Location Based Technologies implements u-blox’ GPS software and service solution for low-power personal locators based on GSM platform

This year PocketFinder was selected as one of PC World magazine’s coveted “Gear of the Year Award” recipients. Ideal for children, hikers, skiers, or for those taking care of persons with special needs, the PocketFinder enhances the safety and security of any person, or pet, it is attached to.

“We are extremely pleased that the software GPS technology that we gained through our recent acquisition of Geotate has resulted in a pioneering GPS solution that leverages our AssistNow online Assistance Service to enable a small, real-time handheld locator with long battery life. The solution is particularly suited for applications utilizing mobile phone platforms, as this project has clearly demonstrated,” said Daniel Ammann, Executive Vice President R&D Software and co-founder of u-blox AG.

“With the help of u-blox’ leading technology for low-power A-GPS solutions, we were able to develop a very compact personal locator product that delivers the longest battery life on the market. Consumers are not interested in a product that they have to charge every day,” said Dave Morse, CEO of Location Based Technologies.

Based on a standard mobile phone platform with 130MHz ARM-9 processor, the PocketFinder is a 48 gram, portable GPS locator with mobile connectivity. It is the first personal locator on the market that executes all Assisted-GPS processing entirely in software running on the standard mobile phone processor. Wireless access to u-blox’ AssistNow online Assistance Service provides the PocketFinder with the satellite information it needs to calculate a position fix. The only additional hardware required is a simple GPS radio receiver frontend and an antenna. In addition to the minimal GPS hardware requirements, u-blox’ A-GPS software-and-service solution allows the PocketFinder to operate for up to 7 days on a single battery charge.

Location Based Technologies provides an online service that supports the PocketFinder® with an intuitive, graphics-rich online “dashboard” giving consumers a clear overview of where their devices are located. A simple dial-up service is also available for users uncomfortable with computers, or without an Internet connection. The devices can be used anywhere in the world where there is GSM coverage.