One of the features missing from the iPhone's rich feature list is a Global Positioning System (GPS), we have already seen Navizon release its virtual GPS product "Navizon" as a native iPhone application as an alternative to the lack of the GPS feature in Apple's iPhone.
However, if you are not too convinced of its accuracy due to the methodology used like many readers here @ iPhone Hacks then you will find Part Foundry's hardware/software GPS add-on called "LocoGPS for the iPhone" an interesting solution to the lack of GPS feature.
Part Foundry is working on a GPS hardware/software solution called LocoGPS.
The hardware component which one needs to plug into the 30-pin connector consists of a custom micro-controller and a stand GPS component. The hardware component will be charged via the iPhone. The software application is a native app which presents the current physical latitude and longitude based on satellite data called from the hardware component.
The native iPhone application will have a "show Map" button that will launch the Google Map iPhone application to display the current location based on the data gathered from the hardware component. PartFoundry claims that by using the hardware/software solution the accuracy would be between 5 to 10 meters.
Part Foundry is also planning to add further enhancements by the time of the launch such as live-updating location capabilities etc.
They are expected to start shipping LocoGPS from Feb 08 and plan to sell the GPS add-on for $90. But do remember if you are looking to buy it; you will need to ensure you have a jailbroken iPhone to install the native iPhone application.
The video of the first prototype will give you some idea of what to expect:
Rendering of the production version of LocoGPS below:
Thanks dggraphics and chris for highlighting the spelling and grammatical mistakes. They have been corrected.
[via Part Foundry]
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NAVIZON not Navigon – you spelled it correctly in the previous news item.
ur supposed to say "one of the" instead of "instead of"
incorrect grammer. Its on the first few words
Very Kewl… only wish people would work on blue tooth gps so I can charge the phone on long trips…
Come on… you guys can make native apps like this, but can't hack your way into allowing BT GPS units? BT GPS units are a much better way of obtaining GPS IMO. Stop fumbling around with bulky connectors and just hack the Iphone to utilize what we already have!!!
Wouldn't there be a way to manipulate the GPS device that is already in the phone. Am I not right? All cellular devices are required to have some type of GPS after 9/11…
Who knows, maybe there will be a FUN firmware update one of these days? YEAH RIGHT! Like Apple would lose money! They will wait for Gen2 to manipulate this…
Please send comments to dc.space1@gmail.com
This is a spam address, so don't bother ruining it.
Didn't realize Kevin had already commented about this…Sorry heh.
Very first comment, about "one of the" vs. "instead of." Anyone noticed the busybody mispelled "grammar?"
I mean, if you intend to be the grammar-checker of the universe, be sure you can at least spell.
Unless, of course, it was merely a typo. In which case, then at least proof read.
Either way…
Bwwwaaaa haaaaa haaaaa… the irony of the day!
hi , this question is so important for me and some people that they don't know any info about iphone and GPS :
i have 3GS iphone and it has one option that name is maps !!! and when you have service provider that it cover internet , you can use it like GPS but if you have not internet on service provider the iphone dos not show any map on screen !!! and also i installed some GPS software on my iphone and it had same issue !!!!!!!!
my question :
how can i have GPS on my iphone without any involve from my service carrier ?!!!! like other gps sets (toomtoom ext …) ??????
if you answer it to me , you did me a favor
thanks