior to the update I could not lock satellites in my house using your standards. After the update I lock satellites in my house. That to me is an improvement and maybe even an ah ha moment. ;)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] aawshads:
i was in the same boat, could not get GPS to lock at all. after update it gets solid lock on 11, and gave me navigation in a quick drive around my neighborhood. much improved. I will test over longer distance tomorrow.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] richardirv:
Well unfortunately after the update yesterday my Prime's GPS is still not working, I have not had 1 successful lock on since receiving it. The most I have seen is 1 satellite in Copilot. :mad:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] slugbug2010:
Zero locks indoors before. Now I can lock on 7 in under 30 seconds and "see" 11. But even being stationary it struggles to stay locked on 3 indoors and then only if I'm on one side of my small place. I'm never really far from windows (only about 800 square ft, lots of windowsand exterior walls, top floor). When I went to my wrap around balcony, I am was happy it found signal but again it varied greatly depending on which side I was on.

Much improved over finding zero unassisted before that's for sure!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dakine:
It looks like exactly the same bs as when Samsung released the i9000, months of software bandaids and tweaks while the problem was just a poorly designed antenna connector that was failing on about half the devices. Samsung quietly revised the hardware whitout really acknowledging their error. My sgs still has ducttape jammed between its cover and gps antenna. Anyway different device same crap. Dont believe that a tablet (even one with a metal back) cant have proper gps reception.

Sent from my my i9000 running CM or MIUI
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] the_game_master:
wow,
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dakine:
lol I thought it was funny I mean someone starting a thread claming its the best tablet ever and that superglue is a perfectly acceptable "feature" is obviously poking some fun. Even more hilarious are the replies of the people that took it seriously.

Sent from my my i9000 running CM or MIUI
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Col.Kernel:
Well you make me feel better anyway. I took him seriously enough to flag his OP for Ironfist. Tho I didn't respond to him directly, one of the fanboi brigade grabbed his baton and started highstepping right behind him, and that I did deal with.

So damn sick of the ignorant trolls, I didn't know he was spoofing fun at the idiots.

I notice my little stalker is gone too. I flagged about 4 or 5 of his posts for Ironfist as well.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] zoro25:
Incar GPS test. of the Prime = Fail

Youtube Video here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9KImA9eZ0U

Not a good sign .

I'm running the firmware 8.8.3.33 GPS version 5.8.13 which I think is also the latest.

Boo-Hiss no good.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] n11:
Your video demonstrates the real world problem with gps on the TF201...thanks.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] shinzz:
Post from Asus Facebook:

"ASUS

Official statement on bootloader for the Prime coming in a bit. Hang on tight guys.

In the mean time, relax."

Too bad they didn't include or mention anything about GPS =/ Are responding to Bootloader but continues to ignore GPS issue (except by removing GPS from Prime specification).
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] fingery:
Cracking service from Asus UK!

Phoned them this morning to report the poor Wi-Fi performance and complete lack of GPS functionality so they get visibility of issues.

Not sure what i was expecting but all i got asked was if i'd done a factory reset and software updates. When i told the lady i had, i was asked where purchased. This resulted in a couple of minutes on hold only to be told 'I have checked and the store you purchased from has a 28 day return policy. I advise you to take it back and ask for a refund'.

Fair enough. That's one Prime on it's way back as a return for one 'lucky' punter to pick up shortly as ex display or refurb stock. Given the above it seems that ASUS are refusing to acknowledge any fundamental flaw in the Prime.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] nxp3:
I know it's possible to tether blutooth GPS as I've seen done on otehr devices, but I will not ever try that on the prime. That only means I've given up on the prime's GPS. We pay 500 for this thing, it should work reasonably well without us having to stand in a cornfield, tiptoed on one leg.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] R3GUL8OR:
Yea I returned mine on thusday. Not just over GPS issues, but mine had some really odd qwirks with WiFi and some of the native applications. So I returned it back to Best Buy. Which really sucks because i had really pumped myself up for this tablet. But oh well. Maybe I'll wait a bit and revisit.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Wordlywisewiz:
It's solved Asus said it's the backplate
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Ciddy:
Got a link for that? I cant seem to find Asus there to save my life... Only local dependencies, no Asus USA...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] shinzz:
https://www.facebook.com/ASUS

