GPS for Handsets, Who Knew?

U&C Insights — November 2008 - GPS Utilities & Communications

The future is a hybrid world where location is taken for granted. GPS is complemented by other satellite systems, radio signals (such as Wi-Fi and cellular), micro-electromechanical systems sensors (e.g. accelerometers and compasses), and other methods to utilize whatever assistance is necessary to extend its sensitivity.

Nov 19, 2008 By: Janice Partyka GPS World

GPS for Handsets, Who Knew?

A tall thin man, wearing a grey suit and red tie, entered an enormous field in the heart of Chicago. Crowds, festivities, and hoopla greeted him, along with shouts of "Yes, We Can!" A momentous event was about to occur, one that was certain to be remembered for generations to come.

It was the president of Ameritech Mobile Communications on Soldier's Field that day, 25 years ago, ready to place the first commercial cellular call to the grandson of Alexander Graham Bell. Though no one seems to remember what they said, we do know that the first phone was the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X, with just 30 minutes of talk time, weighing more than two pounds, and costing nearly $4,000.