GPS mobile phones

GPS mobile phones in depth

GPS mobile phones are handsets with satellite navigation technology that are designed to help you find your way around.

Opting for a GPS mobile phone can cut hours off journey times, making them invaluable as a work tool. They're also brilliant for helping you make the most of your leisure time.

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GPS mobile phones explained

GPS is an acronym for Global Positioning System. The term refers to satellite navigation technology built in to mobile phones that uses satellite signals to pinpoint your position. This is now so advanced that it is able to calculate your location virtually anywhere in the world to the nearest ten metres.

When the correct mapping software is used, such as Google Maps, Bing Maps or Nokia Maps, GPS phones can offer turn by turn directions for walking, driving and even public transport. In most cases, GPS can also provide you with interesting and germane information about your surroundings.

Why choose a GPS mobile phone?

GPS mobile phones are brilliant for route-finding and have rendered the age-old challenges of map reading a thing of the past.

Business users in particular will find GPS a boon, since it allows them to get to meeting locations quickly and easily. GPS mobile phones are also brilliant for tourists, enabling travelers and holidaymakers to find their way to points of interest no matter how unfamiliar they are with their locale.

Finally, mobiles with GPS technology are now used by people on a day to day basis to make their lives easier. It's now common to see a GPS phone being employed for everything from finding a nearby ATM to locating a shop or restaurant.

GPS mobiles and leisure uses

GPS mobile phones are excellent for joggers, since they allow users to accurately calculate how far they’ve run.

Adventure sports enthusiasts can also benefit from GPS mobiles. This is because they permit them to work out new hiking routes and offers security against getting lost in the great outdoors.

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Which phones have GPS technology?

Some years ago, GPS was exclusive to high-end mobile phones. However, the technology has now spread from expensive mobiles to mid-range handsets.

As a result, mobile phones from an array of manufacturers are now equipped with GPS, including models from Nokia, Samsung, HTC, LG, Sony Ericsson, BlackBerry and Apple.

What is A-GPS?

A-GPS stands for assisted GPS and is a technology that improves your phone’s ability to pick up a strong signal from a satellite when this is proving a problem. This can sometimes arise when you are in a heavily wooded area or a location that is particularly remote. Signal strength can also be impaired in cities by tall skyscrapers and in indoor spaces.

A-GPS technology works by using the mobile phone’s active data connection to send the impaired GPS signal to an assistance server. This then helps locate the phone by ascertaining the position of nearby mobile phone towers. This is not only saves you time but also precious battery life.

Do all phones have A-GPS?

Just as was originally the case with GPS, A-GPS is currently more likely to be a feature of more costly models. However, as technology advances, you can expect A-GPS mobile phones to come down in price considerably.

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