RUMOR - iPhone to get GPS?

From ZDNet: "Strings for “RoleGps,” “RoleRemote,” and “RoleA2DP” allude to potential GPS navigation functions."

From - http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=1549

It sure would be cool to have GPS on the iphone. I have been waiting for 3g and GPS (not to mention my wife won't let me get one)

I know what I want right away.
I spend far more time trying to figure out how to convince my wife I need it.

I'll be waiting for the Samsung Instinct as it will have both 3G and built-in GPS, but most importantly I actually have good coverage with Sprint

I agree, I would have an iPhone in a second if someone other than AT&T carried them.

Its all about location, location, location.

My family from back east when they come to ks can't use their verizon phones. Sprint is ok to fair in some places - except that you get double billed for services and hung up on calling tech support. AT&T works well in much of the state.

I have given up trying to find the "do all" carrier but gps will be an interesting selling point in the very near future. More folks would probably use it than the camera in the phone...

my $.02

dk

Although the current iPhone does not have GPS hardware built-in, it shouldn't be surprising to see support via Bluetooth or integrated in the next release, given that in 2001 the FCC mandated that all wireless users in the US have a cell phone equipped with GPS technology. The deadline was supposed to be the end of 2005, but obviously this didn't happen, and Apple was able to get a bigger return by shaving some costs.

The goal is to facilitate emergency dispatchers locate calls placed from mobile phones cellular callers.

There were even discussions of charging fees to those who don't upgrade to a GPS-enabled phone.

As for me, I would get a next-generation iPhone if Apple opened it to developers, just like the PocketPC platform is - Even now, the cell phone carriers are making people pay a fee for the usage of the GPS chip... that's right, the one already on your phone... that you own and payed for.

Krieger

Apple will have to get the battery usage straight before that can happen. Currently, one of the biggest complaints is the iPhone's battery gets to a point that it only lasts hours after a full charge (usually within months of being purchased). Imagine if it had to power a GPS receiver for hours on end?

Well I'm sure you have heard about iphone unlocking but maybe thought it was too hard. I have done it and it is fairly difficult.

A new tool is out called Pwnage (link below). The ultimate tool to use. I myself haven't used it and am not going to to until the new (not just the beta) iphone firmware 1.2 comes out early june, because I have too many apps to reinstall twice; however it can be used now, but when apple releases the new 1.2 it may have newer features than the beta.

Basically you make your own custom firmware. Restore your iphone firware with the custom. (By putting your iphone in recovery mode, holding power and home button at same time) Thats it!

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/pwnage

The iPhone has a GPS like feature that uses cell towers and WiFi. I can only assume they're using data for the WiFi from http://www.wigle.net/ . Supposedly, the 3G version of the iPhone will also have a 5MP camera built-in.

Haven't heard about a camera. Do you have a link so I can read more?

Rumor sites have tossed all kinds of possibilities around. A better camera is a good possibility because the original camera is lacking compared to some other phones. Apple has announced several improvements with the software but none yet for the hardware. While some upgrades like 3G and GPS seem certain (as hints of the improvements are already in the beta software), other changes are pure speculation.

Freddie40 you hit the nail on the head, the Iphone is going nowhere until they correct the big problem with the battery. Don't look for any power hungry applications till they come out with a user serviceable battery. The battery problems make the Iphone another apple product that is rotten to the core.
However that doesn't surprise me just look at the number of members here begging for applications for the often not written for macs.

The WWDC keynote is over --

Yes, it has GPS, and 3G

Supposedly better battery life as well.

To me, the big advances are in the infrastructure -- support from Cicso on VPNs, push services, notification services, so these will be quite attractive to the enterprise.

Pricing not too bad either -- $200 for 8g, $300 for 16g, available July 11.

There is a local phone dealer near where I live that unlocks the iphone to use on the carriers he sells. Pretty ingenious if you ask me.

I wonder who will be come up with a true GPS navigation app for the new iphone?

Google Maps would work in a pinch but for driving you definitely need some sort of voice prompting...

EDIT: Let me answer my own question:
http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/09/tomtom-already-has-iphone...

http://www.apple.com/ca/iphone/specs.html

But it's coming to Canada. Nice!

I think the new 3G iPhone will required activation at point of purchase. It's no longer available for purchase from on-line store.

Don't think ATT will subsidize the phone so it can be used on another network.

I think the old iPhone will be an hot item on eBay.

A good explanation of the iPhone gps, and why it doesn't replace your garmin/tomtom

http://gizmodo.com/5015930/giz-explains-what-you-didnt-know-...

There are fine prints in Apple's developer agreement that forbids any kind of software for navigation, other than from Apple.

That is true. But i would guess that Apple will eventually bend the rules. TomTom has already said they are working on a gps app.

http://gizmodo.com/5016378/tomtom-on-the-iphone-may-not-be-c...

