July/Aug 2005

Mobile phones with built-in GPS tracking capability look a step closer to becoming commonplace, following the announcement that US-based Qualcomm has developed an integrated GPS-based navigation system for incorporating in 3G phone handsets.

The company is claiming that this is the industry's first enhanced navigation solution fully integrated in wireless 3G modems. It says the solution 'will dramatically lower the cost of automotive and personal navigation on wireless handsets by eliminating the need for costly discrete GPS chipsets.'

To take advantage, you'll have to be using appropriate handsets in appropriate markets. Initially the enhanced software will be available on Qualcomm's market-leading gpsOne solution for use with select Mobile Station Modem. The technology works on both the leading 3G platforms - CDMA2000 and WCDMA (UMTS).

Significantly, Qualcomm says there are already more than 100 million gpsOne-enabled handsets in use with over 40 mobile operators globally.