UPDATE: The WiFi model can determine your approximate location via Skyhook WiFi positioning, but does not have a GPS chip. The WiFi + 3G model has true GPS.
The Apple iPad was announced today, and Apple’s specs led to some confusion over whether or not this thing has GPS. For the record, here are the “location” specs for the iPad:
- Wi-Fi
- Digital compass
- Assisted GPS (Wi-Fi + 3G model)
- Cellular (Wi-Fi + 3G model)
It’s that assisted-GPS (A-GPS) thing that was confusing. A-GPS can mean a couple of things:
- A software-based system designed to speed satellite lock, by providing alternative positioning data, projecting satellite locations, etc.
- A system that relies solely on cell tower triangulation
The fact is, we don’t know yet which the iPad has. If it does have a GPS chipset, it seems clear that it’s limited to the 3G models. And the more I look into it, the more I’m inclined to think it does.
If the iPad does have GPS
But even if it does have GPS, what would you do with this 9.7” touchscreen beast? If you think your smartphone is fragile for geocaching, the iPad seems even less appropriate for field use. If you drive an RV or an 18-wheeler, perhaps you could justify the screen real-estate; it will be interesting to see if any of the nav app providers come up with a dedicated iPad version of their software. The iPad is bound to be used as a portable device though, even if its just for the coffee shop set, and as such I can see location-based services (including social media apps) being quite useful. What would you use an iPad with GPS for?
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I thought the true definition of “GPS” was the NAVSTAR satellite positioning system developed by the US military. From what I’ve read, GLONASS and Galileo aren’t even called GPS. I’ve never heard GPS or A-GPS used for non-satellite positioning. In the same way as the iPod touch lacks a 3G radio and GPS, it looks as though the WiFi-only iPad lacks 3G and GPS. And by GPS I mean an actual GPS chip, for use with satellites, since that’s the only definition of GPS I’ve ever seen. So I’m betting the 3G iPad will have a GPS chip.
It’s definitely confusing but many feature phones without a GPS chip say they have A-GPS. I think the manufacturers were just looking for a way to communicate that it could show your approximate location for 911 calls.
I compared the text of the “Location” spec for the iPad with the text of the “Location” spec for the iPhone 3GS, and, for the iPad with 3G, they’re the same.
I suspect, though I can’t prove, the iPad is using the same 3G chipset as the iPhone 3GS and thus has the same GPS as the 3GS.
While the 3G iPad will have true GPS, the WiFi version uses a form of A-GPS that doesn’t really fit into that Wikipedia definition too well. Apple licensed a WiFi-based location system from Skyhook in 2008. See: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/23/technology/23iht-ptend24.1.9427665.html?_r=1
As a pilot I’ve been interested in this iPad for a couple of reasons, the most important being it’s GPS capability.
We’d need GPS chip navigation (not cell tower). Phone sized GPS in a car with voice directions might be fine, but not for a pilot, we need aviation moving map displays (sans voice), and the 10 inch screen is pretty much a perfect size for lap work.
This is a better option for pilots than dedicated aviation GPS for it’s multi functionality, and better than other tablets and slates for its size and screen.
acctually, the GPS has a initial time 30 seconds( download Ephemeris and other data), it take so long to check the relative postion of each satellite and base on the data to decide the time.
AGPS is that using FM, 3G and other signal to send those preload data from nearby 3G station to speed up the first position time.
So it will save 30 seconds for AGPS with 3G.
cell tower triangulation is another tech…
see my post further down.. I tried this in flight, and the iPad was not able to get a location fix at all — it does not seem to fall back on downloading the Ephemeris..
If the multitasking does come along, I would use it in the car. The iPhone screen is too small for me to be practical.
iPad WiFi – Skyhook Wi-Fi Positioning System. Same as on the iPhone 2G, iPod touch and all Snow Leopard Macs.
iPad 3G – Skyhook XPS hybrid positioning engine that integrates WiFi, cell and GPS. Same as iPhone 3G/3Gs
Thanks Mike!
What would I use an iPad with GPS for? For not having to drive with bifocals so I can see the GPS!! Voice navigation is fine, but for multi-lane areas, being able to READ the map is useful! I can see the info on my speedometer without bifocals, but the details on a 3.5-inch GPS just blur without them!
Just like the iPhone, it’ll be as successful as its APPS.
If the iPad 3G has *real* GPS (rather than skyhook cell+wifi only), I’d load iNavX on it asap and use it while cruising..
I suspect Navigon will add an iPad optimized version soon, and someone will make a great car mount for it.. goose-neck lamp arm inside a tungsten weighted cupholder base? Heck, I’m tempted to cut off the top of my tomtom mount I’m using now and epoxy the mount into something that would support the weight
No valid purpose.
For everyday GPS, the size is cumbersome.
For years I have used notebooks (and now use a 10″ tablet) for navigation.
This is because when leaving the beaten track, we need better maps, better software, everything the iPad still can’t do.
If it was atom based, I’d have a use for one, as would the majority of people. But a crippled oversized ipod, just another fashion accessory.
