Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Internal emails reveal Google's desperation over Skyhook's Android deal with Motorola]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/internal-emails-reveal-googles-desperation-over-skyhooks-andro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/internal-emails-reveal-googles-desperation-over-skyhooks-andro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/internal-emails-reveal-googles-desperation-over-skyhooks-andro/#comments While Skyhook's lawsuit against Google has been ongoing since September, we've yet to hear the latter's side of the story to fight back anti-competition claims. That's all changed now that a Massachusetts state court has published a collection of internal emails from Mountain View, shedding some light on the reasons behind Motorola's -- and apparently Samsung's as well -- abandonment of Skyhook's XPS location service on its Android phones. In particular, soon after the deal was announced in April 2010, an Android product manager became worried that such a deal would pull more manufacturers away from Google's Location Service, thus jeopardizing the company's ability to maintain and improve its location database through continued data collection. "That would be awful for Google," wrote the manager.

Fair enough, but here comes the juicy part of the story: in the following month, Google informed Motorola that it wasn't happy with the way Skyhook blends location data from WiFi, GPS, and cellular signal. Or in Google's words: this is data "contamination." Despite Motorola refuting such concern, a week later it informed Skyhook that Google had told Moto that its choice for a third-party location service "renders the device [Droid X] no longer Android Compatible." It's not exactly clear what this compatibility issue is, but it's believed to be the ultimate reason that forced Motorola -- being a close pal of Google -- to drop Skyhook's XPS in favor of Google's Location Service. If you're still not feeling sorry for Skyhook, then note that last month Google called this "a baseless complaint" and a "thinly veiled fishing expedition" for internal Google documents and emails. Funnily enough, one email quotes an Android manager saying it was obvious to phone manufacturers that "we are using compatibility as a club to make them do things we want." Question is: which direction will the club swing now that the two companies are battling it out in court?

Internal emails reveal Google's desperation over Skyhook's Android deal with Motorola originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 May 2011 05:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Androidanticompetitionanticompetitivedroiddroid xDroidXemailGoogleGPSinternal emailInternalEmaillawsuitlegallocationlocation serviceLocationServicemotorolaSamsungskyhookskyhook XPSSkyhookXpswith googleWithGoogleXPSTue, 10 May 2011 05:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyhook brings location-awareness to the Sony NGP, including WiFi-only models]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/05/skyhook-brings-location-awareness-to-the-sony-ngp-including-wif/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/05/skyhook-brings-location-awareness-to-the-sony-ngp-including-wif/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/05/skyhook-brings-location-awareness-to-the-sony-ngp-including-wif/#comments
The news got a bit overshadowed by some augmented reality demos and a little game called Uncharted, but Sony also talked a bit about the NGP's location-aware capabilities at GDC this past week, which we now know will rely on Skyhook's Core Engine system. What's more, that functionality will apparently be included on WiFi-only models in addition to those with 3G, which means that all NGP users will be able to play location-aware games and take advantage of other various social applications. As explained by Sony at GDC, that could include things like the ability to find nearby NGP users and see what they're playing, and even more elaborate things like real-life treasure hunts -- all of which can presumably be switched off if you prefer to keep your mobile gaming habits to yourself.

Continue reading Skyhook brings location-awareness to the Sony NGP, including WiFi-only models

Skyhook brings location-awareness to the Sony NGP, including WiFi-only models originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 Mar 2011 21:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>core engineCoreEnginegdcgdc 2011Gdc2011locationlocation awarelocation-awareLocationAwarengpskyhookskyhook core engineSkyhookCoreEnginesonysony ngpSonyNgpSat, 05 Mar 2011 21:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyhook: Google forced Motorola to drop our location service, delay the Droid X]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/17/skyhook-google-forced-motorola-to-drop-our-location-service-de/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/17/skyhook-google-forced-motorola-to-drop-our-location-service-de/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/17/skyhook-google-forced-motorola-to-drop-our-location-service-de/#comments We figured Skyhook's business interference and patent infringement lawsuits against Google would turn up some dirt, and we didn't have long to wait: the location-services company's complaint flatly alleges that Google's Andy Rubin ordered Motorola's Sanjay Jha to "stop ship" on the Droid X because it used Skyhook's XPS positioning system instead of Google Location Services, a tiff that ultimately delayed the phone's release while Moto reworked the software and dropped Skyhook entirely. Following that, Skyhook claims that Google then went after an unidentified "Company X" (likely Samsung) and forced it to drop XPS as well -- which would certainly explain why Samsung's Galaxy S phones have WiFi positioning turned off by default, unlike every other Android phone. Ouch.

