This is a no brainer Apple’s next version of the iPhone probably due out at Macworld in 2008 will sport a GPS chip closely matching the iRFstarIII from SiRF Technology. The StarIII is best known for its capability to receive signals from 20 different satellites simultaneously, and a super fast First Fix Time. The only draw back is the requirement for higher power consumption.
Also, it’s highly possible for the iPhone to use a chipset with Assisted GPS (A-GPS) technology, which cuts down the time needed to determine a location using GPS. Most of AT&T and Sprint’s phones sporting built-in GPS already have A-GPS so it isn’t too far fetch for the iPhone to have it as well. A-GPS kicks in when you are in urban areas with tall buildings, or an area with bad weather.
Apple and AT&T will start selling the iPhone late June. The 4GB configuration cost $499 while the 8GB version will run $599 with a 2-year contract.
Apple to incorporate GPS into next iPhone [via Apple Tech News]
GPS is very useful nowadays especially with people like me, no sense of directions :)
I’m a 911 dispatcher. The iPhone has to have GPS capabilities since the FCC requires all cell phones to have it so that emergency services can locate callers. When you call 911, your lat/long pops up on my screen and using the satellite mapping software we have, I can lead officers or fire personnel to callers usually with a discrepancy ratio of only a few meters. Trust me, BIG BROTHER is watching you… and while I know the iPhone is so much more than just a cell phone, it’s still a cell phone.
Are you positive it’s gps or are they using the cell towers to triangulate the position? Also, the option can be turned off.
If you’re really paranoid about big brother watching have a read:
FBI is inside every recent cellphone feature – Via SlashGear
When we can order the iPhone in europe?
Are you sure it will have GPS?
Other sites say not. I am confused.