 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Alternative Positioning Technologies Key To Unlocking The Handset
London, UK (SPX) Jun 08, 2009 While GPS has become a standard feature in smartphones driven by the popularity of mapping, navigation and LBS applications, GPS penetration in feature phones remains low outside the US. Despite Nokia's announcement of GPS-enabled S40 phones such as the 6700 classic and the 6600i slide, it will take several years before GPS becomes widespread in mid- and low-end handsets in Europe and Asia. At the same time several US carriers continue to lock down GPS functionality for third-party LBS developers. "The absence of widespread GPS availability in non-smartphone handsets has opened the door for alternative positioning technologies such as Wi-Fi and Cell-ID," says ABI Research practice director Dominique Bonte. "They provide third-party developers with a much larger addressable handset market for low accuracy LBS applications such as local search, networking or advertising. Moreover, positioning based on Cell-ID and/or Wi-Fi is increasingly offered for free on development platforms such as Google Maps, Android and Nokia's recently announced Widget-based Maps environment. Alternative positioning technologies also provide the added advantage of improved indoor coverage." For high-precision applications such as navigation, geotagging and person tracking, A-GPS has become a basic requirement for GPS-enabled handsets combining short Time to First Fix (TTFF) with increased accuracy in urban environments. In the absence of carrier-based A-GPS services in Europe, Nokia has developed its own assistance solution which it offers directly to its end users. "This changing location technology environment is affecting the GPS chipset industry," notes Bonte. "All major players are integrating a range of A-GPS solutions and Skyhook Wireless-powered Wi-Fi positioning technology into their combo chipsets in order to offer handset manufacturers a turnkey location solution at low cost." Accelerometer and electronic compass sensors are also becoming essential components in the location mix for improved pedestrian navigation, as demonstrated by the G1 Android phone and the Nokia Navigator range. Share This Article With Planet Earth
Related Links GPS-Enabled Handsets GPS Applications, Technology and Suppliers
GPS shoes for Alzheimer's patientsWashington (AFP) June 5, 2009 A shoe-maker and a technology company are teaming up to develop footwear with a built-in GPS device that could help track down "wandering" seniors suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. "The technology will provide the location of the individual wearing the shoes within 30 feet, anywhere on the planet," said Andrew Carle, an assistant professor at George Mason University who served as an ... read more |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2009 - SpaceDaily. AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
YahooMyWeb
Google
Facebook