A software based GPS for use in Windows 7 has been developed and released by Rafael Rivera and Long Zheng today.
The software installs a Windows 7 Sensor into the operating system that allows third party applications to become location aware. Dubbed “Geosense for Windows”, the software uses the Sensors platform introduced in Windows 7. Geosense is a Windows Sensor that provides positioning information. The sensor utilises the Google Location Services for WiFi and IP triangulation to provide reasonably accurate location data.
Rivera, the developer behind Geosense, claims that future updates could include support for location services such as Skyhook Wireless and Navizon, providing there’s a demand for it. A combination of different location services would improve location data.
How does it work?
The application is packaged in an installer for both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 versions. The installer will create a Windows 7 Sensor named “Geosense” that will interact with Google’s location services to pinpoint your location. It works best with a Wi-Fi enabled PC or laptop but will work over any IP connection. Windows 7 will notify you each time your location is accessed by a third party application.
Why do I need it? What does it work with?
At this moment in time the Windows Sensor platform is lacking to say the least. Very few developers have built support for the Sensor platform into their products. Geosense claims that Mahtweets (twitter client), Windows 7′s weather gadget and a specially designed Google Maps client will all utilize the Sensor. Rivera confirmed Geosense are working closely with several companies to build support for Windows 7 Sensors but declined to name any organisations.
Geosense is available free for both Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit editions.
View: Geosense for Windows