Asus of Taiwan admitted that it is the backplate that's causing the GPS issue. Oh, and they aren't planning to do anything about it...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] max1001:
I am curious to know how many of us have ZERO satellite visiable let alone get a lock outdoor even with WIFI connected because I am in that boat. I have try every tricks people have posted in this thread and have applied the latest update.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] djsaad1:
Its a little odd that it would just be a back plate issue since the gps is working in some devices.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] n11:
Please define 'working' and provide support for your statement...good luck.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] The_Ninjak:
Well, that's just great. I suppose this means we'll now have to see if some brave soul wants to drill some holes into the backing of the unit with a dremel or perform some other kind of mod to confirm whether or not that solves the reception problem. First my Asus G73JW laptop may now need a third motherboard replacement, now this. *sigh*
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] gabsi55:
Official statement to the GPS issue available on facebook Asus
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] madpoet:
I love how they are saying they dropped it from the marketing material so oh well. Funny, when I pre-ordered 6 weeks ago it certainly seemed to still be there.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] daymz:
For those of you who don't go on Facebook's ASUS page. Taken from https://www.facebook.com/ASUS?sk=wall

Bad news, it's now official, the Transformer Prime no longer has a GPS (no longer a supported, spec'd or advertised feature). This solves the dilemna. Users who absolutely need GPS in a tablet should return the unit and get a refund; and wait for another Tegra3 (or similar) tablet.

Good news #1, the Bootloader will be unlocked via a tool provided by ASUS.

Good news #2, Ice Cream Sandwich will be available starting on January 12th.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] nxp3:
It's solved when my GPS is working, if they think it's the backplate then that's just a hypothesis. And how the hell did they not test the GPS? Somehow I don't believe the answer.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Cozmo85:
What GPS? asus doesn't acknowledge you have GPS anymore.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] nxp3:
Saying it isn't there doesn't solve the problem. Get my GPS working because when I bought it, it said there was a GPS. The GPS is a big integral of the device which many things depend on....without it it's only worth 400. So unless they refund my money, please give me my 500 back and take the tablet. I'll wait to pay 500 for the next quad core tablet with working GPS. Asus better get their PR team on the double and solve this problem or there's going to be a big lawsuit on their hands.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] liderbug:
Is it or isn't it ...

I'm leaning to a SW problem. Yesterday I booted, turned Wifi off and GPS tested. Five minutes later - nada, zero, zip - even laid it on the railing outside for another 5 minutes - nothing.

Today I booted, airplane mode, rebooted and started GPS ... about 10 seconds in 1,0,1,0,1,2,1,4,5,7,6,8... 13 using 8. All inside the house. Then turned Wifi on - 12 using 8. Sig strength didn't change (always varies from second to second). Shutdown, restared, Wifi on, GPS, 0,0,0,2,1,3,4,7,9.... using 6. Now I would expect the sigs to be better - mid 20's seems a bit low - but it works. Could be better but it seems to be working.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] BarryH_GEG:
They knew it was the metal back plate all along. It was at best marginal in their testing and it took us propeller heads 35 pages of discussion before we came up with the cold boot test to prove GPS was FUBAR. I think the brain trust in Taiwan were hoping since GPS appeared to work (we couldn't even agree it didn't) and was fine for everyday geo-location that maybe it wouldn't be a big deal. When we all caught on, the speed at which they pulled it off their local sites sort of confirms that theory.

So, bottom line, don't buy a Prime if you want even remotely competitive GPS performance.

---------- Post added at 09:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:16 AM ----------

You can invert it, wave it in figure eights over your head, try it during a harvest moon, and the results will always be the same. If it works, it'll be marginal. And it will never work as well as the TF1 or any other tablet on the market.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] nxp3:
Well that's a little too late for some of us who bought it from gamestop...they don't do refunds apparently. Next stop, class action anyone?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] BarryH_GEG:
After the annouement they've most likely given up trying. And if they thought ICS would have made any difference they would have waited until after January 12th to come clean. And in the change log in the last update the only reference to GPS changes were "turn on Wi-Fi automatically." Everything else is just placebo and you guys are driving yourselves crazy for nothing.

