Skyhook Wireless wants to make location-based services work in more places.
The company today said its XPS 2.0 is now available. XPS 2.0 is a next-generation hybrid positioning system that combines signals from Wi-Fi access points, GPS satellites and cell towers to deliver location information for mass-market handsets.
GPS works great outdoors, but it’s not a good indoor solution. Wi-Fi works indoors, and cell towers help fill in gaps, according to Skyhook CEO Ted Morgan. That’s why Skyhook is combining all three in a software solution so handset makers can take advantage of that. That way, consumers can expect the same level of service whether they’re in Manhattan or Montana.
People have been working on solving the GPS problems for years, such as with assisted GPS, but that doesn’t go far enough. “No one has a Wi-Fi positioning system like we have; that’s the new element,” he said.
CSR will incorporate Skyhook’s Wi-Fi solution into new chips.