Verizon Unlocks the GPS on the HTC Touch Pro

A new software update allows Verizon Wireless' version of the HTC Touch Pro to use third-party GPS applications. It also adds Visual Voicemail support

This Windows phone comes with a built-in GPS receiver, but until now this has been locked so that it only works with this carrier's own navigation software.  Firmware version 1.08 brings support for additional options, like Google Maps.

Verizon committed to unlocking the GPS on some of its Windows phones in December, and this is the first time this carrier has carried through with its promise. Users of the Samsung Omnia and Samsung Saga are still waiting.

Visual Voicemail, Too
In addition, installing this new firmware on the Touch Pro brings support for Visual Voicemail. This is a $3 per month service that gives users some details about their voice messages without having to listen to them.

This update has not yet been officially released, but has been leaked to PhoneNews, who is making it publicly available now.

Update: HTC and Verizon have now released the official version of Firmware 1.08, and it can be downloaded from this website.

The version that was available earlier this week has a bug, which has been fixed in this latest one.