What is AGPS? |
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Since we posted HTC's new roadmap for 2007 yesterday, a number of eagle eyed readers notice 'A-GPS' being listed in the specification of some of the devices. We've had several people emailing us asking "What is A-GPS?" so here is a quick run down.
A-GPS or Assisted GPS is a technology that uses an assistance server to cut down the time needed to determine a location using GPS. It is useful in urban areas, when the user is located in "urban canyons", under heavy tree cover, or even indoors. It is becoming more common and it's commonly associated with Location Based Services.
A-GPS differs from regular GPS by adding another element to the equation, the Assistance Server. In regular GPS networks there are only GPS satellites and GPS receivers. In A-GPS networks, the receiver, being limited in processing power and normally under less than ideal locations for position fixing, communicates with the assistance server that has high processing power and access to a reference network. Since the A-GPS receiver and the Assistance Server share tasks, the process is quicker and more efficient than regular GPS, albeit dependent on cellular coverage.
A greater number of devices are being launched with A-GPS as it provides faster position fixing and better coverage in heavily built up areas. You'll notice that several of the new HTC devices have A-GPS as does the Acer P630 that we reviewed recently.
Posted by: Matt
[Post tag(s): smartphone, Pocket PC, Tracy & Matt, A-GPS, GPS, Sat Nav]
Permalink14 comments
I have a question however. It looks like AGPS is extra data that is transmitted to the phone using the GSM network. In practice, how does this work:
Who pays for this data
What if you are roaming.
Is AGPS a standard part of GSM or is it something you have to apply for
Ideally, AGPS implementation would be like a “free SMS” service, by that I mean no costs, works if you are roaming without any special setup, is supported by all networks and doesn't need to be configured. This is however idle speculation, I’d love to hear the facts!
you said that some HTC devices now have the A-GPS, does
Touch Cruise has an A-GPS or a normal GPS? and if you have
the choice of close deives one with the AGps and the other
with normal GPS which one would you take?
thanks
Matt
Just wondering if A-GPS is specified on the phone, can you still use "normal" GPS? ie. Can I just use satellites rather than the "server" based method.
Also, because A-GPS is limited to the GSM network, what happens if I don't have gsm coverage? Will the phone revert back to normal GPS?
Thanks.
Victor
I leave in Afghanistan and we have only one GSM company who provides the GPRS connection that is AWCC.
My Question is, is AGPS being compatible with AWCC. Or it’s just for well-known GSM companies.
For any reason if I am unable to connect with internet will I be able to connect to the satellite using the AGPS.
Best Regards
Popalzai
I just want to clarify. If I have an aGPS phone like Xperia, would I be able to use GPS when I don't have network coverage?
is there any way i can turn the AGPS setting on the phone off and use the normal GPS to connect with??
many thanks
Regards
Mujahid
in in A-GPS technology. but I not know what is A-gps at that time. but when i know
about the A-GPS I am very happy.it is excellent technology.
I am from rajnandgaon,chhattisgarh,india.
it is very good for urban areas.
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