Published on 09/30/2008
Broadcom is working on merging Wi-Fi connectivity into its range of GPS navigation chips, allowing not only cell phones but other similarly equipped devices to use the local network for positioning. It does so by using known Wi-Fi access points, triangulating them into a rough map location whenever GPS connectivity becomes spotty or unavailable, helping one generate a GPS lock much faster in urban canyons, indoors or tunnels. The iPhone 3G is one of the first few handsets that utilize this feature, so it would be interesting to see other mobile manufacturers get on with the program.