More WiFi-Based Positioning Systems

Last month we wrote about a WiFi-based positioning system from Quarterscope, where we were a bit skeptical about its prospects. Apparently, others think this is a good idea, because New Scientist has a story about a different WiFi-based positioning system called Place Lab that was developed by researchers at the University of Washington and Intel. They claim to have a database of 26,000 WiFi access points in order to indicate your location. I still wonder how well this sort of solution can work long-term, especially as GPS systems get better. They're basically relying on a variety of access points that may not be particularly reliable. However, as a "poor man's GPS," it is still an interesting short-term solution.

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