Palm Pre hacked and ported to Verizon

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When a product exists but is locked down in functionality a hacker does not see it as an obstacle but as a challenge. Case in point is that a PreCentral forum member "Cleanser" has managed to take the Palm Pre and port it over to the Verizon network.

The Pre has the potential to work natively on Verizon but due to software locks and exclusivity agreements the Pre is not currently sold for anyone other than Sprint. All is not perfect for the hack as "Cleanser" points out that currently only voice and SMS services are working but unfortunately data may take more time to hack.

Unlike the iPhone unlocking process, unfortunately, the Pre unlocking will never be as easy nor as seamless. The biggest hurdle is to get Verizon to add the device to its "trusted list" of devices to even allow the phone onto their network. Verizon some time ago did say that it would open up its network to all CDMA devices but the user claims it took over 20 calls to get it put on the "trusted list".

Hopefully when "Cleanser" completes the hack he will post up a tutorial so others may follow in his footsteps. Unfortunately this will never become as main stream as one would hope as exclusivity agreements only hurt the consumer.

Further proof is posted below of the phone running on the network and the user is currently soliciting help to get it onto the data network.

(4 replies) #1 +Chrono951 on 10 Jul 2009 - 18:22

I hate exclusive agreements. Think of the world without them! The iPhone and Pre on every network! However, I can fully understand how they are used to seduce people to your network. "sigh"

#1.1 GP007 on 10 Jul 2009 - 18:36

They're here to stay, so you'll just have to live with them or pay full price for a unlocked phone.

#1.2 Sailorcancer on 10 Jul 2009 - 18:39

There is no reason why other carriers cannot have palm pre like phone. Last I heard Sprint has a exclusive deal on the Palm Pre not Web OS. And that is the only reason people actually want a Pre. Web OS. So Palm could always make a like Palm Centrino Express or something put WebOS on it and put it on Verizon or AT&T or even MetroPCS.

#1.3 Mav Phoenix on 10 Jul 2009 - 19:06

iPhone nano..mmmm

#1.4 nonick on 10 Jul 2009 - 19:10

GP007 said,

orrr, just unlock them for.. FREE!

Awesome, isn't it.

(1 reply) #2 +Frazell Thomas on 10 Jul 2009 - 19:26

I don't mean to be critical, but the video wasn't a good enough way to prove the phone is on the Verizon network IMHO. When I'm roaming in Philadelphia, PA in places where my Sprint signal is too weak (like deep inside a building or on the subway platform) my phone is on Verizon's network. I too can then punch in the Verizon numbers and get the same messages their subscribers do.

So it could be a spoof.

#2.1 Gibby on 10 Jul 2009 - 19:53

You may get the Verizon messages but you cannot dial *228 and program it on their network...that is proof it is not only on the Verizon network, but a 'trusted device' as the article claims.

(8 replies) #3 Deihmos on 10 Jul 2009 - 20:47

So I can sign up for Verizon and pay more for everything and get gimped features like GPS that will only work with Verizon subscription services. No thanks.

#3.1 Gibby on 10 Jul 2009 - 21:15

Did you ever think that possibly someone is in a contract with Verizon and would like the features of the Pre? Or possibly Verizon is the only company that offers coverage where he/she intends on using their phone. It is comments like this that are not constructive to the news post.

#3.2 Deihmos on 10 Jul 2009 - 22:12

I feel sorry for anyone paying Verizon's high fees. I can roam on Verizon network at no cost if my phone will ever need to. I have yet to see it roam. I am sure a gimped version of the Pre will hit Verizon sooner or later.

#3.3 +Dale on 10 Jul 2009 - 22:15

not trying to argue what your saying, but in Canada I get the same service anywhere weather i pick telus/bell.. as they have roaming agreements, isn't that the same with the american networks?

#3.4 Deihmos on 11 Jul 2009 - 00:28

Yes it is the same thing which makes me wonder why so many people chose to pay Verizon high fees. They are the most expensive cell phone company here in the USA and they strip the phone features to force customers to pay.

#3.5 metro on 11 Jul 2009 - 01:31

Odd, my BlackBerry GPS is unlocked as well as my SIM slot. I have turn by turn navigation with non-VZW subscription services. Might want to research your claims a little more before you spout off nonsense that isn't entirely true.

#3.6 Deihmos on 11 Jul 2009 - 01:52

metro said,

I have friends with the Verizon MotoQ 9C my previous phone and they can only use the GPS with the Verizon turn by turn software. It requires a subscription so maybe you can check your facts. Maybe they didn't do it with all phones but it has been done with many of their phones. Another thing they do is charge extra to text outside of the USA something that is included with my unlimited text plan. Here is some proof if you doubt. Any company that locks basic phone features like that is just plain greedy. They didn't become the most profitable cell company by having the lowest rates you know.

http://www.everythingwm.com/forum/verizon-...real-21484.html

I have the same problem. I called Verizon to see if they could help me, they could not. I directly asked the tech does Verizon lock the GPS function. He told me yes they lock the GPS from using any third party software. Only VZ Navigator So the only way to make GPS work on the new Q is buy a blue tooth GPS or hack it. But no one has found a way to hack it yet.
So in other words Verizon wants to charge you 10 buck to know where you are.

Last edited by Deihmos on 11 Jul 2009 - 02:16

#3.7 +Chrono951 on 11 Jul 2009 - 02:53

Verizon is the place to be in my area. Everyone I know is on Verizon and there is a store like every two feet. Plus, I've had friends on both AT&T and Sprint here and heard nothing but horror stories until they switched to Verizon.

The Verizon OS is my only major complaint though. I hated the thing, but now I have a blackberry so it doesn't affect me anymore. All my features are unlocked and I can use any 3rd party piece of software.

#3.8 +Frazell Thomas on 11 Jul 2009 - 04:32

Deihmos said,

I have always wondred the same thing.

I have the Sprint Touch Pro which is almost identical to the GSM generic HTC version (32MB more RAM). I have SERO so I have a great plan, but for $99 a month I could have unlimited everything on Sprint.

Verizon offers the Touch Pro as well. They cut out about 100MB of RAM and locked the GPS and removed Bluetooth File Transfer. But the worst part is their fees. It would cost $150/m on Verizon for a Touch pro with 450 minutes, unlimited data, and unlimited sms...

I'd be crazy to pay for Verizon...

Especially since I can ROAM on Verizon so I get the same Coverage as a Verizon customer.

(2 replies) #4 HalcyonX12 on 10 Jul 2009 - 21:44

It's becoming more and more apparent that devices do not have to be tied to services or providers, and that their feature set does not have to be artificially limited. When will consumers start demanding full control of their devices?

#4.1 RichardK on 10 Jul 2009 - 22:42

they aren't their devices though, unless they paid full price for them. You are basically just leasing the devices with an up-front fee. You are not purchasing the hardware out right.

#4.2 +Frazell Thomas on 11 Jul 2009 - 04:27

RichardK said,

They are the consumer's devices. The carriers charge ETF fees that are designed to allow them to recoup losses related to customers jumping out of contracts. Meaning either by staying for two years or paying the ETF the consumer has paid for and own their device.

#5 XeonBuilder on 11 Jul 2009 - 03:36

Maybe he should hack his camera for a better pic because this vidio sucks ass.

#6 knightracer on 11 Jul 2009 - 17:49

Verizon price plans are identical to AT&T.

#7 csin on 11 Jul 2009 - 22:32

Yeah, this is fake...

Anyone on Verizon knows that as soon as your done with *228 it automaticly restarts your phone. His stayed on without a reboot.

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