Skyhook in Action

Mobile Applications

Tens of thousands of mobile applications are available today, sold via device makers, carriers and independent distribution platforms all trying to cash in on the incredible consumer demand for mobile apps. Location is a key element in many of these apps.

Traditional navigation apps like TomTom provide still provide turn-by-turn directions, but most mobile apps are using location in newer and more unexpected ways. Shazam identifies music as it plays and tags songs based on location for later viewing on a map. The Death Cab for Cutie app includes a tour map and displays a fans' distance from the group's next show. Sit or Squat is a user-generated database of public toilets locations.

For these apps and thousands more, location must be accurate, immediate, and always available. Mobile apps today are designed to be used quickly, on the go, and mostly in urban areas or indoors. The traditional positioning methodologies cannot support the use cases of these apps. GPS is too slow and inaccurate in urban areas and indoors, and Cell ID cannot determine location with greater than 200 - 300 meter accuracy.

App developers like ShopSavvy, LifeAware, Locale, GadgetTrak and many more are turning to Skyhook's XPS hybrid positioning system to provide the high-performing location needed to support these apps.

We are only just beginning to see the potential uses for location in mobile apps. Even newer opportunities like location-based advertising, recommendations, and gaming will continue to establish location as key functionality within mobile applications.