I have a Verizon eNV LG 9900 cell phone. It took me about a month (or less) to realize I needed a NUVI. GPS on a screen that size with a voice you can't hear and limited access to signal was not pretty. We love in Iowa where I could get a signal, get into WI and there was nothing. The NUVI will never be replaced by any cell phone GPS in my opinion.

Interesting possibilities. AT&T holds a patent to allow callers to identify the location of the phone being called. A friend of mind "invented" it. When it shows up in cell phones, your kids can't hide--and keep their phones on...

Geochapman,

I have to say, I disagree. While there will probably always be a market for stand-along GPS units, the advance of smart phones will slowly erode market share. Tom-Tom sees this and is getting in the software market to be proactive.

Turn the iPhone sideways, clip it in a suction cup holder on your windshield with a Power connection and it's an instant ~mainstream~ GPS replacement - with the right software interface.

I'll retry the phone GPS if the technology you describe ever is a reality but for now the advantage of having the map self-contained on the device and not having to rely on a possibly non existent phone connection far outweighs having GPS on a phone. Just when you need it the most you find yourself not on the main network and the thing doesn't work of someone else's tower. And even the iPhone screen is small. I also found the volume was way low. No way to add POI's--in fact I don't recall any being built in. So disagree and try the present technology and let us know whose is anywhere as good as Garmins.

For the time being, You're probably right. My point is that a device as flexible as the iPhone has the potential to do so much more than a stand alone GPS, and inevitably over time, people will take advantage of that platform. An iPhone is so much more than a ~phone~. I realize the current map limitation, but build it and they will come.

Like I said, the iPhone won't completely erase the market for GPS devices. But it will change the playing field. People who have never owned a GPS but were on the fence.... may just opt for the iPhone because it's an all-in-one solution rather than carry around a phone, laptop, GPS, iPod. etc.

I am talking about the future, and hopefully the pressure of smart phones will continue to pressure companies to offer more services for less $.

Thats all we need, another ability for a phone! Next thing you see will be a woman driving to work, putting on her makeup, texting her BFF, taking a pic of the cute guy in the car next to her, and looking up directions to the party tonight!

Why cant a phone just be a freaking phone?!

Go to Mac website and you’ll see a nice long video of the new iPhone. And yes, it will have GPS!

Hi Sport Billy,

GPS on an iPhone?

That's all well and good but...

Apple needs to correct two "glaring deficiencies" present in the first edition iPhone, and that is the lack of sound volume for the ringtones and the lack of sound volume of the speakerphone. If you can't hear the phone ring, how can you classify it as a "phone"?

If that issue is addressed and corrected on the new 3G edition, then and only then, i'll consider upgrading my iPhone.

Regards,

Tailspin

Nüvi 670
Mac User

Your frustration is shared and understood, but it's not the device (or makeup) at fault. There just seems to be a general lack of common sense that leads to dangerous behavior.

People tend to think that humans can multitask. My wife believes that women can and men can't. The truth is that computers can and humans can't.

Driving requires ALL of your attention. If you do other things while driving and have not had a mishap, you are pushing your luck and chances are others have had to do things to make up for your inattention.

Bill

Do you have a 4GB iPhone? My son has an 8GB iPhone and I have a 16GB iPhone, both with plenty of volume for both ringtones and speakerphone. I am wondering if maybe the first 4GB iPhones might have been different.

Bill

Hi Bill (XXLZR1),

I was an early adopter and my iPhone is the 8GB model. The speakerphone is useless and there are only two ways to hear this phone (if you hear the ringtone, in the first place) and that is by holding the phone to your ear and by using the earphones.

I've been an Apple user for the last 14 years and I have to say that Apple produces quality products, however, in this case they dropped the ball when it comes to the sound quality, on the 1st generation iPhone.

Just my 2¢...

Regards,

Tailspin

Nüvi 670
Mac User

That certainly would be a disappointment. I have not had that same experience with our two iPhones and certainly would not be buying two more if that were the case. Maybe you can arrange a 'test drive' of the new one on 7/11.

Bill

and they will probalbly charge an arm and a leg

And will ATT be everywhere or will it have an "extended network" as Verizon calls it? The 'recalculate' as Garmin calls it won't work on an extended network so you're lost with no place to go if communication is lost with the network. I'm not sure about the iPhone but this is a serious problem on Verizon and I understand Verizon's network is bigger than ATT.

It depends if the map data the unit is using is internal like stand-alone units. If Tom Tom relies on Google maps, people may have a hard time "recalculating" on the way to an off-the-beaten-path location.

But, if the map data is contained within the program itself, it should act just the same way as a standard Tom-Tom unit. There are a few hurdles like Apple's own SDK language...

http://www.electronista.com/articles/08/06/11/iphone.sdk..gp...