If IPAD has true GPS and I can use Navigon/Tom Tom, I am drooling. For passengers it is is great, like looking at real map and playng role of navigator. I initially thought this may not have real GPS. This is awesome!
The iPad with real GPS would be a formidable product for marine navigation. There are already a number of marine navigation apps for the iPhone. The best are iNavX and Navionics Gold. Both work very well on the iPhone but will be awesome on the iPad because the larger screen size will be very helpful. It will be a serious competitor for the relatively dumb and expensive chart plotters. If Otterbox produces a tough waterproof enclosure, this could clean up in recreational boating. Even if there is no real GPS in the iPad, there are a number of bluetooth GPS receivers available. WIth the Wifi and 3G version, it could be a great interactive repeater for below decks computer navigation acting as a touch screen repeater for the navigation station computer. If Otterbox could provide the waterproof case with a waterproof 12v charging plug……….
Terry, this might interest you…
http://www.panbo.com/archives/2010/02/ac_on_an_ipad_android_coming_too.html
> •A system that relies solely on cell tower triangulation
One thousand times NO, that is NOT A-GPS.
WiFi or cell positioning are NOT GPS or A-GPS.
A-GPS or GPS _always_ uses satellites. The only difference is that A-GPS will get assistance in some form, whether it be satellite orbit info, first location guess, help with calculations, or whatever… but it will ALWAYS be using GPS satellite information.
Unfortunately, Apple confused everyone a few years back with goofed up ads.
I beg to differ. Sure, that’s what it should mean, but carriers have been saying cheap flip phones have A-GPS for several years now. Case in point is an old LG VX8300 I used to use. Digging deeper into the specs though, we see that it has “simultaneous GPS,” which actually has nothing to do with GPS. It just means that it can TRANSMIT voice and location data simultaneously for 911 calls.
Wait, so every time a person uses a word in any possible way, it’s correct? Teachers can no longer correct mistakes in writing classes?
I can write that my butt has A-GPS, because A-GPS is synonymous with farting, but that doesn’t change the definition of A-GPS.
You’re right. I worded it poorly when I said it could mean a couple of things.
the only reason for lookiing at this site is to find out if it does have real gps. i know loads of land rover off roaders who would love this including me so that we can use memory map for example currently used by many and already on iphone which i have. but the iphone as already mentioned has too small a screen to benefit the user.
I just took my LR defender to the national forest near tahoe, used my iPhone 4 with accuterra(preloaded maps) and was able to see our location with great accuracy. I will buy the iPad 3G to get a larger screen if it really does have true GPS. BTW Land Rovers Rock!!
this might shed light on all the misunderstanding you guys have:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/inavx-marine-navigation/id286616280?mt=8
specifically read the following statement in the link above:
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iPhone OS 3.1.2 or later.
The iPad’s location capabilities and one of their featured apps “Star Walk” offer exciting possibilities for star gazers. Combined with the compass and accelerometer it will allow location based views of the heavens. Imagine holding the iPad up to the sky in any direction and having it display the star field you are viewing with identified constellations, planets, nebulae, etc. If I’m within reach of my home Wi-fi I can step outside for local views, but if I’m far away from distracting city lights I surely will want to be able to locate my position within areas of 3G coverage.
Who knows, some clever app programmer might be able to combine historic photography to allow you to view what some location in a city might have looked 50 or 100 years ago with a direction based photographic database. A Google maps aware app might allow you to see what it would look like if you were somehow able to lift yourself 500, 1000, or more feet in the air to look around you. A geologist would love to see geologic units viewable on a location/direction based view from the iPad. A curious tourist might want to have local peaks, buildings, or points of interest labelled on a location/direction based app. Possibilities are endless, and it doesn’t matter much what kind of GPS Apple uses as long as you can locate yourself decently.
I’m holding out for the 3G unit, and can’t wait for some talented programmers to get busy.
How can Google maps say where i am with my Ipad 32Gb Wifi , it points my location within 200 meters..
It uses WiFi positioning… http://www.skyhookwireless.com/howitworks/
There are clear differences between GPS, A-GPS, Location based software using Wifi (triangulating via Wifi/cellular), and etcetera.
A-GPS or Assisted GLobal Positioning System does not, and never actually said to include a dedicated GPS receiver) chip (Infineon, Surf 3, etc). A-GPS works its magic via triangulation using cellular towers, and if you are in a wifi connection, it can get even more accurate. A-GPS us even used with systems that have dedicated GPS receivers, because as the article state, (and is the absolute truth) RF signals from satellites can get bounced, and cause inaccurate readings for location based uses.
Most GPS will save a certain amount of data for use as it tracks you – this is where AGPS is useful then the dedicated GPS receiver chip cannot connect to 3 or more satellites (the necessary minimum for accurate tracking). Good day.
Sorry, godmode, but you’re flat-out wrong. A-GPS includes GPS. It’s like GPS+. By definition, anything with GPS, whether A-GPS or otherwise, includes a GPS receiver to receive the signals from the GPS satellites. A-GPS is not the same as cell triangulation. A-GPS is not the same as WiFi location. A-GPS is GPS *plus* cell tower and WiFi triangulation.