[Q] GPS Problems - Flipout and Charm General

Does anyone else have problems with gps. I have installed GPS test and sometimes I find 5 or 6 sattelites but it still says in use 0. When I go into an app that finds the location it always says location unavailable.

I do get GPS location sometimes. But I did experience what you describe.
Using Tricorder I could see ~5 satellites, but no location showed up, and mapping programs, such as MapDroyd didn't know where I was.
But maybe it is possible to detect 5 satellites, but not have a good enough signal to find your location?

ghostwheel said:
I do get GPS location sometimes. But I did experience what you describe.
Using Tricorder I could see ~5 satellites, but no location showed up, and mapping programs, such as MapDroyd didn't know where I was.
But maybe it is possible to detect 5 satellites, but not have a good enough signal to find your location?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So are you saying that the majortiy of the time you do not get a location

TheUnknownOne said:
So are you saying that the majortiy of the time you do not get a location
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I was very unclear. The majority of the time I do get a signal. When on a moving train, away from the window, I sometimes don't get it, even if I can detect 5 sats

I think I also have a similar problem: to get my current locatiom when I'm in my car (I use Sygic Mobile Maps 10) it takes lots of minutes!

Related

HP Ipaq 614 GPS don´t Work.

Hello!
I have a Ipaq 614C and I have a problem. When i install the TomTom i can't connect to the GPS. In the HP asset's it appear GPS: Present but in the status appear disable.
Anyone can help me.
Thanks.
John
Check in TOMTOM which GPS com port it's using. Then change to same port
as set in Settngs->Systems-> External GPS -> Programs com port.
I dont use Tomtom myself but I've used so far Google Maps and NAv4All and it works fine without any changes.
Good luck.
On my ipaq 614, the default com port for the gps is port number 6. And it works fine with that.
im also having some GPS difficulties with 614c: i already tried it with igo8, tomtom navigator and latest google maps. it finds satellites very slowly and rarely, mostly never. anyone got an idea?
t
tibyke said:
im also having some GPS difficulties with 614c: i already tried it with igo8, tomtom navigator and latest google maps. it finds satellites very slowly and rarely, mostly never. anyone got an idea?
t
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did u try always out of the house in a open space?
most of the ppl don't know that u don't have GPS signal in close space.
second of all, first download with quick gps latest infos, after that start igo, it will be more quicker ...
chrees.
klaxhu said:
did u try always out of the house in a open space?
most of the ppl don't know that u don't have GPS signal in close space.
second of all, first download with quick gps latest infos, after that start igo, it will be more quicker ...
chrees.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
of course i tried it in open air, and at night on the balcony with no success. i will try quick GPS, thanks for your advice!
t
quick gps?
klaxhu said:
did u try always out of the house in a open space?
most of the ppl don't know that u don't have GPS signal in close space.
second of all, first download with quick gps latest infos, after that start igo, it will be more quicker ...
chrees.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi all, mine did not come with any quick GPS installed, the older (tomtom related) version from the 6915 does not work on that device any longer, where did you get quick gps? or is it hidden somewhere..? Since there is no navi software installed, only google maps..
txs
From my personal experience with it, it took absolutely FOREVER to connect to a satellite the very first time I tried. Took about 7 "cannot find a signal" messages before I finally snagged one.
After that, it was ~20 seconds to connect every time.
I really dont know what the deal was, but after that initial connection it seemed perfectly fine.
So my advice is, try again for a little while.
I also have problems with GPS on HP 614c. But the problem probably not in the chip, and in programs as Oziexplorer and Google Navigator satellites catch and precisely defines a site, and Navitel works through time and that in a minute satellites as though fade and data cease to be updated, Garmin in general satellites does not see. Firmware update has not helped. Anybody has ideas?
p.s. sorry for my english
With program Navitel has understood, the reason was in program MultyDID, it blocked access to keyboards and deformed a signal from satellites, Garmin does not function.
rainerrabe said:
Hi all, mine did not come with any quick GPS installed, the older (tomtom related) version from the 6915 does not work on that device any longer, where did you get quick gps? or is it hidden somewhere..? Since there is no navi software installed, only google maps..
txs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://rapidshare.com/files/125147036/IPAQ_600_GPS_Quick.zip.html
ENJOY
Hi
I've had the same problem with iGO8. You have to change the sys file in the iGO directory on the storage card. Here what I have there:
[folders]
app="%SDCARD%/iGO8"
[interface]
maxzoom2d=6000000
show_exit=1
[gps]
port=6
baud=57600
set_messages=0
[timezone]
sync_os_timezone=0
reset_os_timezone=0
EREZYAD said:
http://rapidshare.com/files/125147036/IPAQ_600_GPS_Quick.zip.html
ENJOY
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you upload this GPS quick to the forums?.. its not available @ rapid..