Oh lucky, that's the past tense. How about literally using pda phone as a computer with projected screen and holographic keyboard, using them as credit cards and boarding passes (as I did with Continental Airline couple weeks ago for check-in), and many many other things. You might find the following link interesting:

http://www.ibm.com/ibm/syndication/podcasts/future/march19_2...

Now most of the above is already happening somewhere in the world, or is around the corner (within a year or two). How about 5-7 years from now? Here are a few ideas:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/06/magazine_fu...

Moon

Hi Bill,

I plan on being at my local Apple Store, on this coming Friday, to listen to the ringtone and speakerphone volumes on the new 3G iPhone. If they've been improved sufficiently, then i'll upgrade my 8GB iPhone to a new 16GB 3G iPhone.

BTW, (according to AT&T) the price of the 3G iPhones (8GB & 16GB) from AT&T, if you're eligible for an upgrade, is $199 and $299 respectively. If you're an AT&T customer and not eligible for an upgrade, the cost of the phone is a lot higher ($399 8GB & $499 16GB) and according to AT&T, a “no-commitment” version of the iPhone 3G (perfect for those of us with commitmentphobia) is “coming soon”, and will run $599 for the 8GB model and $699 for the 16GB model. Ouch...!!!

Regards,

Tailspin

Nüvi 670
Mac User

Didnt see anyone else posting this:
http://www.apple.com/iphone/features/maps.html

It appears the new iPhone (to be released this month) will have some sort of GPSr included.

I'm curious as to the potential use of the iPhone 3G and loading custom POI with the built in GPS software.

I'm still considering getting one, however without using it, makes it kinda hard to know just how capable a device it is or can be.

And I'd guess that with the hints of packages from TomTom and/or TeleNav for the iPhone it may have some pretty decent capabilities once that is all in play.

telenav is working on a turn by turn app

http://gizmodo.com/5024018/telenav-confirms-iphone-in+car-na...

For the price you have to pay for it, you can keep it, give me a dedicated GPSr any time, and tell Apple to stuff it!
Telenav Serice
$10 a month/$100 year/$250 4 years.

Just the extra cost above my current phone service that would be required is about $60 a month for 2 years or $1440 plus the cost of the phone $300 to $600 plus $200 for telenav service.

A little rich for my blood....

I'll carry my blackberry curve and 760....

Garmin Mobile - a one-time price of $99.

But then you'd have to have a service provider that does not cripple the blackberry to only using the provider's GPS product on the BB or buy a little bluetooth gps puck to get around that...

But still - the Nuvi beats any gps app on any cell phone hands down.

According to the Gizmodo article, the app would have to be available through the App Store so there won't be a subscription.

The Garmin Mobile XT works great on my AT&T Tilt PPC with built in GPS. I just had to get a special charger/speaker/vent mount combo to make my life easier for all out of town trips. Instead of taking my Nuvi, I simply take the holder along; of course the phone goes wherever I go.

Moon

I respectfully disagree

Similarly to Moon, I've used TomTom Navigator 5 and 6, on PocketPC-based phones (an HP hw6515 and an AT&T Tilt) and there are many advantages in having a one-device setup.

Advantages of a "phone" setup over a dedicated GPSr:
* Full-time Internet connectivity via GPRS and/or Wi-Fi.
* Ability to update itself and download maps and other content without using a computer.
* aGPS capability (as opposed to dead-reckoning)
* Much shorter TTFF (Time To First Fix) by using ephemeris data, typically takes less than 12 seconds for me , even when GPS is started at a different location than where it was stopped.
* Multitasking - I can check and send email, open and edit attachments, take pictures (with GPS coordinates, of course ) play games, send and receive messages, play music, browse the Internet, and of course, place phone calls. Even 2 or more apps can share the use of GPS at the same time.
* Wardriving
* If you make an educated selection of which hardware to use, you are not tied to the carrier. I have a custom ROM on my Tilt, and I could even run Linux (and possibly Android) on it. Some BlackBerries, such as the 8830, disable the GPS hardware for as long as you are outside Sprint's network.
* Tethering for Internet access (a lifesaver).

Advantages of the nüvi:
Hmmm... larger screen?
Perhaps less technical comfort required?

The only functionalities not yet implemented on the PDA versions of TomTom are voice commands, call for help, and the optimized route calculation based on historical traffic data (IQ Routes). Other than that, the interface, software engines and features are the same as the ones released in dedicated products.

Krieger

As for now, I don't think the iphone will replace any dedicated garmin or tomtom gps.

What apple has done is give a shot at an all in one device. Granted its not the best at everything, but in the future i believe a device will come that is a near perfect "all in one" device. (whether its by apple or someone else, or multiple people)

So far, the iPhone is a great tool to use with my nüvi, especially for the up to date POI information available via internet and Google maps.

It doesn't work for me to try to use it to navigate in the car for a number of reasons, but I may prefer it in a pedestrian mode over the nüvi.

Bill

Rumors that future macbooks will have a gps built in. This would be very useful.