Although GPS is now part of the new iPhone, some say the functionality isn't that great. "I think that it is too early too say. Initial reviews of the iPhone's GPS functionality haven't exactly been overwhelmingly positive," said Patrick Connolly, IMS Research senior GPS analyst. "However, much of the frustration is borne from the lack of sat-navy functionality, particularly as many reviewers do not appear to be that GPS-LBS savvy. For me, the blame lies with Apple's media team who, for once, have got it wrong here. Public information on APIs and current and future applications/limitations would have gone a long way to preventing some of the negative stories doing the rounds at the moment."
Jul 21, 2008
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Ford Motor Co. researchers have unveiled what they call a "smart intersection" that uses GPS technology and wireless communications to reduce traffic accidents and ease congestion, according to the car maker.
Antenna maker Ethertronics Inc. today introduced what it says is the world's smallest ceramic GPS antenna, measuring 4 x 2 x 1.08 millimeters and weighing 0.2 grams.
Hemisphere GPS today rolled out its LV100 GPS Compass Board, a GPS compass and positioning assembly built on a single carrier board with integrated GPS antennas and designed for OEM customers.
Crystal oscillator supplier Rakon Ltd. has released further details about its planned expansion in China, announcing today a joint venture (JV) agreement with China's Timemaker Crystal Technology Ltd.
Garmin said today it has strengthened its relationship with Ford Motor Co.'s European business, making a custom mount for Ford cars for its Nüvi 760 portable navigation device (PND), which will also be available through Ford dealerships across mainland Europe.
Silicon Valley-based Ceva Inc. and Swiss GPS chipmaker u-blox AG have settled their legal dispute over licensing fees, with u-blox agreeing to pay $2.5 million, the companies said today.
Market research firm ABI Research has ranked Broadcom at the top of its latest GPS Vendor Matrix analysis, noting that Broadcom got the nod to supply the GPS silicon in the second generation Apple iPhone. Rounding out ABI's top 10 are: Atheros, NXP, Texas Instruments, SiRF, Qualcomm, u-blox, SkyTraq, Maxim, and Nemerix.
Loctronix Corp. says it has successfully demonstrated the ability to track signals from all operational GNSS via software-defined radio (SDR) technology.
