Qualcomm's Gobi Embedded 3G Module Enables Notebooks with Location-Based Services from Top Software Providers

Leading software companies - including Microsoft, DeLorme and Absolute® Software - are leveraging the ability of Qualcomm ' s Gobi module to bring GPS positioning capabilities to notebook computers, netbooks and mobile Internet devices.

"Leading OEMs now offer a wide range of notebooks and netbooks with Qualcomm's Gobi module for multi-mode mobile broadband connectivity and GPS," said Mike Concannon, senior vice president of connectivity for Qualcomm CDMA Technologies. "This provides a key opportunity for software companies to develop applications for notebooks that bring navigation and other location-aware services to consumers and businesses."

Applications leveraging the GPS capabilities of Qualcomm's Gobi module include products targeted for consumers and for enterprises, including:  

• From Microsoft: Streets & Trips travel and map software for consumers; Mappoint business mapping and analysis software

• From DeLorme — the innovation leader in mapmaking technology since 1976, and a pioneering GPS provider for more than 12 years — three different options are available, all with up-to-date cartographic detail, automatic routing, and high-end GIS capabilities:

o Street Atlas USA for street-level navigation in the U.S. and Canada , and four million places of interest

o Topo USA for street-level data of the U.S. and Canada , four million places of interest, and topographic maps with land use and land cover detail

o XMap for GIS mapping professionals and mobile workforces

• From Absolute: Computrace® LoJack® for Laptops for computer theft recovery; Computrace® Complete for persistent IT asset management, real-time data security, geolocation and theft recovery capabilities.

The recently announced Gobi2000 module, expected to launch in commercial devices this summer, builds on the multi-mode broadband capabilities of the first-generation Gobi1000™ module to deliver enhanced positioning capabilities with Assisted-GPS (A-GPS ) and gpsOneXTRA Assistance Technology, which delivers enhanced operation for standalone-GPS via assistance data when A-GPS is not available.