If you're thinking that makes no sense because Android is "open," well, you might have another think coming -- Skyhook claims that Google's decisions to allow access to Android Market and its branded apps are an entirely subjective ruse based on something called the Compliance Definition Document, which can be "arbitrarily" interpreted any way Google wants with no recourse. Skyhook says that Google has now told Android OEMs that they're required to use Google Location Services, preventing Skyhook from fulfilling its contracts and costing the company millions in expected royalties.

Now, this is Skyhook's side of the story and we're sure Google will make a persuasive argument of its own, but let's just back up for a moment here and point out the obvious: Google's never, ever come out and clearly said what's required for devices to gain access to Android Market and the branded apps like Gmail -- even though we've been directly asking about those requirements since Android first launched. Remember when Andy Rubin told us that there would be full-fledged "Google Experience" phones with no carrier or handset manufacturer limitations? Or when we were told that phones with skins like HTC Sense or additional features like Exchange integration wouldn't have Google branding? And then all of that turned out to be a lie? Yes, Android might be "open" in the sense that the source code is available, but there's no doubt Google's wielded incredible power over the platform by restricting access to Market and its own apps -- power that hasn't been used to prevent carrier-mandated bloatware or poorly-done manufacturer skinning, but has instead apparently been used to block legitimate competitors like Skyhook from doing business. We're dying to hear Google's side of this story and fill in some of the gaps -- and you can bet we're digging as hard as we can for more info. Stay tuned, kids.

Skyhook: Google forced Motorola to drop our location service, delay the Droid X originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandy rubinAndyRubincompliance definition documentComplianceDefinitionDocumentdroid xDroidXgooglegoogle location serviceGoogleLocationServicelawsuitlegalLocation servicesLocationServicesmotorolasamsungsanjay jhaSanjayJhaskyhookskyhook xpsSkyhookXpsstop shipStopShipwith googleWithGooglexpsFri, 17 Sep 2010 15:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyhook sues Google for business interference and patent infringement]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/16/skyhook-sues-google-for-business-interference-and-patent-infring/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/16/skyhook-sues-google-for-business-interference-and-patent-infring/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/16/skyhook-sues-google-for-business-interference-and-patent-infring/#comments You might not know the company by name but you've almost certainly taken advantage of Skyhook's WiFi location-based services if you're a smartphone nerd. And let's face it, as an Engadget reader, you are. Now the company is suing Google for anti-competitive practices and patent infringement claiming that the ad giant used its control over Android to "force device manufacturers" to not only integrate Google's location technology instead of Skyhook's "superior end user experience," but also terminate contract obligations with Skyhook where they existed. Specifically, Skyhook says that Google wielded its power against handset manufacturers by "threatening directly or indirectly to deny timely and equal access to evolving versions of the Android operating system and other Google mobile applications." Boston-based Skyhook filed two lawsuits after negotiations with Google broke down, a business interference lawsuit filed in the Massachusetts Superior Court and a patent infringement lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts. According to Skyhook CEO Ted Morgan, "The message that Android is open is certainly not entirely true. Devices makers can license technology from other companies and then not be able to deploy it." Meow.

