Snow Leopard to include location-based services, further multi-touch support
Building on the success of the integrated location-based services in the iPhone, it looks like Apple is getting set to include some similar functionality in its upcoming Snow Leopard OS release. According to Apple Insider, the new operating system will allow software developers to utilize Wi-Fi triangulation to integrate location information into their applications. This could in turn be used to provide a variety of proximity-based information for portable computer users. On the input side, it looks like Snow Leopard will also be gaining further multi-touch support. No word on exactly what this might entail, but given the integration of multi-touch trackpads on the new line of Apple portables, we’re guessing that it might include support for new gestures and/or the ability to interface with external multi-touch input devices. While Snow Leopard is still being billed as more of a maintenance release, these new features should add significant value to the new operating system and provide an extra layer of incentive for those on the fence about upgrading.
when is it going to be released? this is all I’m waiting for to upgrade my first gen macbook pro.
this sounds good, the location based stuff is great on iphone.
woah woah woah woah WOAH!!!
no ultimate, extra, super special edition….what blasphemy is this, why the one single OS, why not release 10 of them….for shame.
signed,
Microsoft idiots
location services are based on skyhookwireless.com… loki.com is their consumer portal… there’s already some apps on mac that use their API to locate one with wifi-triangulation…
but the area one is in has to be a scanned area: http://loki.com/support/coverage-map (coverage map). the U.S. and the E.U. have been scanned pretty well, but Asia and other parts of the world are still unscanned…
http://img.skitch.com/20090206-pyya8nagi1u8c7rd7c512uj1ng.jpg
screenshot of coverage area, blue are scanned areas…
I am very excited about Snow Leopard. I really think it will be a great upgrade for mac users, and these new features will just add more value to the upgrade, which will provide more incentive for those who are not as interested in graphics acceleration and better performance overall. CANT WAIT
According to Apple Insider, the new operating system will allow software developers to utilize Wi-Fi triangulation to integrate location information into their applications.That’s really a great news!but can any one tell when it will be actually work or release?
So I’ll be able to locate my stolen laptop?? Oh – wait, I won’t have it. Now what???. Just kiddin’.
Good. Now I’ll know where my Mac Pro is every minute!
Just like Homer Simpson’s “Everything’s Okay” alarm. A horrendously loud alarm blasts every two seconds as long as there isn’t a problem.
OFFTOPIC: Where do I get a HIGH RES Version of that snow leppard! It looks awesome – want it as my iMac Desktop!
Love all cats, especially the ‘big cats.’ That is a fantastic ‘pic’ of a Snow Leopard. Do you know who took this great shot?
- CB
more pics like the above. These are absolutely wonderful animals and people should leave them alone.