Thx
DSwarP said:
From my personal experience with it, it took absolutely FOREVER to connect to a satellite the very first time I tried. Took about 7 "cannot find a signal" messages before I finally snagged one.
After that, it was ~20 seconds to connect every time.
I really dont know what the deal was, but after that initial connection it seemed perfectly fine.
So my advice is, try again for a little while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with all these comments and the above regarding open space. GPS does indeed require a clear view of the sky... but one thing not so often said is that GPS needs a clear view of the NORTHERN sky... most of the GPS satellites are in a geostationary orbit above northern part of the planet.
To the guy who has tried leaving the phone on the balcony... I suspect your balcony is south facing (very nice).
I have also found that the longer it is since your last fix, the longer it will take to get a fix. GPS satellites only broadcast their "here I am" messages every 30 seconds and it is mostly down to luck whether your phone is listening for the right satellite at the right time. That's why it takes a while to obtain a GPS fix on all devices. QuickGPS and other software tries to expedite the fix by allowing the phone to calculate which satellites will be the right ones to listen out for, based on a daily positions log of the GPS satellites (called ephemera data).
GPS does work quite well on the 614c (I use tomtom 6.3 and Google Maps, both extensively)... but it does often take a long time to get a fix - sometimes even 10 minutes.
hipppo said:
I agree with all these comments and the above regarding open space. GPS does indeed require a clear view of the sky... but one thing not so often said is that GPS needs a clear view of the NORTHERN sky... most of the GPS satellites are in a geostationary orbit above northern part of the planet.
To the guy who has tried leaving the phone on the balcony... I suspect your balcony is south facing (very nice).
I have also found that the longer it is since your last fix, the longer it will take to get a fix. GPS satellites only broadcast their "here I am" messages every 30 seconds and it is mostly down to luck whether your phone is listening for the right satellite at the right time. That's why it takes a while to obtain a GPS fix on all devices. QuickGPS and other software tries to expedite the fix by allowing the phone to calculate which satellites will be the right ones to listen out for, based on a daily positions log of the GPS satellites (called ephemera data).
GPS does work quite well on the 614c (I use tomtom 6.3 and Google Maps, both extensively)... but it does often take a long time to get a fix - sometimes even 10 minutes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very nice. I woud've never thought about that. However, i think geostationary orbit is when the satelite goes around the equator with the same angular speed as the rotation of the Earth. So these satelites actually go around in an orbit perpendecular to the equator. Yesterday i tested and got 2 satelites inside a room with north windows. Very cool. Do you use quick GPS. I installed it and downloaded the data for the next 7 days. I didn't notice any improvement. I use DESTINATOR 7 and Maspware GPSmeter 5.I don't really get it - who manages the data downloaded by Qgps - windows drivers or the gps software itself.
More GPS thoughts
Axlastro - the ephemeris data that QuickGPS and other programs download is nothing to do with Microsoft/Windows or with HP. It is official data on the positions and movements of the satellites in the GPS network. Provided ultimately by some government department, probably American.
If you have not noticed an improvement over a period of several days, I'm not sure why this is. This old posting might help you.
Ephemeris data is also actually transmitted by the satellites themselves. This is why, when you have recently had a fix, it is usually quite quick to get another one. Programs like QuickGPS are only therefore useful if it's been a while since your last fix.
Thanks. I googled the topic and got some detailed explanations.
http://wmexperts.com/articles/gps_vs_agps_a_quick_tutorial.html
I also found a thread that says that QUICKgps doesn't work with the ipaq.
http://mobilitytoday.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16767
So that's why i don't see improvement. However neither of the people on that forum has managet to improve their fix times. Can you tell me wich program exactly you are using?
strange. i never had problems with gps. very fast . newest firmware from hp site ,and 3 different roms,original 6.0 and 2 roms with 6.1 . Igo,garmin etc.
Some more info
Really. Which program do you use, so i can try with it too.
I spoke to HP support and they said that it depends on the GPS software if it will use the aGPS function, so we have to check if the software we use is compatable with tha Qualcomm 6820 gps chipset of the ipaq.
Install this
http://uploading.com/files/YI4IJTCC/PART1-GPS Quick.zip.html
Now update the app
Install this
http://uploading.com/files/15FMK62B/PART2-QuickGPS.CAB.html
Now update the second app but on this update you will get at 79% a fail note
Ignore it and check your GPS...
from my testes you will get a better hot fix (time )
If you are after SR or cold fix update the second app (the one that fails)
Good luck
Ps at the end it will look like this
sorry about quality of the move ,I had to upload to youtube ….so I compressed the file
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYbVnuwvluo

HTC Snap, GPS not detecting satellites

I can't get a satellite lock on my HTC Snap.
I have enable "use GPS" in google maps. google maps will search for satellites and after sometime come back saying weak signal & some recomendations to look for clear view of the sky.
Garmin XT also can't search GPS satellites. I install GPS Test, it seems that there's a GPS hardware but somehow the signal reception is super weak.
I have sent my Snaps to HTC service center and the best thing they can do is change the mainboard. This also show no result.
Anybody, please help. i'm starting to get frustrated with this GPS issue...
Bing GPS
I use the Bing app and have similar issues establishing GPS signal. This is my first GPS device so I'm not sure if this is normal, or if the phone is crap for GPS, or if I'm doing it wrong. I try to keep the QuickGPS updated, but that doesn't seem to help. I thought AGPS was supposed to be fast, but faster compared to what? Maybe this is 'fast' for GPS. I have seen friend's full on GPS devices and they seem to pickup pretty quick. So... who knows?
One thing to definitely try is make sure quickgps is up to date and automatically downloading. garmin could NOT find my location without that up to date and it would show one red bar signal strength. once i loaded up quickgps, updated it, and ran garmin again, full green signal.
It's The GPS Hardware ...
I've tried it all with my Dash 3G -- and concluded that it's the GPS in the phone that is garbage. I've since switched back to my trusty OnCourse Bluetooth GPS and I get a lock in Google Maps in less than 30 seconds and in Garmin XT in less than 10. IMHO, the GPS is certainly a weakness on this phone.
It finally sunk in for me when I lost signal 9 times while walking a few miles down Beacon Street in Boston. Holding the phone in my hand it kept dropping the signal over and over again. So I gave up. Built in GPS is handy in a pinch (when you have 30 minutes to wait for it to find a signal) but for serious navigating I use my Bluetooth GPS exclusively now.
No true at all. the gps in the Ozone is amazingly fast.
drewcam888 said:
No true at all. the gps in the Ozone is amazingly fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree. Simply because something is not working like it should for these others does not mean that the GPS is not good. I use garmin xt with my ozone and its is extremely fast at updating my position as i'm driving along.
Problem solved
Let say that i'm in a really bad luck. this is my first GPS device and its not working. After the 2nd time come out from the service center (2nd concecutive mainboard), then the GPS is functioning, normaly....
my maple can get lock on GPS signal quite fast. with AGPS updated, it can get signal lock within seconds (given you have a clear sky view). i found that it could takes some time for Garmin XT to get GPS signal, so I use GPS Test to speed up the process then start the Garmin XT.
so for those who can't get GPS signal. it's definitely your hardware. I also found that the online customer service officer at HTC is just a mere lips service / useless. they keep telling me to be patient and patient without real action.
There's a free GPS testing tool for Windows Mobile called GPS Test. Once that set up, you can find out which serial port is used by the GPS receiver in your Windows Mobile, and set Google Maps GPS setting accordingly. Once it's set up, Google Maps can easily find multiple satellites if you're on open space. Once it's using GPS, your location on Google Maps will be a pin point, rather than a large circle denoting your approximate location.
PS: Found out with GPS Test that my GPS receiver in my Snap is using COM4 port at 9600 bps