Skyhook sues Google for business interference and patent infringement originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 04:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-competitivebusiness interferenceBusinessInterferencegpslawsuitlegallocation based servicesLocationBasedServicespatentpatent infringementPatentInfringementskyhookwifiThu, 16 Sep 2010 04:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Philips GoGear Connect is a legitimate Android-based iPod touch competitor (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/31/philips-gogear-connect-is-an-android-based-ipod-touch-competitor/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/31/philips-gogear-connect-is-an-android-based-ipod-touch-competitor/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/31/philips-gogear-connect-is-an-android-based-ipod-touch-competitor/#comments For all its success, the iPod touch has few dedicated media player competitors capable of matching its big-touchscreen, WiFi, and voluminous App Store. Until today. Philips just went official with its GoGear Connect featuring the full suite of Google Mobile applications pre-installed with access to the Android Market for pretty much everything else. Spec-wize we're looking at a 3.2-inch display, WiFi, sound isolating earphones, built-in camera, and microSD slot. Sorry, no mention of the Android OS version though we've seen it listed at retailers with 2.1. Syncing your music is done over Bluetooth or a USB tether to your PC with Philips' Songbird providing the software assist. The MP4 player also supports Maps and location-based services -- presumably accomplished with the help of Skyhook and not via a GPS radio (though the Philips post is tagged "GPS"). Look for the GoGear Connect to land in Western Europe, China, and yes, the US, starting in late October with the price pegged at €249 (about $315) for the 16GB model.

Update: Philips got back to us with additional specs: on-board GPS and compass; 480 x 320 pixel LCD display; and support for .mp3, .wma, .m4a (AAC), .ogg, and .flac audio; .wmv, .mp4 (MPEG4 and H264 up to 720p), .avi (MPEG4 up to 720p) video; and JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF images. Oh, and it's definitely Andriod 2.1.

Philips GoGear Connect is a legitimate Android-based iPod touch competitor (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 06:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gogeargogear connectGogearConnectgpsifaifa 2010Ifa2010ipod touchIpodTouchmedia playerMediaPlayermp4 playerMp4PlayerphilipspmpskyhooksongbirdTue, 31 Aug 2010 06:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyhook hones in on another partner, Samsung's Wave to geo-locate like no other]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/skyhook-hones-in-on-another-partner-samsungs-wave-to-geo-locat/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/skyhook-hones-in-on-another-partner-samsungs-wave-to-geo-locat/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/skyhook-hones-in-on-another-partner-samsungs-wave-to-geo-locat/#commentsSkyhook Wireless seems to have located itself yet another major partner in its continued quest to pinpoint every single cellphone owner in the world. Sure, we're exaggerating a bit just to get you riled up, but there's no arguing the fact that the company fulfills "hundreds of millions of location requests every day across over 100 million handsets, netbooks and cameras." Or so it says, anyway. The latest company to buy into Skyhook's geo-locating promise -- which uses a mysterious combination of GPS, cellular and WiFi data to get a darn good lock on your current position in most any environment -- is Samsung, with the Bada-equipped Wave (S8500) first to tout it. As time goes on, even more Sammy phones will utilize Skyhook's technology, though we're left to wonder what exactly those models will be. Anyone up for educated guessing?

Continue reading Skyhook hones in on another partner, Samsung's Wave to geo-locate like no other

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Skyhook hones in on another partner, Samsung's Wave to geo-locate like no other originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>badaCore LocationCoreLocationGeo-locationgpsindoor gpsindoor locationIndoorGpsIndoorLocationlocations8500samsungSamsung WaveSamsungWaveskyhooksmartphonewavewave s8500WaveS8500wirelessFri, 02 Jul 2010 19:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola gives Google the boot, turns to Skyhook for location services]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/26/motorola-gives-google-the-boot-turns-to-skyhook-for-location-se/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/26/motorola-gives-google-the-boot-turns-to-skyhook-for-location-se/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/26/motorola-gives-google-the-boot-turns-to-skyhook-for-location-se/#comments Well, this is... something. Out of seemingly nowhere, Motorola has just made the decision to shun Google's location services in favor of those from Skyhook, proudly becoming the "first Android device maker to abandon Google for its location services." According to the release -- which feels atypically jovial to us -- the device maker will marry Skyhook's GPS, WiFi and cellular location in the "vast majority" of its phone models, and since Skyhook will be baked into the OS, every single app can reap the benefits. Reportedly, developers are pretty stoked about the news, and it's pretty clear that Motorola is equally confident that Skyhook's location solution is the best on the market. Not like Google really needs any more frenemies right now, but hey -- you won't find us kvetching about anyone keeping the Big Shot on its toes.

