zprávy

The European GNSS Agency (GSA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) in preparation for the procurement of EGNOS geostationary navigation payload services: GEO-4 and GEO-5.

The EGNOS space segment is provided by commercial satellite operators on the basis of service contracts. The GEO-1, GEO-2 and GEO-3 service contracts currently cover the EGNOS space segment needs and the GEO-1 and GEO-2 services will be the first of these to end. These will be replaced by GEO-4 and GEO-5 - the subject of this RFI.

The GSA is already planning how it will replace the services currently delivered by the GEO-1 and GEO-2 satellites. Ahead of this procurement, the Agency is conducting a preliminary market analysis and issuing an RFI to collect information about opportunities to embark navigation payloads on-board GEO satellites launched in a suitable timeframe. 

Best procurement approach

The results of the RFI will be used to decide on the best approach for the procurement of the payload services, which may be either procured at the same time or separately. The RFI will also help the GSA to define the tender specifications and decide on the most appropriate time to launch Invitation(s) to Tender. 

With the RFI, the GSA aims to obtain information from owners of geostationary satellites that will be available for operational service from 2021 to 2027 and able to embark a navigation payload. Specifically, it is seeking information on future satellite plans and the possibility to embark SBAS payload(s) in due time to ensure an operational start date from 2021 to 2027. 

Information requested

Other information requested includes information on service availability and long-term payload reliability; the process for EGNOS payload procurement, in orbit testing and commissioning; information on the locations of the potential hosting sites for the EGNOS radio frequency uplink stations; and, finally, information on contractual arrangements, the payment scheme, and cost estimates.

This information will help the Agency understand what parameters influence the service provided and, based on these, to shape the potential procurement of EGNOS navigation payload services.

In preparing their answers, participants should take into account that the scope of the service will comprise provision of the EGNOS GEO-4 and/or GEO-5 payload service, provision of two independent uplink stations located on the territory of the European Union; and a target service provision phase of 15 years starting from the operational qualification or Operational Start Date (OSD). 

Answers to the RFI should be sent electronically to tenders@gsa.europa.eu by 31 August 2018, at the latest.

For more information, check here. 

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the GSA website (http://www.gsa.europa.eu).

The European GNSS Agency (GSA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) in preparation for the procurement of EGNOS geostationary navigation payload services: GEO-4 and GEO-5.

The EGNOS space segment is provided by commercial satellite operators on the basis of service contracts. The GEO-1, GEO-2 and GEO-3 service contracts currently cover the EGNOS space segment needs and the GEO-1 and GEO-2 services will be the first of these to end. These will be replaced by GEO-4 and GEO-5 - the subject of this RFI.

The GSA is already planning how it will replace the services currently delivered by the GEO-1 and GEO-2 satellites. Ahead of this procurement, the Agency is conducting a preliminary market analysis and issuing an RFI to collect information about opportunities to embark navigation payloads on-board GEO satellites launched in a suitable timeframe. 

Best procurement approach

The results of the RFI will be used to decide on the best approach for the procurement of the payload services, which may be either procured at the same time or separately. The RFI will also help the GSA to define the tender specifications and decide on the most appropriate time to launch Invitation(s) to Tender. 

With the RFI, the GSA aims to obtain information from owners of geostationary satellites that will be available for operational service from 2021 to 2027 and able to embark a navigation payload. Specifically, it is seeking information on future satellite plans and the possibility to embark SBAS payload(s) in due time to ensure an operational start date from 2021 to 2027. 

Information requested

Other information requested includes information on service availability and long-term payload reliability; the process for EGNOS payload procurement, in orbit testing and commissioning; information on the locations of the potential hosting sites for the EGNOS radio frequency uplink stations; and, finally, information on contractual arrangements, the payment scheme, and cost estimates.

This information will help the Agency understand what parameters influence the service provided and, based on these, to shape the potential procurement of EGNOS navigation payload services.

