Microsoft has in its Windows 7 operating system the Windows sensor and location platform included. This allows the operating system to indicate to the applications where the computer is currently being used, resulting in a possible adjustment of the interface or data. Different GPS modules can of course be used for positioning, but not everyone will purchase such a module. Rafael Rivera and Long Zheng believe that because of the lack of these locations data, the majority of users lack applications that take advantage of this Windows 7 feature. That is why they wrote Geosense with which it tries to find out the geographic location of the computer based on Google’s location services. Geosense 1.0 has recently been released and is described as follows:
What does Geosense do?
Geosense is a Windows Sensor that provides the Location and Sensors platform in Windows 7 with accurate and reasonably ubiquitous positioning information without requiring or the assistance of GPS hardware, enabling more practical location-based applications and scenarios on Windows 7. Although not required, it works best on computers with a WiFi adapter.
How does it work?
We employ thousands of pigeons around the world to stalk our users with the promise of breadcrumbs.
No, seriously, Geosense is designed to use a hybrid mix of geolocation service providers and geolocation methods to pinpoint the most accurate location information possible – including but not limited to WiFi triangulation, cell tower triangulation and IP lookup.
Currently supports:
- Google Location Services (Wi-Fi)
- Google Location Services (IP)
Under consideration:
- Google Location Services (Cell)
- Skyhook Wireless (WiFi)
- Quova (Wi-Fi)
- Navizon (Wi-Fi)
| Version number | 1.0 |
| Release status | Final |
| Operating systems | Windows 7, Windows 7 x64 |
| Website | Geosense |
| Download | http://geosenseforwindows.com |
| License type | Freeware |