AT&T launches A-GPS network, navigator apps
updated 04:10 pm EDT, Thu September 11, 2008
AT&T intros A-GPS network
Network provider AT&T on Wednesday announced it now added assisted GPS (A-GPS) technology for its subscribers that will enhance the functions of A-GPS capable devices. Thanks to A-GPS, a user’s location check will now be performed much more quickly. Instead of relying on satellites alone to determine the position, A-GPS will use cell sites to find the appropriate satellite much more quickly. AT&T claims the process, which previously took as long as several minutes, can now be done in about 20 seconds.
To take advantage of the new network, AT&T also said it will launch two navigation applications over the next few weeks. MapQuest Navigator will bring with it spoken driving and walking directions, 3-D moving maps, 16 million points of interest and real-time traffic updates, among others, while AAA Mobile Navigator will optimize driving directions and give spoken turn-by-turn directions and more. Both will supplement the current AT&T Navigator and AT&T Navigator Global Edition.
Later on, AT&T plans to add a location-enabled social networking service and a family-oriented service with comprehensive and secure privacy settings, though no other details were revealed.