In preparing their answers, participants should take into account that the scope of the service will comprise provision of the EGNOS GEO-4 and/or GEO-5 payload service, provision of two independent uplink stations located on the territory of the European Union; and a target service provision phase of 15 years starting from the operational qualification or Operational Start Date (OSD). 

Answers to the RFI should be sent electronically to tenders@gsa.europa.eu by 31 August 2018, at the latest.

For more information, check here. 

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the GSA website (http://www.gsa.europa.eu).

The European GNSS Agency (GSA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) in preparation for the procurement of EGNOS geostationary navigation payload services: GEO-4 and GEO-5.

The EGNOS space segment is provided by commercial satellite operators on the basis of service contracts. The GEO-1, GEO-2 and GEO-3 service contracts currently cover the EGNOS space segment needs and the GEO-1 and GEO-2 services will be the first of these to end. These will be replaced by GEO-4 and GEO-5 - the subject of this RFI.

The GSA is already planning how it will replace the services currently delivered by the GEO-1 and GEO-2 satellites. Ahead of this procurement, the Agency is conducting a preliminary market analysis and issuing an RFI to collect information about opportunities to embark navigation payloads on-board GEO satellites launched in a suitable timeframe. 

Best procurement approach

The results of the RFI will be used to decide on the best approach for the procurement of the payload services, which may be either procured at the same time or separately. The RFI will also help the GSA to define the tender specifications and decide on the most appropriate time to launch Invitation(s) to Tender. 

With the RFI, the GSA aims to obtain information from owners of geostationary satellites that will be available for operational service from 2021 to 2027 and able to embark a navigation payload. Specifically, it is seeking information on future satellite plans and the possibility to embark SBAS payload(s) in due time to ensure an operational start date from 2021 to 2027. 

Information requested

Other information requested includes information on service availability and long-term payload reliability; the process for EGNOS payload procurement, in orbit testing and commissioning; information on the locations of the potential hosting sites for the EGNOS radio frequency uplink stations; and, finally, information on contractual arrangements, the payment scheme, and cost estimates.

This information will help the Agency understand what parameters influence the service provided and, based on these, to shape the potential procurement of EGNOS navigation payload services.

In preparing their answers, participants should take into account that the scope of the service will comprise provision of the EGNOS GEO-4 and/or GEO-5 payload service, provision of two independent uplink stations located on the territory of the European Union; and a target service provision phase of 15 years starting from the operational qualification or Operational Start Date (OSD). 

Answers to the RFI should be sent electronically to tenders@gsa.europa.eu by 31 August 2018, at the latest.

For more information, check here. 

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the GSA website (http://www.gsa.europa.eu).

The European GNSS Agency (GSA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) in preparation for the procurement of EGNOS geostationary navigation payload services: GEO-4 and GEO-5.

The EGNOS space segment is provided by commercial satellite operators on the basis of service contracts. The GEO-1, GEO-2 and GEO-3 service contracts currently cover the EGNOS space segment needs and the GEO-1 and GEO-2 services will be the first of these to end. These will be replaced by GEO-4 and GEO-5 - the subject of this RFI.

The GSA is already planning how it will replace the services currently delivered by the GEO-1 and GEO-2 satellites. Ahead of this procurement, the Agency is conducting a preliminary market analysis and issuing an RFI to collect information about opportunities to embark navigation payloads on-board GEO satellites launched in a suitable timeframe. 

Best procurement approach

The results of the RFI will be used to decide on the best approach for the procurement of the payload services, which may be either procured at the same time or separately. The RFI will also help the GSA to define the tender specifications and decide on the most appropriate time to launch Invitation(s) to Tender. 

With the RFI, the GSA aims to obtain information from owners of geostationary satellites that will be available for operational service from 2021 to 2027 and able to embark a navigation payload. Specifically, it is seeking information on future satellite plans and the possibility to embark SBAS payload(s) in due time to ensure an operational start date from 2021 to 2027. 

