Feb/Mar 2008

UK-based wireless technology specialist CSR says it has developed a GPS-related technology that will make it possible to incorporate super-accurate location-finding in future mobile phones for a typical cost of just one dollar.

The technology is eGPS, or enhanced Global Positioning System. It uses patented techniques to augment traditional GPS or A-GPS (assisted GPS) with cellular network measurements to provide what the company calls 'a much improved user experience'.

Significantly, CSR says eGPS works globally, providing much more accurate position information than conventional cellular-based technologies. It allows network providers to support the 'fine time aiding' that is critical to GPS performance in difficult environments, CSR says.

CSR says the technology can be embedded easily into a standard slimline mobile handset, and minimises power usage as well as avoiding conflicts with other handset technologies.