Apple Podmaps to Substitute GPS
Apple’s recent patent application points to making the iPod a substitute for GPS. According to AppleInsider, Apple’s concept is a software that will include 4 core components that will allow users to ask directions from a starting point to a destination. The answer to such a request will be in Podcast form, meaning the instructions will be spoken, aside from the visual maps that will be sent.
Initially christened as ‘podmaps’, this new concept from Apple is described to work this way:
> user logs on to a remote server before his trip and tell it where he wants to go
> the server creates a video or audio file, as well as, map images, then sends to user
> user uploads to iPod and listen to it before leaving the house or while driving
This could be the reason why Apple has not released any GPS-enabled unit. It seems like a smart concept but until they release this ‘podmap’, stick to your phone’s GPS for now.
via: wired.com