Information requested

Other information requested includes information on service availability and long-term payload reliability; the process for EGNOS payload procurement, in orbit testing and commissioning; information on the locations of the potential hosting sites for the EGNOS radio frequency uplink stations; and, finally, information on contractual arrangements, the payment scheme, and cost estimates.

This information will help the Agency understand what parameters influence the service provided and, based on these, to shape the potential procurement of EGNOS navigation payload services.

In preparing their answers, participants should take into account that the scope of the service will comprise provision of the EGNOS GEO-4 and/or GEO-5 payload service, provision of two independent uplink stations located on the territory of the European Union; and a target service provision phase of 15 years starting from the operational qualification or Operational Start Date (OSD). 

Answers to the RFI should be sent electronically to tenders@gsa.europa.eu by 31 August 2018, at the latest.

For more information, check here. 

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the GSA website (http://www.gsa.europa.eu).

Xiaomi - one of the fastest growing mobile brands - has launched the world’s first dual-frequency GNSS smartphone. Fitted with a Broadcom BCM47755 chip, the Xiaomi Mi 8, launched on May 31, is the world’s first smartphone providing up to decimetre-level accuracy for location-based services and vehicle navigation.

Xiaomi has launched the world’s first dual-frequency GNSS smartphone, the Mi 8. This smartphone represents a breakthrough in GNSS technology as it is the first commercial deployment of Broadcom’s revolutionary BCM47755 chip.

The BCM47755, introduced last year, is a dual-frequency (E1/L1+E5/L5) GNSS chip that can compute location with an accuracy of up to a few decimetres. Until now, mobile location-based applications have been powered by single frequency GNSS receivers whose location accuracy is limited to a few meters. However, in recent years GNSS systems have been launching satellites broadcasting signals on new frequencies to open up new possibilities. Specifically, Galileo has the majority of satellites with E1/L1 and E5/L5 frequency capabilities.

Leveraging Galileo for increased accuracy

Users of the Xiaomi Mi 8 and future models with dual-frequency GNSS will benefit from better positioning and navigation experience in urban environments. This is due to the unique shape of the E5/L5 frequency, which makes it easier to distinguish real signals from the ones reflected by buildings, reducing the multipath effect (a major source of navigation error in cities and other challenging environments). The numerous Galileo satellites broadcasting E5 make this improvement available for users all around the world. In addition, the simultaneous use of two frequencies reduces other sources of error, such as those due to the ionosphere, and the frequency diversity is more robust to interference and jamming.

In addition to making existing applications more accurate, the enhanced position precision offered by dual-frequency GNSS will also create opportunities for new applications in areas such as augmented reality, vehicle navigation, and mapping.

Commenting on the product launch, European GNSS Agency (GSA) Head of Market Development Gian Gherardo Calini said that the arrival of the first dual-frequency GNSS smartphone to the mass-market represents a breakthrough for users all over the world. “The enhanced accuracy provided will empower developers to create new applications that meet the growing high accuracy location requirements of users and also open up applications that previously only ran in dedicated devices intended for professional use,” he said.

Alex Chou, vice president of product marketing for the Wireless Communications and Connectivity division at Broadcom Inc., said: “Broadcom is glad to gear up Xiaomi’s flagship smartphones with the very latest dual-frequency GNSS technology. Xiaomi Mi 8, the world’s first smartphone with BCM47755, will take smartphone GNSS navigation to a whole new performance level.”

Zhiyuan Zang, Director of Product Marketing from Xiaomi, said: ”The importance of GNSS to modern life is undisputed, and is particularly important for smartphones. Navigation and LBS-based apps these days require greater positioning accuracy to work effectively, and dual-frequency GNSS is the key to delivering a great user experience when using these apps. Xiaomi is delighted and honored to be the world's first smartphone manufacturer to support dual-frequency GNSS. We will continue to pursue innovation for everyone to enjoy.”

