Qualcomm expands IZat location platform

USA: Qualcomm Technologies Inc. announced that its networking and connectivity subsidiary, Qualcomm Atheros, Inc., expanded the Qualcomm IZat location platform with enhancements that bring precise indoor positioning capabilities to the leading brands of mobile phones, tablets and network infrastructure. IZat indoor location solutions will enable compelling consumer experiences in public places and help open revenue streams in the retail, travel, entertainment and hospitality industries.

These new indoor positioning capabilities enhance the end-to-end IZat location platform designed to deliver ubiquitous, always-on location. The platform is based on Qualcomm's broad technology portfolio, including cellular, global navigation satellite system (GNSS), Wi-Fi, sensor and cloud-based assistance solutions, as well as the industry's most widely deployed location core, already found in more than one billion devices on mobile networks worldwide.

With its leadership position, Qualcomm Technologies can now deliver new indoor location capabilities on a large number of mobile devices. The enhanced IZat location platform enables more precise positioning (within 3-5 meters) inside buildings to ensure an optimal consumer experience.

The Qualcomm IZat Indoor Positioning Software debuted on the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processors, including the MSM8960 Pro and APQ8064 coupled with the MDM9x15. IZat indoor solutions provide up to 10 times greater accuracy in both open and closed environments over existing platforms.

Additionally, the Snapdragon SDK for Android now includes tools and APIs that provide unique location capabilities for, and simplify the development of, indoor location-based apps for Snapdragon devices.

In addition to enhancing the location capabilities for mobile devices, the IZat location platform includes infrastructure technologies that enable Wi-Fi networking customers to deliver location-aware networks. Qualcomm Atheros' latest 802.11ac and 802.11n access point solutions feature advanced Wi-Fi-based positioning calculations to pinpoint locations with greater accuracy.

"Outdoor navigation and location apps are already an essential part of the mobile experience, while indoor location represents the next frontier in location-based applications. With the unmatched capabilities of the IZat platform, Qualcomm is enabling precise indoor location and fostering a strong partner ecosystem," said Amir Faintuch, senior VP and GM, consumer business unit, Qualcomm Atheros.

"By coupling the industry's leading mobile platform with enterprise-class Wi-Fi networking capabilities, Qualcomm is providing a solution that addresses the entire end-to-end indoor location framework. We are delivering the key elements of the indoor location ecosystem in collaboration with other technology leaders to offer more compelling mobile experiences for consumers and businesses alike."

Indoor positioning systems require multiple network and mobile technologies, maps, applications and middleware working together. Qualcomm Atheros is collaborating with industry leaders to streamline the way location data is shared across elements of the ecosystem, and to accelerate the deployment of indoor location systems and services that deliver value to businesses and consumers.

Cisco is working with Qualcomm Atheros to optimize the indoor positioning capabilities of its Mobility Services Engine to enhance service discovery and location-based apps in public venues such as shopping malls, retail chains, hotels, airports, hospitals, college campuses, entertainment destinations and enterprises.

Meridian is a mobile-software company for location-based businesses. Used by everyone from the Venetian Hotel-Resort-Casino to the New York City subway system, Meridian's platform is the first for developing both indoor navigation and location-based services for mobile apps.

"Location-based apps will revolutionize how businesses reach mobile consumers and enhance their experiences in a variety of public places, particularly indoors," said Kiyo Kubo, chief executive officer of Meridian. "By working with Qualcomm and its partners, we can take full advantage of the latest mobile and network capabilities to create innovative apps with indoor positioning that deliver real value to consumers and businesses."