Sincerely,
Paul Pambudi
WIND Mobile HTC Maple users not getting GPS working PLEASE READ!
I went through four HTC Maples (two accounts each 1st phone was a warranty exchange for another non-related problem). Each of the four Maples could not lock in single GPS satellite. WIND tech support had no clue after many calls and tests run at their tech support offices in Toronto. WIND recommended that I get in contact with HTC directly to see if they might have a solution.
One call to HTC started the ball rolling and setup a trouble ticket. Within 3 days and about seven call backs to trouble shoot, HTC had the solution and both of our Maples now have fully functioning GPS with Google Maps.
The problem was in the ROMs that had an old version of Google Maps (both their WM 6.1 and WM 6.5 HTC Maple ROM for WIND accounts).
Solution: using the Maple's browser go to m.google.com/maps and install the latest version. Problem solved!
HTC customer service in North America ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!
Will I buy another HTC product? HELL YA!!!
Here's a gem!
My Snap used to take 30-40 seconds on a cold start to get a location lock (with aGPS turned on).
I installed the attached CAB (which just adds some registry keys, also found here: Here), which makes the phone use Google's aGPS server, and got a cold start GPS lock in 7 seconds... indoors!
arpitp said:
Here's a gem!
My Snap used to take 30-40 seconds on a cold start to get a location lock (with aGPS turned on).
I installed the attached CAB (which just adds some registry keys, also found here: showthread.php?t=544421), which makes the phone use Google's aGPS server, and got a cold start GPS lock in 7 seconds... indoors!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thread you listed for registry key changes doesn't appear to work.
Any chance you might be able to list it again?
Thanks.
AE!
AquiEsta! said:
The thread you listed for registry key changes doesn't appear to work.
Any chance you might be able to list it again?
Thanks.
AE!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, the link was bad. I'm used to posting links in that format from another forum. Anyhow, it's fixed in the last post, and here it is as well:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=544421
arpitp said:
Sorry, the link was bad. I'm used to posting links in that format from another forum. Anyhow, it's fixed in the last post, and here it is as well:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=544421
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for updating the link.
I have tried both of the CABs for the non Nokia and both make no difference if you
can't get a GPS lock. AGPS simply does not work using the latest Google maps CAB
available.
The "FF Ultimate aGPS Tweak_supl.google_Generic.cab" actually makes Google Maps
take forever to just start up after being installed and still no location is updated
indoors. Also, the phone will not snyc now with the desktop and this is after three
soft resets.
Even worse is the fact the phone now runs slow as hell. Everything takes forever
to open and is VERY sluggish.
Installed the other CAB "FF Google aGPS Settings Generic.cab" and still the same
problems. What could be the problem?
Finally got fed up with the POS CAB and uninstalled it. So far I've notice that the
phone has recovered its speed opening items and the right ones not like before
with that POS CAB which would cause all kinds of problems. Snyc now works
and so this looks like I'm back in business minus the fact I still can't get the aGPS
to work.
Oh well, you can't win them all...
AE!

Why does my GPS never find a satellite and what can I do to fix it?