Exciting times for geolocation

The launch of the first dual-frequency GNSS smartphone, together with the opportunities offered by the availability of GNSS raw measurements in Android, creates exciting opportunities for the geolocation community. Access to raw measurements opens the door to algorithms once restricted to more advanced GNSS receivers. This, in turn, allows users to fully benefit from the differentiators offered by Galileo.

Recognising these opportunities, last year, the GSA engaged with the academia and industry in the areas of navigation and positioning to innovate around this new feature, as part of a GNSS Raw Measurements Task Force. Then, in January this year, the GSA published a White Paper on the use of GNSS Raw Measurements in Android, providing developers with in-depth information on accessing and using raw measurements to implement advanced GNSS techniques in mass-market devices.

Building on this work, the GSA and the Raw Measurements Taskforce shared their latest updates at a dedicated workshop – “GNSS Raw Measurements: From Research to Commercial Use” - held at the GSA headquarters in Prague on 30 May, where Broadcom presented their encouraging test results from the dual-frequency BCM47755.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the GSA website (http://www.gsa.europa.eu).

Xiaomi - one of the fastest growing mobile brands - has launched the world’s first dual-frequency GNSS smartphone. Fitted with a Broadcom BCM47755 chip, the Xiaomi Mi 8, launched on May 31, is the world’s first smartphone providing up to decimetre-level accuracy for location-based services and vehicle navigation.

Xiaomi has launched the world’s first dual-frequency GNSS smartphone, the Mi 8. This smartphone represents a breakthrough in GNSS technology as it is the first commercial deployment of Broadcom’s revolutionary BCM47755 chip.

The BCM47755, introduced last year, is a dual-frequency (E1/L1+E5/L5) GNSS chip that can compute location with an accuracy of up to a few decimetres. Until now, mobile location-based applications have been powered by single frequency GNSS receivers whose location accuracy is limited to a few meters. However, in recent years GNSS systems have been launching satellites broadcasting signals on new frequencies to open up new possibilities. Specifically, Galileo has the majority of satellites with E1/L1 and E5/L5 frequency capabilities.

Leveraging Galileo for increased accuracy

Users of the Xiaomi Mi 8 and future models with dual-frequency GNSS will benefit from better positioning and navigation experience in urban environments. This is due to the unique shape of the E5/L5 frequency, which makes it easier to distinguish real signals from the ones reflected by buildings, reducing the multipath effect (a major source of navigation error in cities and other challenging environments). The numerous Galileo satellites broadcasting E5 make this improvement available for users all around the world. In addition, the simultaneous use of two frequencies reduces other sources of error, such as those due to the ionosphere, and the frequency diversity is more robust to interference and jamming.

In addition to making existing applications more accurate, the enhanced position precision offered by dual-frequency GNSS will also create opportunities for new applications in areas such as augmented reality, vehicle navigation, and mapping.

Commenting on the product launch, European GNSS Agency (GSA) Head of Market Development Gian Gherardo Calini said that the arrival of the first dual-frequency GNSS smartphone to the mass-market represents a breakthrough for users all over the world. “The enhanced accuracy provided will empower developers to create new applications that meet the growing high accuracy location requirements of users and also open up applications that previously only ran in dedicated devices intended for professional use,” he said.

Alex Chou, vice president of product marketing for the Wireless Communications and Connectivity division at Broadcom Inc., said: “Broadcom is glad to gear up Xiaomi’s flagship smartphones with the very latest dual-frequency GNSS technology. Xiaomi Mi 8, the world’s first smartphone with BCM47755, will take smartphone GNSS navigation to a whole new performance level.”

Zhiyuan Zang, Director of Product Marketing from Xiaomi, said: ”The importance of GNSS to modern life is undisputed, and is particularly important for smartphones. Navigation and LBS-based apps these days require greater positioning accuracy to work effectively, and dual-frequency GNSS is the key to delivering a great user experience when using these apps. Xiaomi is delighted and honored to be the world's first smartphone manufacturer to support dual-frequency GNSS. We will continue to pursue innovation for everyone to enjoy.”