Continue reading Motorola gives Google the boot, turns to Skyhook for location services

Motorola gives Google the boot, turns to Skyhook for location services originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidCore LocationCoreLocationdroidgooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidgpslocationmotomotorolaskyhookSkyhook wirelessSkyhookWirelesssmartphoneMon, 26 Apr 2010 11:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Select LA-area iPhones insist they're in Boulder, Colorado]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/21/select-sf-area-iphones-insist-theyre-in-boulder-colorado/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/21/select-sf-area-iphones-insist-theyre-in-boulder-colorado/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/21/select-sf-area-iphones-insist-theyre-in-boulder-colorado/#comments The iPhone's iteration of Google Maps has been shown up time and time again by Google Maps Navigation on Android, but a quirk this big just has to be linked to some Skyhook database issue. According to a new report coming from the LA area, select iPhone users in Southbay cities near Los Angeles are seeing their GPS software linked to Boulder, Colorado, and the issue has been going on for around a week now. What's curious is that the erroneous positioning affects other third-party iPhone GPS apps as well, and an ABC report notes that a "spokesperson at AT&T said the problem is with Apple." Pass the blame much, AT&T? So, have any of you LA-based iPhoners found yourself navigating to Folsom Field when trying to find your way to Rodeo Drive?

[Thanks, Charles]

Select LA-area iPhones insist they're in Boulder, Colorado originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebouldercaliforniacoloradodatabasegpsiPhoneiphone 3giphone 3gsiphone gpsIphone3gIphone3gsIphoneGpsnavigationsan franciscoSanFranciscoskyhookwirelessSun, 21 Mar 2010 15:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyhook's Maps Booster makes S60 navigation more awesome for $2.99]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/skyhooks-maps-booster-makes-s60-navigation-more-awesome-for-2/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/skyhooks-maps-booster-makes-s60-navigation-more-awesome-for-2/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/skyhooks-maps-booster-makes-s60-navigation-more-awesome-for-2/#commentsThere's solid evidence from its success on other platforms that Skyhook's unique WiFi-based positioning system makes a big difference in GPS usability on handsets -- and if you're looking for it on your Nokia, your moment has arrived. Maps Booster for S60 runs quietly in the background, augmenting the phone's built-in GPS capabilities to deliver faster, better results (theoretically, anyway) no matter what application you're using, which seems to make it a solid purchase if you spend much of your time trying to find your way through urban canyons, heavy vegetation, or some combination thereof. It'll be available early next week for $2.99.

Continue reading Skyhook's Maps Booster makes S60 navigation more awesome for $2.99

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Skyhook's Maps Booster makes S60 navigation more awesome for $2.99 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpsmaps boosterMapsBoostermobilenavnavigationovi storeOviStores60skyhookskyhook wirelessSkyhookWirelesssymbianWed, 11 Nov 2009 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell's Mini 10 getting GPS / WiFi tracking upgrade next week]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/30/dells-mini-10-getting-gps-wifi-tracking-upgrade-next-week/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/30/dells-mini-10-getting-gps-wifi-tracking-upgrade-next-week/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/30/dells-mini-10-getting-gps-wifi-tracking-upgrade-next-week/#comments Dell's Mini 10 already offers GPS with an integrated 3G chip, but if you're not interested in mobile broadband, starting next week you can opt instead for a wireless 700 location solution, a hybrid of Broadcom's assisted GPS and Skyhook's WiFi positioning technologies. We had a chance to sit down with a few of the product managers working on the device, and even within a brick-laden office building it did a pretty fine job of finding us within 30 meters and integrating with Flickr, Loopt, and Yelp using the Loki plug-in for Internet Explorer / FireFox. Impact on battery life was said to be "immaterial" although a ballpark estimate was about a five percent hit when in use. For $70, it'll come bundled with CoPilot turn by turn navigation software. It requires the $30 HD display upgrade, but even then, an extra Benjamin total for a large-screen navigation device is hard to pass up if you're looking to get a netbook anyway. If you're still not sold, Dell promises it'll be available for other Mini options, with and without the HD upgrade, in the near future. Now how about a few words on the Mini 11, eh Dell?

