Skyhook Wireless teams with SiRF for location-based services

It's quite possible that you're at least somewhat familiar with Skyhook's ability to use WiFi in order to track down various objects, and while you've likely become desensitized to SiRF after seeing it in just about every GPS / NAV device ever produced, the two are teaming up to deliver a GPS / WiFi hybrid module for wireless carriers. Skyhook's WiFi Positioning System (WPS) will be getting a boost after inking a deal to get inside SiRF's Multimode Location Platform, which "promises to boost the availability and adoption of location-based services." The new duo will join ACCESS (among the throngs of others) at 3GSM next week in order to showcase the new technology, which is slated to provide a new level of accuracy by giving handsets the ability to find your way with two tracking protocols. Additionally, the inclusion of WiFi is said to help lock onto an initial signal much quicker than a typical standalone GPS receiver can, and if all goes as planned, we could see the hybrid technology alive and well in SiRF's Star III series of chipsets "later this year."

[Via GigaOM]

[Julian Bond @ Feb 10th 2007 2:21AM]

Yet another really clever, geographical system that is USA only. Sigh.

[Crazysah @ Feb 10th 2007 4:28AM]

I totally agree there mate.

[Marie @ Feb 13th 2007 8:21AM]

Reply to Julian Bond's comment : Try NAVIZON
http://www.navizon.com it's free for personal use and it's definitely not only for USA, it's worldwide ! I love using it along with Google Earth when on my laptop, but when going Mobile MGMAPS or GoogleMaps are great too ! (depends if you have a windows based or a symbian based or Treo phone). Virtual GPS for everybody !!!!! NAVIZON.COM