Qualcomm enables Skyhook’s WPS on gpsOne Platform

21 Nov 2008

Skyhook Wireless has licensed Qualcomm to distribute its Wi-Fi Positioning (WPS) and incorporate the technology into its gpsOne® positioning technology platforms.

Delivering Wi-Fi positioning for gpsOne, Skyhook's WPS solution also enable hybrid location positioning capabilities on select future platforms.

The software-only system produces accurate location information by detecting Wi-Fi access points and comparing them against a known database of geo-located points. In order to enable future mobile device manufacturers, mobile operators, third-party service providers and application developers to utilise a single, integrated hybrid positioning solution, Qualcomm combines its gpsOne solution with Skyhook's location technologies.

According to Qualcomm's senior director of cellular products, Jason Bremner, the company enables the vast majority of location-aware mobile devices on the market and the combination with Skyhook's technology will enable users to obtain location fixes much more rapidly and provide for a more ubiquitous LBS experience whether indoors, outside or in complex environments such as urban areas.

Mobile devices as mobile phones, laptops, PDA's and fleet management systems are increasingly equipped with multi-mode GPS and Wi-Fi that provide enhanced positioning availability and accuracy for the growing number of location-based applications and services.

By distributing WPS as a component of its gpsOne platform, Qualcomm intends to enable true, multi-source hybrid location positioning. The cooperation will offer more benefits to users of wireless navigation than any other singular positioning solution can offer today.