CSR debuts SiRFstarIV location-aware architecture, kisses slow fixes goodbye

Nary half a year after snapping up SiRF, CSR is already tooting its horn about an all new SiRFstar architecture. The predictably titled SiRFstarIV technology takes quite the leap over its three-pronged predecessor, all but promising to nix those annoyingly long location fixes that are all too common on existing PNDs. The new location-aware, self-assisted, micro-power tech enables devices to be continually aware of location without requiring network aide; furthermore, there's hardly any power drain to speak of, which ought to please smartphone owners who can literally watch their battery meter drop with GPS enabled. CSR's first SiRFstarIV product is the GSD4t receiver, which is optimized for mobile phones and "other space and power-sensitive consumer devices." We're told that samples of the chip are shipping out now, with mass production slated for October and device integration happening shortly thereafter.

[robott Posted Jul 28th 2009 8:33AM]

That phone looks pretty solid to me. I like the placing of the camera on front. Looks a lot like the iphone though.

[Slaarg Posted Jul 28th 2009 8:34AM]

It's a mockup device. Doesn't exist. The manufacturer only makes the GPS chips, maybe to be found in the next iphone ?

[EddieN Posted Jul 28th 2009 8:33AM]

Wow.. the guy in that pics looks exactly like Bruce Lee.

[GuyManDude Posted Jul 28th 2009 10:33AM]

LOL I was going to say the same thing.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 28th 2009 8:34AM]

Damn! Have i seen this before ?

[Maeztro Posted Jul 28th 2009 8:50AM]

Someone please come up with a witty comment about the orange belt...I'm all tapped out...

[mex Posted Jul 28th 2009 8:52AM]

if you put that belt, GPS or not, anyone will be aware of your position

[mex Posted Jul 28th 2009 8:52AM]

I don't get why they don't let the user tell where he is (approximately) so that the chip has to deduce the calculation load just to restriced portion of the globe... it a non-sense? or it might be a good idea?

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 28th 2009 8:52AM]

location-aware, self-assisted, micro-power... is this a commercial? aren't all gps enabled devices location aware? what do you mean by self-assisted? what the hell is micro-power? give us some REAL specs please, not just marketing gibberish.

[lejupp Posted Jul 28th 2009 9:04AM]

Hey, check your expectaions. This is Engadget after all.

[Salviati Posted Jul 28th 2009 11:36AM]

Mobile phones are the most obvious intended gadget for this new chip. However, I am most anxious about using it to create new geotagging digital cameras (thanks to a low-power, quick-fixing GPS). For too long, I have been carrying around a GPS data logger when I travel. Integrating a GPS directly into the camera would remove one of the most burdensome tasks when traveling. Namely, keeping the logger charged, on, and with me - and then the actual geotagging when I get home.

[phearme Posted Jul 28th 2009 9:06AM]

self-assisted means simply that it can be assisted by ... itself. which probably means it doesn't need anything else than a satelite. but then again, so does any sirf star chip anyways. so who cares. but it's commercially attractive, and i'll try placing that"self-assisted" BS in one of my next powerpoints :-p

[phearme Posted Jul 28th 2009 9:08AM]

micro-power means it doesn't consume a lot of power, and that it won't drain your battery on a mobile device. that seams pretty obvious.

[dzhiurgis Posted Jul 28th 2009 10:04AM]

This is all I miss in my 1st gen iPhone !

[Haha Posted Jul 28th 2009 10:06AM]

That phone is mad cute.

[newjaruz Posted Jul 28th 2009 10:21AM]

I hope this stuff will make it out in the 4th qtr on an android phone

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 28th 2009 10:28AM]

Cheetos are tastey

[bill cant fart Posted Jul 28th 2009 12:16PM]

And they're fun to throw at people.

[chuenl Posted Jul 28th 2009 12:54PM]

If Bruce Lee shows some muscle with the phone, I think it will sell better!