And as you all post test, after test, comparing them is invalid because you're all testing under different conditions. And if there are differences in your own tests it's because your local conditions change too.

There's another big radio issue brewing that's most likely metal back cover related also. You can't use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth at the same time as you can on every other device in creation. It's too early to call it but I'd bet on the reflective quality of the back cover or Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are cranked up so high to get through the back cover their interfering with each other.

Time to call the play guys...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tshoulihane:
There is still some big variation in the GPS performance seen by different people. ASUS's comments read as if they expect poor performance, not never locking. Big difference.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] gruntguy:
I didn't have that problem. I've used Bluetooth and WiFi at the same time and it seemed to work fine. Is there a thread for this? Ima go see what the symptoms are.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] max1001:
Yea. I have Zero GPS function as if the unit didn't have any GPS at all.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] BarryH_GEG:
http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1423180

If yours is working it would help those folks out. No one else has gotten it to work so if at least one is working you can help in the problem solving.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jdbaker82:
This made me lol ^^
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Lock-N-Load:
Some of you guys are missing the bigger picture here. Aluminum back or software or whatever..

Asus made a tragic error before any of that by putting an AGPS chip in a device that has no 3G connection. It should never have gotten a reliant chip because as it stands, a tablet that only has WiFi and an AGPS chip is virtually worthless. If it had a nice GPS chip like my watches or my bike computers or our stand alone navi devices all would be well. But they hamstrung the whole thing by putting an AGPS type chip in that requires a data connection as where the F*** is a data connection when you travel with Wifi??? So what were they thinking the possible utility and point would be in this configuration. THAT is the real root of the problem. Bad choice on their end.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] BarryH_GEG:
It's the same chip that's in the G-Tab. It supports aGPS but is in no way dependent on it.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jdbaker82:
GPS is a lost cause with the Prime right now so I just want Asus to unlock bootloader, release ICS, and get some docks on my local Best Buys shelfs ASAP...... which they appear to be doing faster then you would expect so at least they are trying to kiss up and try to keep us happy.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] fuzzer:
again with the aGPS?????

"The BCM47511 SoC solution is Broadcom's latest generation of standalone receiver, featuring both integrated GPS and GLONASS."

http://www.broadcom.com/press/release.php?id=s548713
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] robomo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em-t2qKRHDA&feature=related

This guy was able to get a 30-45ft lock in a reasonable time period.

Open sky, without wifi assist (according to his comment).

Would be interesting to see a city test.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Lock-N-Load:
So, the same chip that is in my watch or stand alone navi or bike computer - that gets perfect quick GPS signals with zero data connection of any kind needed - is the same type of chip used here?

Sorry, I know nothing about the Galaxy Tab and what it has or has not or how it performs or does not.

I do know, this tablet like my Moto Droid, has agps and taht without that initial data sent to it via a data connection, it is worthless. However, my watch or stand alone navi or bike computer need zero data sent to it - 3G or wifi - and perform flawlessly.

Thus, it seems different technology should have been used in a device that only has wifi data - a signal that is sporadic at best when doing day to day travel.

It is a specific GPS thread and it is pretty important to this whole issue.. so yeah, go figure huh?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] BarryH_GEG:
This one's actually better. And to your point about the Prime potentially needing a different chip, why? All the other tablets use the same chip and have no issues. My tablet actually performs better than my phone becuase of the better chip and larger antenna.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] bestco:
I assume TF Prime GPS works just like the AGPS on the original Transformer, which uses WIFI or internet connection to cache the map route at the beginning, it will still work later even if you disconnect from the internet connection. This works just fine for me with the original TF since all I need is to find the route before I leave my house or work place (where usually WIFI is present).