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Dell's Mini 10 getting GPS / WiFi tracking upgrade next week originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-gpsagpsbroad comBroadComdellmini 10Mini10net bookNetBookskyhookwirelesswireless solutionWirelessSolutionTue, 30 Jun 2009 20:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyhook CEO mentions Sony Ericsson X2 in passing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/27/skyhook-ceo-mentions-sony-ericsson-x2-in-passing/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/27/skyhook-ceo-mentions-sony-ericsson-x2-in-passing/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/27/skyhook-ceo-mentions-sony-ericsson-x2-in-passing/#commentsIn an interview with GigaOM, it seems that the founder and chief exec of Skyhook Wireless -- the innovative geolocation clearinghouse whose database is used by the iPhone, among others -- may have let the cat out of the bag on Sony Ericsson's next WinMo set. Of course, it's no big secret that SE would be looking to follow on the XPERIA X1 at some point, but details have been virtually nonexistent; here, Skyhook's Ted Morgan mentions that his company lost out on a contract to power the WinMo-based X2's location-based platform to Google because... well, Google's free. That's as good of a confirmation as any that we've heard -- now, we just need an official announcement and some pretty pictures.

[Via wmpoweruser.com]

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Skyhook CEO mentions Sony Ericsson X2 in passing originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ericssonmobileskyhooksonysony ericssonSonyEricssonwindows mobilewindowsmobilex2xperiaMon, 27 Apr 2009 15:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyhook XPS integrates with TI's NaviLink and WiLink mobile solutions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/16/skyhook-xps-integrates-with-tis-navilink-and-wilink-mobile-solu/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/16/skyhook-xps-integrates-with-tis-navilink-and-wilink-mobile-solu/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/16/skyhook-xps-integrates-with-tis-navilink-and-wilink-mobile-solu/#comments
It's not that hybrid GPS systems are all that new, it's just that most are working totally under the radar. Skyhook's hoping to get its rendition out in the open a tad more via a new partnership with Texas Instruments. The company's XPS hybrid positioning system is now cleared for integration within TI's NaviLink and WiLink mobile solutions, though there's no mention made of who all is drooling to get this into their phones. In short, Skyhook's XPS works by detecting WiFi hotspots, raw GPS readings and cellular IDs, and then comparing that information against a known database of geo-located points. In theory, this stuff could totally amp up the location abilities of most any handset, but in reality, we wouldn't be surprised to see it get swept away and forgotten just like the eerily similar announcement between Skyhook and Broadcom. Full release is after the break.

Continue reading Skyhook XPS integrates with TI's NaviLink and WiLink mobile solutions

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Skyhook XPS integrates with TI's NaviLink and WiLink mobile solutions originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpshybrid gpsHybridGpsmobilenavilinkperipheralspositioningskyhookTexas InstrumentsTexasInstrumentsTIwifiwifi positioningWifiPositioningwilinkXPSMon, 16 Feb 2009 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyhook XPS integrates with TI's NaviLink and WiLink mobile solutions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/16/skyhook-xps-integrates-with-tis-navilink-and-wilink-mobile-solu/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/16/skyhook-xps-integrates-with-tis-navilink-and-wilink-mobile-solu/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/16/skyhook-xps-integrates-with-tis-navilink-and-wilink-mobile-solu/#comments
It's not that hybrid GPS systems are all that new, it's just that most are working totally under the radar. Skyhook's hoping to get its rendition out in the open a tad more via a new partnership with Texas Instruments. The company's XPS hybrid positioning system is now cleared for integration within TI's NaviLink and WiLink mobile solutions, though there's no mention made of who all is drooling to get this into their phones. In short, Skyhook's XPS works by detecting WiFi hotspots, raw GPS readings and cellular IDs, and then comparing that information against a known database of geo-located points. In theory, this stuff could totally amp up the location abilities of most any handset, but in reality, we wouldn't be surprised to see it get swept away and forgotten just like the eerily similar announcement between Skyhook and Broadcom. Full release is after the break.

