Garmin Oregon 6x0 Software Versions Summary

**Snecer** · 2nd February 2014, 05:54 PM

Warning
3.70
Multiple reports of new map authentication process disabling legitimately purchased maps. (Bug 72)
Multiple reports of 'bricked' units hanging during boot process.
Multiple reports of frequent lock-ups and crashes. (Crash 20)

from wikispace

Another shity FW from Garmin.

**x-trail** · 3rd February 2014, 09:20 AM

Until today I've paid Garmin more than 3.500 € for gps devices.
On those devices I have a couple of "unlocked" maps whose street value is less than 400 € and to companies NOT directly associated with Garmin.
I really hope that this is a bugged firmware version, otherwise Garmin really intends to commit suicide!!!.
Garmin's interest is selling devices, not selling maps.
The hype and the community around Garmin is because Garmins are "half closed-half open" systems.
And what will happen if they block freeware maps, what about bikers, hikers, climbers, bicyclists and their online sites and free maps.
If this is another ex-navigon's executive bright "idea" it's their funeral (like Navigon's) and not mine!
IMHO I stil believe that Garmin is more interested in selling devices with preloaded-prepaid maps than locking out their devices from a world that really advertises their devices for FREE, like this forum, because that's what we do here, we solve problems, discover new tricks and features, change splash screens, Pois, alerts, icons, create maps and beta test almost everything about Garmin.
People read us, they get happy and they go out to buy Garmin devices, not maps, and they buy them one after another.

**Neil** · 3rd February 2014, 11:31 AM

I really think [maybe i just hope] that this is just another 'cock-up' by Garmin in a long line of half-baked firmwares for outdoor devices. If so, this time it's a dilly and some software engineers from the boss down to the guy who approved it's release needs to have their backsides kicked hard.

If it's actually an attempt to improve the gma protection to close the unofficially unlocked maps loophole that has unintentionally caught garmin-compatible free maps and even their own legitimately purchased products in the net then their aim is legitimate but the results are not, and again backsides should be kicked. If however it's as X-trail muses and they are intentional trying to lock-out all but their own 'legit' products then they deserve the inevitable back-lash when it comes.

**babj615** · 3rd February 2014, 04:41 PM

I agree with x-trail and Neil.

I completely understand Garmin wanting to protect their own investment in mapping products. However, should they prevent future use of third party mapping solutions (I like to use/make my own), I will never buy another Garmin product.

I hope Garmin realize one of the largest contributing factors to their success in the market is the sheer number of freely available third party mapping solutions available. Should they lock their devices to use only official Garmin maps, they will no longer have any advantage for me over competing units.

I have loaded two Oregon 6x0 units with 3.70, one was bricked, and the other repeatedly locks up/crashes less than an hour after boot, with only the original Garmin maps installed.

Hopefully, Garmin will respond quickly with a 'patch' for their 'patch', a theme that has become all to common in recent years with Garmin software engineers.

**catymag** · 3rd February 2014, 05:08 PM

Can you tell us how if is it hardly bricked ? Or if you can restore it by cure , just in case other users have the same and need assistance.
Thanks

**Ellinas** · 3rd February 2014, 06:32 PM

I think we 're looking to a new improved map authentication method which is on the way but in this first attempt something went wrong. For sure they like to sell devices but i guess they also like to sell lifetime maps because they bring money. I don't think they will block third party free or paid maps if they do that they will lose at least their "On The Trail" customers and for sure they can be that stupid ...

**smokefree** · 4th February 2014, 12:29 AM

Originally Posted by Ellinas

I think we 're looking to a new improved map authentication method which is on the way but in this first attempt something went wrong.

Found following information, which surely points into that direction. Source:

Code:

Please Login or Register to see the links

There is mention of a new map authentication process.

ae0o

Mapperoni · 3rd February 2014, 07:11 PM

Anyone noticed strange compass behaviour again with v3.70?
My compass only works when standing still completely, when I start walking it freezes untill I stand still again. Calibration didn't solve it.