Here's another angle to this problem. I use my wifi only iPad on the go using my iPhone as a hotspot. It's absurd to pay for mobile data twice and this setup works great except for GPS. Im less asking for GPS hardware on the iPad, and more just for this information to be shared from a tethered iPhone. It's all inside apples ecosystem, so I can't think of any excuse beyond they literally just want the extra money of someone buying a ton of redundant tech.
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All iPads Why is GPS only in iPads w cellular data?
- Thread starter laser310
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Interesting OP. After asking a question that no one here can answer, but Apple, trying to give you some what of a reasonable answer, you started debating/arguing with the members instead. Why is that ? Give it a break. Only Apple knows the answer. Ask them
I love all the conspiracy theorists here who think it's nothing more that the apple tax and money that's preventing them from including GPS in the wifi-only model. If that were the case, then don't you think Microsoft or Samsung would include GPS in their wifi-only models as a way to distinguish themselves? As far as I'm aware, they haven't done so. They must be in on the conspiracy too I guess.
Nexus 7
Samsung galaxy tab 2 7.0
Samsung galaxy tab plus
Acer Iconia A110
they're all 7 inch ones. I'd need to look up the specs of the rest but theres probably more.
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samsung do include gps in their wi-fi only modelsNexus 7
Samsung galaxy tab 7.0
Samsung galaxy tab plus
Acer Iconia A110
they're all 7 inch ones. I'd need to look up the specs of the rest but theres probably more.
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Do they include map data on the device? I am starting to think that map data might be some of the limitations. My car factory navigation is dual layer DVD filled to the 8 GB capacity. That includes US and Canada. I guess it could be state or city specific maps that one would have to download, considering some of those tablets only come in 8GB or 16GB capacities.
google maps allows you to store their maps locally on the device. You just download the areas you need. There's other sat nav apps you can buy that have the map stored on the device.
The GPS component is part of the cellular radio chipset. No cellular radio, no GPS. It's not a conspiracy.
This was a pleasant surprise for me. I had prepaid data plan in Thailand (where I bought my iPad 3), but I never bothered getting a US SIM.
When I unexpectedly had to visit Fayetteville, NC, I just opened maps with a wi-fi connection, looked at the addresses I needed, and left it open with the maps cached. When I picked up the rental car, I placed the iPad in the seat next to me. I didn't notice the light change because I blown away when I realized I was being tracked...how?!?!?
I read it was tied into the mobile service, and without service, I just figured I had no GPS. That was a great, unexpected plus.
In fact, I will buy an iPad mini for my mom, just for this feature, since she likes maps, likes to navigate, and her hubby is horrible at directions.
Google search would assist you.
http://www.samsung.com/us/system/co...tsyxar/Galaxy_Tab_II_10.1_Spec_Sheets_v13.pdf
As far as I know, Apple is really the only tablet manufacturer that is limiting GPS positioning to devices with cellular radios.
I have read through this thread which says the wifi only iPads can't use live navigation, can someone tell me what happened today on a trip. For curiosity I loaded the new maps in iOS 6. Telford UK is now back on the map instead of just a blur. I put in my route in to see if it matched the in car navigation, to my surprise the blue dot started moving when we moved albeit a bit jerky, it did this for about 20 miles until the map went to a blur again limited data then it didn't follow the blue dot went grey. Not once on this journey was I on any available wifi, how was it getting the data.
Screen shot to prove it.
Screen shot to prove it.
Attachments
I'd guess that most Android tablets $200 and over have GPS.
It's one of the benefits of buying Android. Someone noted that it would cost an extra $260 over the price of a Nexus 7, just to get an iPad Mini model with GPS.
GPS uses satellite signals. It does not use cellular towers.
What confuses people is that the host software can seed the first position calculation using a cell tower's location. It might also use a cell tower for communications with a GPS assistance server to more quickly download satellite info. However, neither is necessary.
Can't speak for Samsung, but my wifi-only Motorola Xoom DOES have GPS. Real GPS, not A-GPS.
Another alternative would be to exchange iPad Mini for Nexus 7 WiFi which does have GPS. Those who come up with excuses for iPad Mini not having a GPS should think about this interesting fact.
Because if you want/need GPS apple have a superb way of charging you of an extra £100 for it.
All these reasons and excuses ... Come on people, wake up! You really believe they can't put GPS into non-cell models? Sheeez...
They'll have to before long. Just about all the competition are.
All these reasons and excuses ... Come on people, wake up! You really believe they can't put GPS into non-cell models? Sheeez...
They'll have to before long. Just about all the competition are.
Here is an answer from the community section of the Apple Store:
Will the new iPad with wi-fi only have a GPS feature?
Asked by Frank H from Oak Park Mar 31, 2012
Answer
1 Answer from the Community
Best Answer
Apple is pretty clear on this in their KB article on iOS 5 location services (KB Article # HT4995):
iOS devices without a cellular connection only use Wi-Fi for Location Services (if a Wi-Fi network is available).
GPS is available on iPhone and iPad Wi-Fi + 3G models.
Answered by Daniel B from Meridian Apr 10, 2012 Flag as inappropriate
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And here is an eve more interesting Q&A from the same source:
Does wifi only iPad have gps?
Asked by John L from Woodbury May 12, 2012
Answer
Somewhat.
Apple doesnt integrate GPS on the Wi-Fi only models, but you can still locate yourself and use Location Services only if you are connected through Wi-Fi. The cellular + Wi-Fi models are more precise on GPS as they use cellular signals to pinpoint accuracy of your location.
If you meant GPS as in Car GPS, it will be tough to drive with a Wi-Fi only model as it will keep asking you to join networks every time your out of range. Otherwise, the Cellular+ WiFi can support connection almost wherever you go.
Answered by Ivan P from Woodside Aug 13, 2012
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I find it very peculiar that Apple would put an obvious lie on their web site. The answer contains this false statement:
The cellular + Wi-Fi models are more precise on GPS as they use cellular signals to pinpoint accuracy of your location.
Is the guy (and Apple - because they decided to put this on their web site) really saying that cellular triangulation is more accurate than GPS? Stupid ASUS, Samsung, Motorola etc. They don't know such obvious facts! /s
It makes perfect sense. You just need to have an app that has preloaded maps. If someone was to have TomTom or any other GPS app with preloaded maps, GPS would work perfectly on them without data. The real reason it doesn't have GPS? Cost containment by Appe.
Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD (the large one) both come with pure GPS that work without cell or wifi connections. In the case of the Nexus 7 you can go to Google Maps while on wifi and select as many areas as you like and download the maps data for offline use. After that, the GPS works off of the offline maps. Apple can do this too, they choose not to; why I cannot say, my guess profit and to distingish the wifi and cell versions price gap.
As a further proof in point, I have the Navigon app on my iPhone 4, withit you can download any states offline map while on wifi, this includes all roads, POI etc. The entire USA and Canada is 4 gb; with that, I can pop out my sim and use the GPS like any normal GPS, routing, turn by turn directions, POI look up and routing, etc. all without data.
If third parties can do this, Apple can do it and do it cheaper. It really is about cost and profit IMHO.
That sounds very much like a wifi-based triangulation. Perhaps your device picked up a wifi signal or it had downloaded database of the city's wifi spots somewhere? I don't know how the iPad wifi triangulation data works in detail. But I do know I get the same jerky motion when I use my wifi iPad as a GPS.