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GPS confirmed in iPhone 2.0?
updated 03:05 pm EDT, Fri April 11, 2008
GPS in iPhone 2.0
A MacNN reader has discovered nearly conclusive proof that Apple is implementing GPS support in the next iPhone, with notes on the developer site mentioning altitude measurements – something that is impractical with current cell tower-based positioning due to accuracy. The note says little else regarding the "verticalAccuracy" variable, besides noting that it can be a positive or negative value, measured in meters, and that it is available in iPhone OS 2.0 or later.
The document relates to the "CLLocation Class Reference", and can be found on the Apple Developer Connection website.
Maybe
04/11, 04:15pm reply
That indicates software for it. It doesn't necessarily indicate it will have it build in.
iTunes had a WMA icon too, but that doesn't mean it played WMA files.
hayesk
Professional Poster
Joined: Sep 1999
Conclusive proof?
04/11, 06:37pm reply
I'll wait until Walt Mossberg says the iPhone has built-in GPS, then I'll have my conclusive proof.
On second thought, maybe I should wait until I have one in my hands for conclusive proof.
Constable Odo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2007
GPS?
04/11, 07:15pm reply
Altitude could be provided by a sensor of atmospheric pressure. Even watches have this capability. It could be sophisticated enough to download current weather data to correct for changes in barometric pressure.
Guest
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 1999
WMA
04/12, 10:36am reply
Under Windows iTunes could play WMA, well it was able to convert them to .ac3. The presence of this icon in the Mac version was probably from shared icon sets between the platforms.
rytc
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2001
Don't forget Bluetooth
04/13, 09:12pm reply
I don't see how this is "conclusive" proof -- there are many available Bluetooth GPS receivers and it would make total sense to allow an iPhone to pair with one if available.
This would not require adding hardware or reducing the battery life of the iPhone.
sgs123
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 2005
Headline
04/14, 04:17pm reply
Personally I like the question mark at the end of the headline.
Similar to others I've seen that read, "Apple to sidestep hackers with new firmware bricking feature?"
Both of these features may not see any implementation yet non-coding journalists are reporting based on what some homebrew hacker has "discovered" in non-finalized firmware.
TylerDurdenesk
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2001
what about WPS?
05/30, 02:02pm reply
the article refers to cell tower triangulation, but not to WPS locating with data supplied by skyhook wireless...
the WPS feature on the iphone is pretty darn precise in areas that have been scanned by skyhook...
i think the reference in the iphone osX 2.0 is to the WPS feature and not to GPS... pairing with a bluetooth receiver makes uch more sense since the external receiver can be placed somewhere with a clear view to the sky!
smokeonit
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2005