Why does my GPS never find a satellite and what can I do to fix it?
Google Maps doesn't get a GPS signal. Footprints, etc. Nothing.
Anyone have a suggestion?
Is it just indoors or are you having problems outside as well? Oh and I assume you've turned on "use gps" in Google Maps options? If you haven't already, download satellite location data (quick GPS) and see if that helps
How long have you wait before you came to the conclusion it doesnt work?
Yes, indoors. I have not tried outdoors yet. I have only waited about 5 minutes. How long should I wait?
Do they typically not work well indoors?
Its unlikey that it would work indoors, try outside.
the signals from gp satellites is part of the visible wavelength, so is affected by things like thick cloud (especially mist/fog) trees and buildings.
whilst you can sometimes get a fix indoors, mostly you can't, or only a weak signal.
to test if it is working go outside with a decent clear view of the sky.
Mine is slow but works
I have dutty 1.4. On average, it'll lock in about 9-10 satellites within 10sec on either Gmaps or TomTom. Even when im in the kitchen (right in the middle of the house), it'll manage to lock in about 4-5 satellites
lude219 said:
I have dutty 1.4. On average, it'll lock in about 9-10 satellites within 10sec on either Gmaps or TomTom. Even when im in the kitchen (right in the middle of the house), it'll manage to lock in about 4-5 satellites
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here but not 10sec more like <30sec but only with quickgps data otherwise it takes 1-2 minutes
tried setting polling to 500 (if not allready) in registry?
Try updating the satellite locations from internet.
Run the application "QuickGPS" from Start -> Tools > QuickGPS and then press "Download".
Quick GPS can speed up the time for determining your GPS position by downloading latest satellite data via an internet connection.
The next time you will use the GPS signal acquisition (Cold Startup) will be much faster.
ok after a while on my new HD2 , i have fathomed out that you need the version 7.916.9189 , which works a treat.... then in setting , slect all settings and disable a-gps and location sensing... then fire up tomtom ... you will after 5 mins max ( outdoors) , will pick up satelites... any other versions conflict with the bt stack and also the gps built into the phone.... good luck
I am trying not to write anything offensive but I find it hard to believe this is serious thread???! You're not aware that GPS stands for global positioning system and works by receiving radio signals from overhead satellites?
The satellite bit should give you a clue that it wouldn't work too well indoors. Go outside and see how fast you get a fix, then come back and give us your findings.

Locations not working on my Omnia 7

It worked once when I first tried it but ever since then for example when I go into maps, it's always searching and searching. the local filter in the bing search doesn't work either...
What can I do? Anyone have the same issue?
I've managed to bring up my location but it's highly innacurate. I downloaded the GPS app that is available in the marketplace and it's showing the wrong latitude/longitude coordinates as well.
Highly annoying.
Do you have Weatherbug installed? This app seemed to break my location service too. Sometimes it showed my location a few hundred miles away... I then uninstalled Weatherbug and somehow, after a while, it was working again -strange.
Now it's very accurate and fast.
Then go into settings -> "find my phone" and check the upper box for "saving the location".
It could also be a problem with your carrier -the location service first takes the location via A-GPS which is you provider's responsibility.
GPS might take a few minutes to determine the exact location.
I called 3 and they said I could arrange a door to door exchange but first they advised me to go to the 3 store nearby and use my SIM in another omnia 7 to see if it works.
Surprise surpise, after the call, the GPS is now perfect. I wonder if they did something at their end lol.
So after a few days use, I have come to the conclusion that the GPS doesn't seem to work well indoors, but as soon as I go outdoors, it's tracking me just fine.
digger1985 said:
So after a few days use, I have come to the conclusion that the GPS doesn't seem to work well indoors, but as soon as I go outdoors, it's tracking me just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS will absolutely NOT work indoors because it needs nearly line-of-sight to the GPS satellites above. The roof of a car might work but the roof of a house won't.
Indoors the phone is using A-GPS, the triangulation of cell towers of your network operator. It's very inaccurate and might get no location at all.
See my post here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9417735&postcount=2

[Q] Anyone Elses GPS Aweful?

