Assisted GPS and Nokia

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In a not-too-surprising statment, Nokia has announced the intention to equip all of its future devices that have built-in GPS with 'Assisted GPS' (using satellite ephemeris info, loaded over a data connection to give the GPS locking procedure a big head start - see also my feature on Assisted GPS technology). This includes the N95 now, of course, through the v12 firmware update, though watch out for the keypress bug.

"Nokia makes finding yourself faster with new A-GPS service
July 19, 2007

Technical framework allows service providers to provide their own regional A-GPS services

Espoo, Finland - This Assisted GPS (A-GPS) service helps Nokia Maps users find their current locations faster and get to their desired locations quicker using their Nokia mobile device with built-in GPS.
 
Nokia intends to equip all of its future devices that have built-in GPS with this service. The first devices to use this service are the Nokia 6110 Navigator, which has begun shipping in select markets, and the most recent software release of the Nokia N95 multimedia computer.
 
Current owners of the Nokia N95 can take advantage of this free* service by using the Nokia Software Updater. This will update the firmware on the device to the latest version.
 
This service has the ability to reduce the time a connected mobile device with built in GPS needs to find its current position, known as time to first fix (TTFF) for most geographical locations worldwide. The reduced fix times can increase and improve the usability for all Nokia location-based experiences.
 
"By decreasing the time wasted while you wait for a first fix, we are increasing the enjoyment that Nokia Maps provides," says Ralph Eric Kunz, vice-president, multimedia experiences, Nokia. "Consumers now have the comfort of quick fix times which create a better navigation experience when using Nokia Maps."
 
The service operates in tandem with a technical framework that allows third parties, such as service providers, to provide their own regional A-GPS services, making fix times even faster in certain areas- to the benefit of their subscribers."