Not all is lost: partfoundry developing GPS module for iPhone

True, the tantalizing rumor of a TomTom GPS for the iPhone suffered a rather untimely demise, but not to worry -- as a navigation aid, we figure the iPhone's sizable touchscreen and dock connector just make too much sense for a GPS solution to not get willed into existence. Engineering firm partfoundry is taking a real (as in, confirmed) stab at developing a custom, purpose-built GPS module that slots into the iPhone's port, delivering 16 channels of satellite reception to the software of your choice. Notice the "of your choice" there -- it looks like partfoundry will be requiring jailbreaked phones and relying on the developer community to serve up apps capable of processing the module's output and making use of it. The current plan is to get these bad boys out of the door in February, though they're taking orders now for $89. Oh, and don't worry, there are plans for a "stylish plastic enclosure" to bring the 1337 hax0r appearance down a notch or three.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 15th 2007 12:16AM]

If it's the size of the one in the picture, a plastic enclosure isn't going to help. It'll just be too bulky.

[GenesisDH Posted Dec 15th 2007 6:01PM]

The device itself is as small as most USB GPS devices, and w/ it connected to the iPhone it'll be just as bulky as several handheld GPS devices. Plus, it's only as bulky as a current iPod FM or BT transmitter. I doubt people will have an issue with using it if they want it.

What I find interesting about it: you might be able to use it not only on the iPhone but on anything that has USB GPS support. Now if they somehow managed to add Bluetooth to it, then I'd buy it in a second. I think it's still worth it for iPhone and computer use.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 15th 2007 12:27AM]

Hi! I'm convergence. We haven't met.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 15th 2007 10:18AM]

Why not leave the finished product as is? Maybe just use some shrinkwrap to protect the components. This looks pretty high-tech. It should attract a lot of attention at airports.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 15th 2007 9:06PM]

And, why can't we use bluetooth like normal people?