I have never had my GPS locate me via google maps. My Phone has no issues. Anyone else have GPS issues? any tips? Hopefully a software update fixes it? I have a friend who has the same issue.
[Should have read "awful", not aweful]
Nothing wrong with my gps. Have you upgraded to the latest firmware? Downloaded the A-GPS data (you can get this by using an app called GPS status)? Switch OFF wifi after you do, then leave it to get a full signal lock (takes up to 15minutes or so with a clear view of the sky).
toddmp said:
I have never had my GPS locate me via google maps. My Phone has no issues. Anyone else have GPS issues? any tips? Hopefully a software update fixes it? I have a friend who has the same issue.
[Should have read "awful", not aweful]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you are outside with a clear view of sky when you test. It can take any GPS up to 10 minutes to acquire the ephemeris information (satellite position at a certain time) and lock up. You phone cheats this by using the cellular network to provide a general location of where your are and therefore where to look for certain satellites.
thanks so much for the info guys. I had a feeling it had something to do with no cell phone band helping out. thanks!
GPS works fine here, as other have said the closer you are to the sky/window the better.
yeah..give your TF a few minutes to lock up sat positions (if you've never done this)..
this applies to most pure gps devices..cellphones can use cellular network signal to quickly locate your position but the data isn't really from gps itself.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1088120
Hope this helps
Acid lestitious 2.0. Fugumod 2.4 800 mhz
jerrykur said:
Make sure you are outside with a clear view of sky when you test. It can take any GPS up to 10 minutes to acquire the ephemeris information (satellite position at a certain time) and lock up. You phone cheats this by using the cellular network to provide a general location of where your are and therefore where to look for certain satellites.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if it does the wifi cheat like maps for android phones, where it uses the known APs to determine location? I say that because when I first fired up my transformer yesterday, after connecting to wifi, I screwed around on maps and it found me inside my house in less than 30 seconds.
toddmp said:
I have never had my GPS locate me via google maps. My Phone has no issues. Anyone else have GPS issues? any tips? Hopefully a software update fixes it? I have a friend who has the same issue.
[Should have read "awful", not aweful]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its the reverse for me! in the same room of house i often cannot get a fix on my Optimus 2x. i use GPS Staus app. but i often get fix within 30secs. as a test i have both machines running the app next to each other and the transformer always gets regular fixes.
..... hmm just realised as i type this that i have a phone called optimus and tablet called transformer, and they both run android!!!
I get fixes with no wifi (ie: only GPS) within 30 seconds.
Quite the opposite, mine is extremely accurate. After it gets a fix on maps that little google person is standing right in my front yard in the satellite view! Better than my Droid!
Mine is almost instantaneous. Just tried it at home based on this thread and had a read in probably 5 seconds.
I have not been able to obtain a GPS lock until today when I set my location to use wireless networks. To me this is really stupid because the GPS shouldn't have to use any location settings to obtain a lock in my mind. That is if the GPS chip in the TF is a true GPS chip it should not to rely on a wifi signal to obtain a lock. If the GPS is turned on then it should lock.
I tested sygic gps navigation 11 and signal lock and quality was better than my galaxy s was pretty accurate
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App
Works fine for me, apart from one minor detail. When I switch from Google Maps to another app, even for a few seconds, then the tablet has to get a lock all over again. There appears to be no way to set the GPS to keep a lock while Google Maps isn't the active program.
That, for me, makes Google Maps near-useless in a moving vehicle. Hopefully other third-party apps won't have this issue.
Google Maps is prety much useless on the Transformer for GPS navigation as a data connection is need. I have heard of people caching a route before hand but ..... Copilot Live 7 is out for android so that is one option. However if the GPS relies on a wifi signal in order to obtain a lock then it is about useless too.
toddmp said:
I have never had my GPS locate me via google maps. My Phone has no issues. Anyone else have GPS issues? any tips? Hopefully a software update fixes it? I have a friend who has the same issue.
[Should have read "awful", not aweful]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gps works fine on mine....unlike my icons or Samsung...both returned
gps does use wifi to help gps locate, theres options to turn this off in settings, i went to pick up my dock today and couldn't get a gps lock while in the car with the transformer in my lap(gps status app showed 3 sats but none would lock) just lifting it up 12 inches closer to the windshield made 7 satellites pop up and instantly started getting locks
i think proximity to a window/line of sky is a big factor, and the transformer does have a true gps chip for those who seem to doubt it, also the navigation app keeps running in the background, its better to use that than google maps
No issues with gps here. The bastard finds me every time!
jadesse said:
However if the GPS relies on a wifi signal in order to obtain a lock then it is about useless too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't rely on WiFi for a lock, it just uses it to allow a faster connection if you don't already have current ephemeris data downloaded. That's a limitation of all GPS receivers -- it takes a fair while to download the ephemeris data if you're out of date or have travelled a significant distance, and without it the device can't get a GPS fix.
You can think of the WiFi location system as analogous to a cellphone being able to use tower locations to help position itself while waiting for GPS ephemeris data.

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