No GPS Chip?

Simulated GPS is not GPS. If Apple market it as having GPS and it doesn't have GPS then they are in for a world of trouble - just read the small print before you buy the phone.

During the keynote it is clearly stated the new iPhone has GPS which requires a GPS chip.

You just asked the wrong questions to the wrong person.

Current iPhone (1st Gen...Edge network).
Has what it has now. Cell tower and WiFi location services (gets you close, but not GPS).
Yest when the firmware update comes out (2.0) you will get all the new software features of the new iPhone. It can do stuff with it's GPS"like" ability that it already has. But not accurate like GPS, no.

The new iPhone 3G (the new one in July) does have real GPS, and 3G. Thus faster network capability (if in coverage) and real GPS (yes a chip). And can pinpoint you like any other mobile device with GPS.

Both phones will run the same software...just the older iPhone won't be as accurate for things like turn by turn directions.

Also just go look at the specs
http://www.apple.com/iphone/specs.html

And info what A-GPS is (assisted)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisted_GPS

The A (Assisted) part means, it has GPS yes, but GPS in general has issues around tall buildings etc, so gets assistance from servers. So while assisted makes it better (especially in cities etc...a lot of driving units have this) it also has to have a signal to your network (cell signal) to get help. Not a bad thing and normal. Just means don't expect to use the phone in the middle of a mountain trail while hiking.

Message was edited by: DaVBMan

I think the rep needs to go back and watch the Keynote.

The rep on the phone did not know the fact, it takes time for this info to get out to people and for them to understand it.

The new iPhone 3G does have a GPS chip in it - fact.

http://www.apple.com/iphone/features/maps.html

LarryinMI,

First, I would like to apologize if the agent you spoke to on the phone was not fully informed. Generally speaking the AppleCare reps get little or no advance training before an announcement such as the Keynote on Monday.

Yes, there is a GPS chip in the iPhone 3G. The major hardware differences are the GPS and 3G Data speeds. Minor changes include the plastic back, and flush headphone jack.

The software updates will be part of the iPhone 2.0 firmware update which will be free to all users with iPhones active on the carrier it was intended.

Hope this helps,

Nathan C.

i don't really understand how it would not work out your location on a hiking trip, as long as you are somewhere where there are satellites it will find you right? thats why there are GPS devices to help you when you gt lost in the middle of nowhere?! right?!

Next question about gps chip. Is it a sirf chip or just the old technology?

dnorth12,

The specifics of what chips is being used has not been announced. Typically Apple doesn't disclose the individual chips used in its products, but within a few days of release somebody will have torn one apart and posted the information online.

Hope this helps,

Nathan C.

Jani00 wrote:
i don't really understand how it would not work out your location on a hiking trip, as long as you are somewhere where there are satellites it will find you right? thats why there are GPS devices to help you when you gt lost in the middle of nowhere?! right?!

I'm assuming DaVBMan, whose replies are very reliable, means that ASSISTED GPS will not work on the trail because there will be no cell towers or WiFi to do the assisting. However, the GPS chip will work just fine by itself in that situation.

-dan

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. It generally only needs the assistance when there are tall buildings, so then it should work fine. Although... where will it get the detailed map data that the iPhone typically uses? I think GPS carries some map data but not like what it uses I don't think. I could be totally wrong though so someone set me straight haha.

You raise a really important point. The present Google maps arrive via EDGE or wiFi so you could indeed be toast in the boonies.

So the next question is what the policy will be on sale of GPS apps in the App Store. Will there be on-board maps available, which would work fine off the network? There has been a lot of discussion of the apparent ban on turn-by-turn voice, but a bigger issue to me is whether anyone will be allowed to sell maps as part of their apps.

My guess is no, for three reasons: licensing conflict with the existing Google setup; price (Apple seems to want to target $9.99 and you won't get North America for that price); download time - my Garmin nuvi map file is more than a gig of data.

-dan