Texas Instruments is integrating into its mobile connectivity solutions the hybrid positioning system developed by Skyhook Wireless. Skyhook utilizes a database of Wi-Fi access points and other location-based services to provide what it describes as a location-based technology that can accurately determine a location in less than a second.

Skyhook, which announced the partnership with TI this week, said its XPS positioning system is already enabled on TI's NaviLink 6.0 and WiLink 6.0 solutions. The Skyhook technology also will be available on some future TI platforms.

By comparing raw GPS readings and cellular IDs against an established database of locations, Skyhook said location accuracy is dramatically improved.

"TI's connectivity technology already enables tens of millions of location-aware mobile devices in the market today," Ram Machness said in a statement. Machness is TI's system and software marketing manager, wireless connectivity solutions. The addition of Skyhook's technology will drive a more ubiquitous location-based services experience when combined with TI's existing location-based services, Machness added.

While Wi-Fi usage has slacked off in some applications -- particularly in use by municipal-wide deployments -- the wireless technology continues to grow in some unexpected ways, including in the Skyhook application. Another company that has begun to experience new success using Wi-Fi in a new application Israel's WeFi, which is seeking to have individual users connect to Wi-Fi hotspots across large areas and regions.

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