Exciting times for geolocation

The launch of the first dual-frequency GNSS smartphone, together with the opportunities offered by the availability of GNSS raw measurements in Android, creates exciting opportunities for the geolocation community. Access to raw measurements opens the door to algorithms once restricted to more advanced GNSS receivers. This, in turn, allows users to fully benefit from the differentiators offered by Galileo.

Recognising these opportunities, last year, the GSA engaged with the academia and industry in the areas of navigation and positioning to innovate around this new feature, as part of a GNSS Raw Measurements Task Force. Then, in January this year, the GSA published a White Paper on the use of GNSS Raw Measurements in Android, providing developers with in-depth information on accessing and using raw measurements to implement advanced GNSS techniques in mass-market devices.

Building on this work, the GSA and the Raw Measurements Taskforce shared their latest updates at a dedicated workshop – “GNSS Raw Measurements: From Research to Commercial Use” - held at the GSA headquarters in Prague on 30 May, where Broadcom presented their encouraging test results from the dual-frequency BCM47755.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the GSA website (http://www.gsa.europa.eu).

Xiaomi - one of the fastest growing mobile brands - has launched the world’s first dual-frequency GNSS smartphone. Fitted with a Broadcom BCM47755 chip, the Xiaomi Mi 8, launched on May 31, is the world’s first smartphone providing up to decimetre-level accuracy for location-based services and vehicle navigation.

Xiaomi has launched the world’s first dual-frequency GNSS smartphone, the Mi 8. This smartphone represents a breakthrough in GNSS technology as it is the first commercial deployment of Broadcom’s revolutionary BCM47755 chip.

The BCM47755, introduced last year, is a dual-frequency (E1/L1+E5/L5) GNSS chip that can compute location with an accuracy of up to a few decimetres. Until now, mobile location-based applications have been powered by single frequency GNSS receivers whose location accuracy is limited to a few meters. However, in recent years GNSS systems have been launching satellites broadcasting signals on new frequencies to open up new possibilities. Specifically, Galileo has the majority of satellites with E1/L1 and E5/L5 frequency capabilities.

Leveraging Galileo for increased accuracy

Users of the Xiaomi Mi 8 and future models with dual-frequency GNSS will benefit from better positioning and navigation experience in urban environments. This is due to the unique shape of the E5/L5 frequency, which makes it easier to distinguish real signals from the ones reflected by buildings, reducing the multipath effect (a major source of navigation error in cities and other challenging environments). The numerous Galileo satellites broadcasting E5 make this improvement available for users all around the world. In addition, the simultaneous use of two frequencies reduces other sources of error, such as those due to the ionosphere, and the frequency diversity is more robust to interference and jamming.

In addition to making existing applications more accurate, the enhanced position precision offered by dual-frequency GNSS will also create opportunities for new applications in areas such as augmented reality, vehicle navigation, and mapping.

Commenting on the product launch, European GNSS Agency (GSA) Head of Market Development Gian Gherardo Calini said that the arrival of the first dual-frequency GNSS smartphone to the mass-market represents a breakthrough for users all over the world. “The enhanced accuracy provided will empower developers to create new applications that meet the growing high accuracy location requirements of users and also open up applications that previously only ran in dedicated devices intended for professional use,” he said.

Alex Chou, vice president of product marketing for the Wireless Communications and Connectivity division at Broadcom Inc., said: “Broadcom is glad to gear up Xiaomi’s flagship smartphones with the very latest dual-frequency GNSS technology. Xiaomi Mi 8, the world’s first smartphone with BCM47755, will take smartphone GNSS navigation to a whole new performance level.”

Zhiyuan Zang, Director of Product Marketing from Xiaomi, said: ”The importance of GNSS to modern life is undisputed, and is particularly important for smartphones. Navigation and LBS-based apps these days require greater positioning accuracy to work effectively, and dual-frequency GNSS is the key to delivering a great user experience when using these apps. Xiaomi is delighted and honored to be the world's first smartphone manufacturer to support dual-frequency GNSS. We will continue to pursue innovation for everyone to enjoy.”

