I believe it is a security feature that you cannot programmatically alter the GPS state.

Why does open source mean it shouldn't have restrictions? I'm confused. Open source just means you have access to the source code.

On a personal note, developing for Android was much less painful than developing for iOS using Cocoa Touch.

EDIT:

Try using this to let the user know they need to enable GPS.

(source: http://manishkpr.webheavens.com/android-syste-gps-setting-intent/)

private void checkGPS(){
     locationManager = (LocationManager) getSystemService(LOCATION_SERVICE);
     locationManager.requestLocationUpdates(LocationManager.GPS_PROVIDER, 1000L,1.0f, this);
     boolean isGPS = locationManager.isProviderEnabled (LocationManager.GPS_PROVIDER);
     if(isGPS){
        showToast("Gps On");
     }else{

        startActivityForResult(new Intent(android.provider.Settings.ACTION_LOCATION_SOURCE_SETTINGS), 0);
     }
}


Turn On Off GPS in ICS
When it comes to mortgage advice, some people recommend making an extra payment. The logic is :"These extra payments are automatically applied to your principal, not interest".

Why does it matter if the extra payment is applied to the principal and not interest?
