GPS Satellite Navigation: Getting People And Their Smartphones From A to B

As mobile phones become more and more advanced, people have begun forming more of a basic need for them in their day-to-day lives, and the technologies incorporated are what is capturing a lot of attention.

One of these is Global Positioning System (GPS), more commonly known as satellite navigation, which is becoming an increasingly prominent feature in many handsets these days.

GPS receivers work by contacting a number of satellites that are in orbit around earth, and by using this information can determine somebody’s location (longitude and latitude) location.  Although it is not all that simple.  A GPS receiver can measure the time a signal was sent to the time it was received, and using distance measurements can determine an exact location, even if you are on the move. Four satellites are typically used to determine location.

User experience is taking up a huge part of any manufacturer’s time when developing new handsets, whether this be through the addition of groundbreaking software or new technologies.  GPS is one aspect of this, but it has a far greater role than just the sat nav role made popular by Tomtom.  This is where a route can be planned for you from a to b, and most people believe is the only feature.

However it isn’t, there are a variety of things it can do.  From planning a route to going for a run, wanting your location to be found in a new area, or finding what there is to be done in a certain part of the world e.g. looking up bars or cafés or searching for activities.  Some of these are free and alternatively some you have to buy, but whatever the cost (or not) there will certainly be something out there for you.

How often do you use your Sat Nav?

GPS is typically found in most mid to high-end handsets, expect for Android phones where it generally comes as standard as is the case with the HTC Desire S. With Android handsets Google maps is the big player as it comes pre installed on the majority of Smartphones. Alternatively there are many free and paid for apps on the Android market   There are hundreds of thousands of apps to choose from on the Android market and the Apple istore combined and GPS will form a central role in the operation of most.