Motorola has high hopes for the future of Android and its devices. One integral aspect of that relationship is the emphasis on location and how it works within the Android OS for current and future location-based services and apps on Motorola devices.
While Google has baked in pretty decent positioning capabilities in Android, it apparently wasn’t enough for Motorola. The device maker has opted to bypass Google’s capabilities to instead use Skyhook Wireless’ advanced methods for obtaining location-data.
While it may sound like Android’s positioning capabilities are sub-par, it’s actually a case of Motorola trying its hardest to stay relevant in terms of mobile technology. Android’s capabilities are well above average, but some have questioned the methods Google uses, and the fact that Android is open-source, and therefore freely available, doesn’t allow for the most robust positioning available.
Motorola is leveraging Skyhook as a competitive advantage over other device makers that use Android. While it may cost the company more in licensing fees, it gives them a leg up over other Android devices that lack advanced positioning. While others may have Android, Motorola will be the only one sporting Android enhanced with Skyhook’s leading positioning capabilities.
Skyhook isn’t a widely known company, yet its technology is a leading force in the location-wars. The solution offers a mix of device positioning via any technology available to it, including GPS, WiFi and cell tower triangulation. Skyhook’s technology is used on the iPhone and in many other widely used applications, and Motorola will be implementing it system-wide.
“Precise location is central to the mobile experience, and Skyhook’s Core Location will enhance Motorola’s Android-based mobile devices with its innovative location technology,” said Christy Wyatt, corporate vice president of software and services product management for Motorola.
