A next generation GPS chip has been unveiled, enabling consumer devices to always be location aware – without draining batteries and without requiring network aiding.

The SiRFstarIV chip is the latest in the classic SiRF range and brings the “ability to continually maintain “better-than-hot-start” conditions in the GPS receiver for fast location fixes without having to be kept fully turned on all the time and draining precious battery power”. It is set to find its way into consumer devices including smartphones and dedicated personal navigation devices. The key improvements over the SiRF III chip, on top of the signifcant reductions in power usage, include enhanced sensitivity which will result in greater accuracy and shorter time-to-fix.

The first SiRFstarIV product is called the GSD4t and will be available from October.

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