Upgraded SDK now includes Android support, hybrid positioning, and streamlined deployment
BOSTON, MA - January 14, 2008 -- Skyhook Wireless, provider of the Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS) and the hybrid location system XPS, today upgraded the publicly available Skyhook SDK to include Android support, hybrid positioning that combines WPS, cell tower triangulation, and GPS, and simpler deployment models. To download the SDK now and view the complete supported platforms list, including Windows, Windows Mobile, Mac, Android, Symbian, Linux and Maemo, visit: Skyhook SDK
Developers can now offer iPhone-quality positioning in location-aware Android applications. The standard Android location platform struggles to determine location in many environments. For example, when Android phones are operated indoors and in urban areas users often wait 2 - 3 minutes for a location fix. The reliability of Android's location accuracy and time to fix is also a common complaint from application developers.
"I have investigated the new Skyhook SDK and look forward to integrating it into the Android version of our application," said Brady Becker, co-founder of the popular social networking application, BrightKite. "I am thrilled that we can offer our Android users the same reliable, fast and accurate location performance that they have come to expect on the iPhone."
By adding hybrid positioning methodology to the SDK, Skyhook now offers reliable location results to consumers in all environments. "Consumers today expect location-aware applications to work everywhere they travel," said Ted Morgan, CEO of Skyhook Wireless. "By enhancing our Wi-Fi Positioning functionality with cell tower triangulation and GPS support, Skyhook gives developers the opportunity to provide fast and accurate location results that meet consumer standards."
Developers will now find streamlined features in the Skyhook SDK, making it simpler than ever to deploy across all platforms. The upgraded SDK is 75% smaller than previous versions, designed for deployment in mobile applications and devices with size constraints. Symbian enhancements now include support for the PSY interface on S60. This makes it simple for Symbian developers to deploy Skyhook location by requiring no additional changes to existing Symbian location applications. On Windows Mobile, Skyhook now supports the GPS Intermediate Driver simplifying application integration. Skyhook has also added a feature that automatically enables Wi-Fi, dramatically improving the user experience by saving battery and reducing user interaction with the location functionality. Developers can also now tune user locations helping to improve overall location accuracy.
Justin Davies, technical director of Ninetyten, said: "This upgrade will dramatically improve the performance of our location-aware Symbian applications on Nokia phones. Skyhook has been very responsive to our requests and has made deployment easier than ever for Symbian developers." Developers can license the Skyhook SDK on a per unit/user basis. Ad revenue share models are also available in conjunction with Skyhook's advertising partners. The Skyhook SDK supports the following platforms: Android, Windows Vista (32 bit), Windows XP (32 bit), Windows Mobile 5 & 6.x Smartphone (arm), Windows Mobile 5 & 6.x PocketPC (arm) for cell phones, Windows Mobile 5 & 6.x PocketPC (arm) for PDAs, Windows CE 5.0 (arm), Symbian S60 FP2, Symbian / UIQ (Sony Ericsson P990), Mac OS X 10.4 (universal) & 10.5, Linux 2.6 (x86, gcc 4.1, glibc 2.6), Maemo 4.0 (arm). Download the SDK today: Skyhook SDK
About Skyhook Wireless
Founded in 2003, Skyhook Wireless has pioneered the development of the first hybrid positioning system to fully leverage Wi-Fi, GPS and cell towers delivering precise location data supporting the growing market for location-based services. Skyhook's hybrid positioning system XPS requires no new hardware, works indoors and outdoors, provides an instant location and is more accurate than current technologies in congested downtown areas. Skyhook Wireless is headquartered in Boston, MA, and is privately held. Investors include RRE Ventures, Bain Capital Ventures, Intel Capital and CommonAngels. For more information visit www.skyhookwireless.com, send email to or call 617-314-9802.
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