Asahi Kasei to Supply Magnetometer for Next-Gen iPhone?
People familiar with betas of the iPhone 3.0 software developers kit recently dug up several header files attributed to the Japanese manufacturer in a directory appropriately labeled "compass." More specifically, the files identify Asahi Kasei's azimuth sensor No. AK8973, a 16-pin leadless IC package measuring 4mm square and 0.7mm thick, as the chip that will help future iPhone users determine their direction. It bundles a master clock oscillator.
Magnetometers have become more prevalent in handheld devices and one was used in a demo of Google's Map application for the Android that allows users to physically move the device around to change the street view.Top Rated Comments
(View all)I've never really seen a reason to get too excited about compasses though
Just what I want in an iPhone. I'll definitely get one now ;)
Cool, a magentometer. Something that can detect different shades of purple?
Just what I want in an iPhone. I'll definitely get one now ;)
Well spotted!
It would certainly differentiate the iPhone from the rest.... no other phone could do it!!
Seriously, a ****ing compass? Come on Apple.
:rolleyes:
You may not realize the potential applications, but plenty of developers do. This will be cool.
Seriously, a ****ing compass? Come on Apple.
:rolleyes:
:rolleyes:
Seriously, a ****ing compass? Come on Apple.
:rolleyes:
This would open up a world of possibilities. For example, you can just point your iPhone at a star and instantly know which one it is.
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