I'm not asking for a dedicated GPS like TomTom, if Prime worked just like the original TF, I would've been very happy, but apparently the GPS of Prime is not working properly at this point.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] fuzzer:
How is it aGPS, when Broadcom says it is a stand alone receiver?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] BarryH_GEG:
Same h/w - all Prime's have been produced at about the same time.

Same s/w - no one has access to any custom ROMs

So, all Prime's should perform the same or within very small margins of each other.

When testing any signal, conditions play a huge role. Taking a Prime to the Equator and testing it in a field at noon on a clear day would probably net fantastic results. ;)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] nxp3:
Yo, you just pulled an Asus

Man, I cannot believe what asus is saying and treating their customers like ****. Asus will go down as a company in which someone will say "hey, don't pull an asus on me"

Woman: Sir, I just bought this car, it's missing 4 tires.

Dude: No mam, we said it had 4 tires, but it got stolen the other night...we pulled that off the description.

Woman: Oh, don't you pull an Asus on me. I want my money back.

Dude: sorry mam...we'll give you a free ice cream sandwich but you are stuck with that.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] trublu:
Do you realize that aGPS =/= GPS. The chip in the prime is a GPS chip.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] bestco:
That sucks. So basically Asus admitted there is a problem with the GPS and there won't be a fix.

I was thinking about returning my Prime back to Amazon and order another one. Now it seems it may not be a good idea since I probably will get the same problem with the new one.

Has anyone contacted Asus customer service to see if they can fix the problem if we send it back for a RMA? That's my last hope.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] BarryH_GEG:
There's nothing to fix. That's why, after we exposed the issue, they pulled the feature off their website and made an official announcement. It is what it is.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] bestco:
I read it in an earlier post that someone contacted Asus tech and was told they could fix the GPS issue with a RMA, I just want to verify if that's still doable.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] robomo:
Not all hardware is created equal, unfortunately.

There are tons of ****ty QC stories in the larger computer parts industry.

If ASUS let the Prime ship with this kind of **** out the door, I'm not going to give their QC any credit. They shipped 300 units at the very beginning with extremely serious WiFi issues and had to perform a recall. It could be some units have a better implementation than others.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] BAD_BOY_KIEV:
PRIMES ARE DIFFERENT.

PROOF LINK http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeXQoXxJwGk
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] BixBix78:
Here's to hopes that the wifi/bluetooth interference issue blows up in the next few weeks so Asus can pull another Asus and put out a statement that the prime is not a professional media device and some signal degradation must be expected
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] robomo:
It's possible - but no guarantee.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] shinzz:
They released an official statement that they won't and can't fix the GPS issue. So, even if you had that option... you'll see the same result (unless they change the design).
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jdbaker82:
Well the backing technically could be fixed but the amount of money they had tied up with whoever was manufacturing the backs for them was greater then what they estimated their losses to be from sales they would lose for not having a GPS spec on the Prime. If I had to estimate myself I would say they got the best bang for their Buck.....assholes!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] BarryH_GEG:
Early on, Asus support said "turn on Wi-Fi" and, if that didn't work, "do a hard reset." Their script was updated to say "the metal unibody may cause interference" and "the Prime's not intended for driving navigation." A couple of people RMA'd there's before the script changed. They'll most likely come back the same. I doub't they'll accept RMA's for GPS signal strength at this point. It's not a performance issue or defect, it's a design problem and the only thing that will change that is a back cover not made out of metal. Pretty stupid when you think about it.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] robomo:
Not necessarily

See youtube video:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] bestco:
So there is a chance I may still get one that has a working GPS, it's a draw of luck I guess. Does Best Buy charge a restocking fee if you return it because of the non-working GPS?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] zoro25:
Its a feature

check theAsus UK facebook page

they have stated that its a feature and that the GPS will not be fixed.

This is not a GPS device if you require GPS then do not buy.

that is what they say.

On a better note they are going to release a bootloader tool.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jdbaker82:
False they are exactly the same he just needs to reboot the one on the right or he forgot to turn on his Wi-Fi for aGPS my and everyone's Prime will get same results with satellite locks like his one on the left but signal is too weak to keep it while moving.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] shinzz:
This is turning into endless cycle....

Believe in what you want.. and just do as you please.