Will GPS navigation for iPhone come out after SDK release?

todesto · 11-12-2007, 11:07 PM

Hi, all

I find myself needing GPS navigation after switching to iPhone from PDA phone that had navigation software with GPS receiver. Thus, I am in the market for GPS navigation such as Garmin, TomTom or whatever....

however I just realized that Apple will release SDK for iPhone and was wondering if GPS navigation software (with GPS receiver bluetooth pairing) will come out. What is the chance of such software coming out after SDK release?

Should I wait until then rather than getting one right now or would that be foolish choice?
What do you think?

stoneskid · 11-12-2007, 11:21 PM

Well your guess is as good as anybody. I will venture to say that apple will prob limit the use of the program to some type of monthly pay service (similar to agps on other phones). You know apple, they have to make a buck everywhere 10 times over.

I still cant get over the fact that you have to buy the song, then pay again to use it as a ringtone. Who thinks this type of stuff up?

todesto · 11-13-2007, 12:58 AM

Looks like I need start looking hard for GPS navigation units.

Anybody know which one is really good with iPhone?

kian · 11-13-2007, 10:56 PM

wouldn't it need a gps chip?

psylichon · 11-14-2007, 01:39 AM

I'm predicting bluetooth GPS support will come along with other bluetooth enhancements in a future upgrade. When, who knows.

Google maps already makes use of BT GPS on other phones, I think Apple was just a bit behind on their BT development when they released the Iphone (see stereo BT headset support... or lack thereof). Seeing as the Iphone has no built-in GPS hardware, it would seem that Apple would need to add BT support to keep the device viable in an ever-more-GPS-capable marketplace.

Again, my prediction is they will add BT GPS support and come out with their own BT GPS device that works seamlessly with the Iphone and Google Maps (i.e., a flat device that clips onto the back of the phone... iWorld or iGPS or something like that)

Regardless, my old BT GPS receiver remains mounted in my car, awaiting the day...

seb481 · 11-14-2007, 01:52 AM

Originally Posted by kian

wouldn't it need a gps chip?

I believe to get GPS you have to install some hardware on the phone directly. It's not just a software.

psylichon · 11-14-2007, 02:35 AM

We're talking about bluetooth GPS devices here. Little self-powered hockey-puck-lookin' things that pair via bluetooth to your phone and add GPS capabilities. I bought mine for $65 about a month before I got my Iphone and it worked flawlessly with Google Maps on my Window Mobile phone (Cingular 2125). Considering it would be a software upgrade, I'm hoping Apple adds this ability to the Iphone. I mean, I think it really has to.

kian · 11-14-2007, 02:40 AM

Darnit I wish the touch had bluetooth.

iPimp · 11-14-2007, 09:15 AM

I am confused,I use the google maps on my iphone and it provides,numbers,websites and step by step directions the same as the mio cx310 I bought for my mom last year.

So what would be the difference / need for a separate GPS program / add on ?

dcom · 11-14-2007, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by iPimp

I am confused,I use the google maps on my iphone and it provides,numbers,websites and step by step directions the same as the mio cx310 I bought for my mom last year.

So what would be the difference / need for a separate GPS program / add on ?

I think what is wanted is a program to interface and use data returned from a GPS receiver. With such a program, the iPhone could do things like keep you on route regardless of where you are since it would know where you were. It could also tell you where things are around you like fuel, hotels, restaurants, etc... without you telling it where you were.