Apple GPS. What if…

Nothing like that is going to happen. It might be a built in feature of the phone at some later date but not a stand alone unit. Actually you will probably see that as a part of the phone in the next few years.

As someone who might be called a Apple cultist by those who have no clue, I have to agree that Apple will not be making a dedicated GPS unit.

If they did decide to design a GPS, it would likely be something along the lines of the iPhone; a major evolutionary step in how we go about using GPS in our daily lives. That said, even if they were to make this mythical revolutionary device, it would be geared towards the average consumer who likes to buy high end stuff, not the dedicated backpacker who has specific needs in a GPS device.

A stand alone Apple GPS would never happen… but the current iPhone has GPS already. It's the same chip that Garmin uses in it's dedicated GPS devices. Unlike a dedicated GPS however, the iPhone 3G can also use it's various radios to triangulate off cell towers. Reviews I've read claim that it's very accurate and quick to lock on. The only thing missing is the software. Out of the box, the iPhone GPS just uses Google Maps… but third party companies are already busy creating full-featured GPS software for the iPhone… including one company that's creating "turn by turn" navigation software. Also, the iPhone has the advantage of being a full-blown computing platform… not just a widget… like a dedicated GPS. So if you want a GPS geared towards backpacking… all that's required is the right software application.

The pricing is a bit high though at $70 a month for the iPhone plan. I work repairing Apple hardware and I won't even bite on that one.

What ever happened to topo maps anyways? I would much rather rely on one off those that a GPS unit.

Ya… having to sign up for a phone contract is a big difference compared to a stand alone GPS :) I wouldn't be surprised however if the iPod Touch gets GPS within the next year or so. That would be cool.

p.s. BTW… I don't actually own a GPS and don't have a whole lot of interest in owning one. Maybe someday.

I find a GPS invaluable… for getting driving directions to the trailhead. I do have a Geko that I take with me on trips, but its a toy for me, not a serious piece of navigation equipment.

Personally I think that Apple would do a horrible job of a backcountry GPS. Don't get me wrong, I love apple products, but I just don't see their ethos fitting in with the idea of the backcountry for me. When I go out, I want to leave all the glitz and gloss behind, and enjoy getting dirty, and smelly, and enjoying the rugged outdoors. That doesn't seem much like Apple's style.

I have no doubt that if Apple engineers were told to make one of the best lightweight, heavy duty backpacking specific GPS they could do it. But will they?…it is very unlikely unless Steve Jobs suddenly gets a taste for UL backcountry trips…the user base is just not there for them to justify it. They could not even justify developing any software for the GPS included with the new phone so…

"They could not even justify developing any software for the GPS included with the new phone so…"

Why would they? It's a platform. Leave specialized software to the 3rd party developers.

Agreed. There is no reason for Apple to develop a GPS application. Their job is to provide the tools so that others can develop these programs, and they have done that.

By that logic they should not have developed itunes but just the ipod? I don't disagree with the idea that third parties should be able to develop apps. But I also think that apple has developed some very good apps. Final cut and apperture being two that come to mind.

Apple won't be making a dedicated gps unit, but I would not be surprised if they made a gps application to work with thier iphone gps.

The only way apple is releasing a GPS is if they send their own satellites into orbit.

Final Cut and Aperture are awesome apps… but they are "in brand" so to speak… they are creative applications. Apple's focus is on lifestyle apps (iTunes, iPhoto, etc.) and creative / production apps. I guess I just don't see GPS as being something they would be interested in developing. I see it as something that they would leave to a third party. But I guess Apple could create a GPS app if they wanted. And yes, they do make great software. They really are a software company first actually. It's the user interface of the iPhone that makes it so compelling. The hardware is cool… but it's nothing that any other company couldn't create. There are already a bunch of touchscreen knockoffs… but from the reviews I've read… none of them are anywhere near as nice to use as the iPhone.

And again… there is already GPS software in the works for the iPhone. I'm guessing it will be out in a few months. It sounds like it's a car navigation system though. One of those "turn by turn" things. The company is called TomTom.

http://www.tomtom.com/

And here is an interesting read about GPS and the iPhone 3G

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9963860-1.html

I'm not saying that Apple hasn't designed some very good software. I own lots of it. But if you notice, all of their software is designed with one sole purpose: to sell hardware. Final Cut and Aperture sells high-end workstations to video and photo professionals; iLife sells Macs to consumers; iTunes sells iPods (hence the Windows version). I find it hard to believe that an Apple branded GPS application would push sales for more iPhones. That is what the Phone application (and its revolutionary user interface) of the iPhone is for.

Were they to design a dedicated GPS unit, they would certainly design and code the software (and it would very likely be a turn-by-turn – aka your average high-end consumer – GPS), but short of a dedicated unit, it's not in their interest to design a dedicated GPS application, much less one that would cater to backpackers.

Exactly. That's what I was trying to say. The iTunes store is another example. In this case, it's an online application. They don't make any money from the iTunes store… but it sells iPods.