UK firm adds GPS first to PDA

UK firm Sarantel claims that it will shake up the global positioning system (GPS) market by allowing the technology to be incorporated cheaply into mainstream consumer devices using its advanced miniature antennas.

The company has signed a deal to supply Taiwanese consumer electronics firm d-Media, which will integrate Sarantel's GeoHelix GPS antenna into the new version of its In-View PDA.

The inclusion of the GPS antenna is designed to enable d-Media's Pocket PC N-911 product to offer GPS functionality for the first time, helping users to plot routes and locate services quickly and easily.

Daniel Shih, d-Media's executive vice president, said in a statement: "Consumers are increasingly aware of the benefits of GPS, and GPS navigation is an important new feature for our PDA."

David Wither, Sarantel's chief executive, added: "This is the first time Sarantel's GPS antenna is being used in a multifunctional consumer PDA."

The device has a 260K colour LTPS LCD and SD I/O slot for internet access. It is also equipped with an array of GPS features, including maps, points of information and directional information.

The PDA will be launched in August for distribution in the US and Europe, targeting the consumer and automotive markets.