Continue reading Skyhook XPS integrates with TI's NaviLink and WiLink mobile solutions

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Skyhook XPS integrates with TI's NaviLink and WiLink mobile solutions originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpshybrid gpsHybridGpsnavilinkpositioningskyhookTexas InstrumentsTexasInstrumentsTIwifiwifi positioningWifiPositioningwilinkXPSMon, 16 Feb 2009 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Laptop Cop ups its security arsenal with Skyhook WiFi positioning]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/laptop-cop-ups-its-security-arsenal-with-skyhook-wifi-positionin/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/laptop-cop-ups-its-security-arsenal-with-skyhook-wifi-positionin/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/laptop-cop-ups-its-security-arsenal-with-skyhook-wifi-positionin/#comments
Skyhook Wireless' WiFi positioning technology has already found its way into quite a few previously position-less places, and it now looks like it's added one more feather its cap, with Awareness Technologies announcing that it has added the capability to its Laptop Cop laptop protection software. In addition to pinning down a location (supposedly with a "higher degree of accuracy than GPS"), the software will also let you remotely retrieve or delete files, among other tasks -- assuming it's a Windows laptop, that is. If that's not a problem, you can grab the software on its own now for $50, or get it pre-loaded on the Dell laptop of your choice. We're assuming existing Laptop Cop users will also be able to get an upgrade, although it's not clear if that's available just yet.

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Laptop Cop ups its security arsenal with Skyhook WiFi positioning originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awareness technologiesAwarenessTechnologieslaptop copLaptopCopskyhookskyhook wirelessSkyhookWirelessTue, 02 Dec 2008 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm nabs Skyhook license for gpsOne platform]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/20/qualcomm-nabs-skyhook-license-for-gpsone-platform/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/20/qualcomm-nabs-skyhook-license-for-gpsone-platform/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/20/qualcomm-nabs-skyhook-license-for-gpsone-platform/#commentsSiRF learned this lesson almost two years ago, and now Qualcomm's picking up on the same thing: WiFi-based positioning seems to work pretty damned well, all things considered. The company, which offers its gpsOne platform to handset manufacturers for integrating AGPS -- a now-standard feature on virtually every new phone -- has tied up with Skyhook Wireless to license its WiFi Positioning System, capable of approximating location by getting a read on nearby WiFi access points. This'll only serve to make gpsOne even more accurate than it already is, integrating traditional GPS signals, cell tower triangulation, and Skyhook tech into a single package for future devices. Notably, gpsOne powers a whole boatload of Sprint and Verizon phones, so if you're cursing VZ Navigator every time you slip into an urban canyon, this might just help (when we eventually see Skyhook-enabled guts in retail devices, anyway).

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Qualcomm nabs Skyhook license for gpsOne platform originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agpsgpsgpsonemobileothersqualcommskyhookwifiThu, 20 Nov 2008 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Broadcom dips its chips in Skyhook WiFi positioning tech]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/02/broadcom-dips-its-chips-in-skyhook-wifi-positioning-tech/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/02/broadcom-dips-its-chips-in-skyhook-wifi-positioning-tech/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/02/broadcom-dips-its-chips-in-skyhook-wifi-positioning-tech/#commentsSkyhook's WiFi positioning service hasn't really appeared in many devices despite its high-profile usage in the iPhone, but now it looks like it's set to become downright ubiquitous -- Broadcom is planning on building it directly into its extremely popular WiFi chipsets. Just like Skyhook's deal with SiRF, the idea is to use WiFi positioning to supplement GPS in mobile devices, allowing location-based services to function indoors and in densely-built cities where GPS doesn't always work well. No word on when we might see any devices with Skyhook-enabled chips in them, but given Broadcom's reach in the market, we'd guess it won't be too long.

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Broadcom dips its chips in Skyhook WiFi positioning tech originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We love dirigibles and we're not about to apologize for it, so that's why Boeing's new Skyhook JHL-40 airship has us ooh'ing and aah'ing in wonder. The eight-engine blimp is being developed for 40-ton 200-mile hauls in adverse environments such as wildernesses and what Boeing calls places "no other kind of transport can go." It is also slated to have a minimal impact on the environment with a carbon-minimal footprint as it won't require new roadways in remote areas. Of the eight engines, four provide lift while the other four control direction. Two production prototypes are under development at its Rotorcraft Systems facility in Ridley Park, PA. Can we sign up for a test flight? Maybe? Just a little?

