Does all PPC software run on PPC Phone Edition

[GoldKey]

I am really thinking about getting the MPx when it comes out, but I know next to nothing about the phone edition. Is it basically the same OS with extra components to handle the phone? Will I be able to use a GPS/mapping software with this edition?

Thanks

[SHoTTa35]

Is it basically the same OS with extra components to handle the phone?

yes!

[GoldKey]

Is it basically the same OS with extra components to handle the phone?

yes!

Cool! That is what I wanted to hear. If the mpx only had a usb host, it would have absolutely everything I want.

Another question don't phones have GPS built in for e911? If so, is that usable for mapping software?

[Janak Parekh]

Another question don't phones have GPS built in for e911? If so, is that usable for mapping software?
As of this moment, I don't know of any GPS/e911 service that has exposed its API in any useful way. :(

--janak

[DeepThoughtPockets]

I have an Motorola t720(?) running on Alltel and all it gets me is an icon on the screen. Alltel doesn't support it yet for any uses, including emergency location, although like everything else "they're working on it."

I think everyone has a lot of privacy concerns in the phone industry. If hacks got out, it might be possible to stalk/track someone using their cell phone. Whether these fears are overblown or not remains to be seen. Yes, there is a screen in the phone where you can simply turn it off, thereby defeating anything anyone could throw at you, but that would a) negate the emergency location idea and b) is beyond a lot of people's technical ability to figure something out.

[Chris Spera]

Another question don't phones have GPS built in for e911? If so, is that usable for mapping software?
As of this moment, I don't know of any GPS/e911 service that has exposed its API in any useful way. :(

--janak

Despite that, there's one other problem... GPS software makes use of mutiple, concurrent satelites...objects orbiting the planet.

e911 makes use of cell towers, and are not high enough to provide accurate, turn, by turn directions...At least, this is what I have been told, anyway...

[Kati Compton]

e911 makes use of cell towers, and are not high enough to provide accurate, turn, by turn directions...At least, this is what I have been told, anyway...
Does it use the same technology, then, as police when tracing cell calls? At least, on Law and Order, anyway? ;)

[GoldKey]

Another question don't phones have GPS built in for e911? If so, is that usable for mapping software?
As of this moment, I don't know of any GPS/e911 service that has exposed its API in any useful way. :(

--janak

Too bad. :cry: But a bluetooth GPS would still be an option.

[vandyfanfl]

e911 is not satellite based... any location derived from this would have to be based on some sort of triangulation between cell towers. Police track by tower handoffs.

But the original purpose of e911 was not for providing specific locations to emergency personnel... but for ROUTING of any emergency calls. Ever call 911 in Florida? You are routed to Highway Patrol in Tallahassee... then you have to tell them where you are so that they can transfer your call to the "local" FHP office. This was the oringal purpose of e911 - so your call would be intelligently routed to a closer emergency services... based on the cell tower location.

"The wireless E911 program is divided into two parts - Phase I and Phase II. Phase I requires carriers, upon appropriate request by a local Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), to report the telephone number of a wireless 911 caller and the location of the antenna that received the call. Phase II requires wireless carriers to provide far more precise location information, within 50 to 100 meters in most cases."

GPS would only be reliable in situations where the caller had exited the vehicle... as Satellite signals are usually obstucted by your car roof (want proof? put your XM Radio antenna in the center of the car).