iPhone, iPod Touch Get GPS-like Capability

By Wolfgang Gruener, published on January 15, 2008 at 1:50 PM
Source: Tom's Guide US | Keywords: , , | Themes: Audio/Video Players, Business, Digital Entertainment, Smartphones, The Internet
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Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced major software updates for its iPhone and iPod Touch devices. iPhone users now can send SMS messages to multiple people and iPod Touch users get access to several applications that have been available on the iPhone: Mail, maps, stock quotes, notes and weather reports.

Most significantly, however, is the addition of a GPS-like positioning feature: Rather than using a GPS receiver, Apple consulted with Google and Skyhook Wireless to come up with a technology that uses triangular Wi-Fi and cellular beacon layouts to determine the location of a device. iPhone users will be able to take advantage of the new feature through the free iPhone software upgrade 1.1.3, while people who already have purchased an iPod Touch will have to shell out an extra $20 for the upgrade.

All new iPod Touch devices will come with the positioning feature without extra cost.

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Comments


ohmish 01/15/2008 9:25 AM
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ohmish
It seems that these days you can count on apple selling you a crippled product, then making you pay to fix it.
Deleted profile 01/15/2008 9:41 AM
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Why would you have to pay for an upgrade when you already paid an ungodly amount of money for the device in the first place?
enewmen 01/15/2008 11:07 AM
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enewmen
I don't bother. Other phones already have a real GPS receiver.
It seems Apple is trying VERY hard to closely link the iPhone with service providers to justify the long-term contracts. Rather than just buying unlocked phones in the phone store, then pick a prepaid service SIM card at 7-11 (like in southeast Asia and Europe).
A phone with a REAL GPS receiver won't require a specific service provider.
Deleted profile 01/16/2008 5:25 AM
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This is absolutely the most pathetic update ever. I have an iPod touch, which I absolutely love, but I am seriously disappointed with this rubbishy update. There is nothing i would bother to do with this that isn't done better by my N95 and tomtom. Rather than charging for stupid apps they should have fixed the biggest problem with the touch.... I can buy songs on my touch but i CAN'T MAKE NEW PLAYLISTS!!! (other than temporary on-the-go ones) That's just stupid.
gpfear 01/17/2008 8:02 AM
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gpfear
Complete crap. This isnt the watered down internet. The iphone still doesnt have flash support.

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