[Via Coolest Gadgets]

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Boeing's Skyhook JHL-40 blimp gives us hope for yesterday's future originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 07:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iriver just took the wraps off their D27 QWERTY dictionary and W7 personal media player they teased us with last week. The D27 if a full-size, electronic dictionary with plenty of audio and video support. It features a 480 x 272 display, FM tuner, 2GB of flash, and up to 27 hours of battery life depending upon usage habits. More interesting for westerners however, is the W7 touchscreen (finger or built-in stylus) media player which shares the industrial design of the W10 -- in fact, it may well be the very same WiFi device with Skyhook positioning only now sporting a W7 moniker for domestic S.Korea release. Video of the W7 in action after the break, plenty of pics and more video just beyond the read link.

Update: More details in. The W7 goes on sale next week and turns out to be a WiFi-less, Skyhook-less version of the W10. The rest is pretty much the same: up to 8GB of storage with miniSD expansion, 480 x 272 WQVGA display, and 4-hour battery for video.

[Via iriverfans]

Continue reading iriver's W7 media player and D27 dictionary loose in the wild

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iriver's W7 media player and D27 dictionary loose in the wild originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 03:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d27iriverkoreaportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideoskyhooksouth koreaSouthKoreaw10w7Fri, 30 Nov 2007 03:51:00 EST<![CDATA[iriver W10 WiFi media player with Skyhook positioning ready in November?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/20/iriver-w10-wifi-media-player-with-skyhook-positioning-ready-in-n/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/20/iriver-w10-wifi-media-player-with-skyhook-positioning-ready-in-n/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/20/iriver-w10-wifi-media-player-with-skyhook-positioning-ready-in-n/#comments
Man, we've been painstakingly following iriver's development of the W10 media player since it was first rumored back in July of 2006. Well before touchscreen DAPs were all the rage. One hands-on and several postings later, iRiver seems prepped to push their baby out in November to what will assuredly be an adoring public, in S.Korea anyway. What's the fuss? 3-inch, 480 x 272 TFT touchscreen interface; WiFi with Skyhook's GPS-like positioning and NAVTEQ maps; VoIP; FM tuner; AOL XM radio streaming; 2/4/8GB capacities with miniSD expansion; and support for MP3, WMA, OGG audio and MPEG-4, WMV9 video all riding atop an iriver tuned WinCE 5.0 OS. Thing is, those NAVTEQ maps and POIs are "only suitable for US" -- a hopeful sign that we'll see these Stateside in time for the holidays.

[Thanks, Al]

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iriver W10 WiFi media player with Skyhook positioning ready in November? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 02:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iriverkoreamwv9oggportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideorumors.koreaskyhookw10Thu, 20 Sep 2007 02:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyhook Wireless teams with SiRF for location-based services]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/10/skyhook-wireless-teams-with-sirf-for-location-based-services/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/10/skyhook-wireless-teams-with-sirf-for-location-based-services/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/10/skyhook-wireless-teams-with-sirf-for-location-based-services/#commentsIt'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]

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Skyhook Wireless teams with SiRF for location-based services originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Feb 2007 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpslocationlocatormobileotherssirfskyhooktrackingwifiSat, 10 Feb 2007 01:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyhook Wireless teams with SiRF for location-based services]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/10/skyhook-wireless-teams-with-sirf-for-location-based-services/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/10/skyhook-wireless-teams-with-sirf-for-location-based-services/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/10/skyhook-wireless-teams-with-sirf-for-location-based-services/#commentsIt'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]

Skyhook Wireless teams with SiRF for location-based services originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Feb 2007 00:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One critical detail we missed about the positioning stuff in iriver's new 4GB and 8GB W10 media player: they're using Skyhook's WiFi-based system to offer GPS-like positioning info in dense urban areas. Obviously not going to be usable as GPS if you're out on the open road -- any WiFi-based positioning system is only as good as its database of WiFi access points -- but GPS is notoriously ineffective both indoors and in big cities. The W10, which they're aiming at "urban explorers", will come preloaded with Navteq maps and points of interest data (banks, ATMs, mass transit, hotels, restaurants, and shoppings), and they have plans to offer Location Based Services. Should be out in April.

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iriver W10 uses Skyhook for WiFi-based positioning originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Jan 2007 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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