Dell To Offer Location Features On Mini 10 NetbooksDell To Offer Location Features On Mini 10 Netbooks

(click image for larger view)
Dell Mini 10 Netbook

In an indication that the GPS and location features popular on smartphones and navigation devices are migrating to netbooks, Dell said it plans to begin offering a location service-enabled application for its Dell Mini 10 netbook family.

In a blog, Dell said it will offer its Dell Wireless 700 location solution beginning next week. The solution uses a combination of technology from Broadcom A-GPS and Skyhook Wireless' Wi-Fi position applications.

"We're betting that location services will be a hit in netbooks," said Dell blogger Lionel Menchaca. "The Mini 10 is the first system that we'll offer with the optional Dell 700 Wireless location solution. Stay tuned for more details about more supported systems."

Skyhook's location app is already a standard feature on tens of millions of Apple iPhones and iPod Touch devices. Thousands of developers have written location-based applications around the Skyhook technology and it will be relatively easy for the same developers to replicate their applications for the Dell netbooks. The hybrid location engine uses both GPS (generally for outdoors coordinates) and Wi-Fi for more precise location outdoors as well as indoors.

A spokesperson for Skyhook said: "Developers of familiar apps like weather, social networking, and games that have exploded on smartphones as well as brand new categories will be able to take advantage of the unique netbook user experience with its larger screen size and longer user interaction times."

Dell's Menchaca noted that the Dell Wireless 700 system also features CoPilot navigation software for turn-by-turn driving directions. The CoPilot software offers 2D and 3D maps and trip planning features that can be updated before and during trips. Skyhook's solution works with browser plug-in Loki, which help provide details on nearby points of interest like restaurants. Social media sites Loopt and BrightKite are supported, too, enabling users to follow the movements of their friends.

Dell said the new technology can be used with Windows XP and Vista with support for Windows 7 to come later.

information has published an in-depth report on application development. Download the report here (registration required).