vB Easy Archive - Built-in GPS and external GPS recievers

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Built-in GPS and external GPS recievers
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Posted by: hitechy

I have been wondering why some phones can use the built-in GPS chip in the phone for use on applications for navigating ( cheap Nextel phones, alot of Sprint phones ), but other ones require a seperate Bluetooth reciever, even the high ends ones.

I've notice CDMA and iDEN have phones that do that, but why not GSM?

I know ATT Wireless had the find my friends feature that coud locate your friends, local resteraunts, etc..

It was my understanding that ATT used triangulation to locate people, but I could be wrong.

Posted by: groundhog5886

The primary use of GPS by Sprint Nextel is for 911 location, as they don't use a network based triangulation method, but use gps coordinates from the handset. Other apps on these phones, is just a by-producet of the GPS needed for 911. Since the big GSM players, Cingular, and T-Mobile both use network based location technique, for 911, then GPS handsets are not needed, and there's probably not much of a market for it. I know Garmin attempted to build a cell phone with GPS at one time and nobody wanted to buy them??? Also, the handsets would become pretty pricey, and since most mobile phone customers think all phones should be free, then why add an expensive feature that very few customers want. Who knows maybe someone will try to put GPS in a GSM phone and see if theres a market for it, worth the millions of R&D required to make it work.

Posted by: Binx75075

Quote:

Originally Posted by hitechy

I know ATT Wireless had the find my friends feature that coud locate your friends, local resteraunts, etc..

It was my understanding that ATT used triangulation to locate people, but I could be wrong.

I know the feature you're referring to..... as long as my friends who also had AT&T GSM authorized me.... I could obtain the general cross streets of their location & they could obtain information about my location. It is strange that Cingular doesn't offer that service.