CSR and Skyhook Wireless are partnering to bring advanced location capabilities to CSR's Wi-Fi silicon. Skyhook Wireless' core technology, the Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS), is software that produces accurate location information by detecting Wi-Fi access points and comparing them against a known database of geo-located points. Combining CSR's UniFi, embedded Wi-Fi chips, and GPS location solutions with Skyhook's positioning capabilities will enable device makers to more easily support and launch location-based services that satisfy consumer location needs.
The technology provided by CSR and Skyhook will capitalise on the emergence of Wi-Fi enabled mobile devices and provide greatly enhanced positioning availability and accuracy for the growing location-based services market. This technology will enable device makers and application developers to provide consumer-ready location technology that works quickly and accurately, indoors or outside. The system will benefit consumers by enabling them to more quickly and reliably perform tasks such as planning a trip, finding friends nearby or locating the closest restaurant.