Exciting times for geolocation

The launch of the first dual-frequency GNSS smartphone, together with the opportunities offered by the availability of GNSS raw measurements in Android, creates exciting opportunities for the geolocation community. Access to raw measurements opens the door to algorithms once restricted to more advanced GNSS receivers. This, in turn, allows users to fully benefit from the differentiators offered by Galileo.

Recognising these opportunities, last year, the GSA engaged with the academia and industry in the areas of navigation and positioning to innovate around this new feature, as part of a GNSS Raw Measurements Task Force. Then, in January this year, the GSA published a White Paper on the use of GNSS Raw Measurements in Android, providing developers with in-depth information on accessing and using raw measurements to implement advanced GNSS techniques in mass-market devices.

Building on this work, the GSA and the Raw Measurements Taskforce shared their latest updates at a dedicated workshop – “GNSS Raw Measurements: From Research to Commercial Use” - held at the GSA headquarters in Prague on 30 May, where Broadcom presented their encouraging test results from the dual-frequency BCM47755.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the GSA website (http://www.gsa.europa.eu).

Xiaomi - one of the fastest growing mobile brands - has launched the world’s first dual-frequency GNSS smartphone. Fitted with a Broadcom BCM47755 chip, the Xiaomi Mi 8, launched on May 31, is the world’s first smartphone providing up to decimetre-level accuracy for location-based services and vehicle navigation.

Xiaomi has launched the world’s first dual-frequency GNSS smartphone, the Mi 8. This smartphone represents a breakthrough in GNSS technology as it is the first commercial deployment of Broadcom’s revolutionary BCM47755 chip.

The BCM47755, introduced last year, is a dual-frequency (E1/L1+E5/L5) GNSS chip that can compute location with an accuracy of up to a few decimetres. Until now, mobile location-based applications have been powered by single frequency GNSS receivers whose location accuracy is limited to a few meters. However, in recent years GNSS systems have been launching satellites broadcasting signals on new frequencies to open up new possibilities. Specifically, Galileo has the majority of satellites with E1/L1 and E5/L5 frequency capabilities.

Leveraging Galileo for increased accuracy

Users of the Xiaomi Mi 8 and future models with dual-frequency GNSS will benefit from better positioning and navigation experience in urban environments. This is due to the unique shape of the E5/L5 frequency, which makes it easier to distinguish real signals from the ones reflected by buildings, reducing the multipath effect (a major source of navigation error in cities and other challenging environments). The numerous Galileo satellites broadcasting E5 make this improvement available for users all around the world. In addition, the simultaneous use of two frequencies reduces other sources of error, such as those due to the ionosphere, and the frequency diversity is more robust to interference and jamming.

In addition to making existing applications more accurate, the enhanced position precision offered by dual-frequency GNSS will also create opportunities for new applications in areas such as augmented reality, vehicle navigation, and mapping.

Commenting on the product launch, European GNSS Agency (GSA) Head of Market Development Gian Gherardo Calini said that the arrival of the first dual-frequency GNSS smartphone to the mass-market represents a breakthrough for users all over the world. “The enhanced accuracy provided will empower developers to create new applications that meet the growing high accuracy location requirements of users and also open up applications that previously only ran in dedicated devices intended for professional use,” he said.

Alex Chou, vice president of product marketing for the Wireless Communications and Connectivity division at Broadcom Inc., said: “Broadcom is glad to gear up Xiaomi’s flagship smartphones with the very latest dual-frequency GNSS technology. Xiaomi Mi 8, the world’s first smartphone with BCM47755, will take smartphone GNSS navigation to a whole new performance level.”

Zhiyuan Zang, Director of Product Marketing from Xiaomi, said: ”The importance of GNSS to modern life is undisputed, and is particularly important for smartphones. Navigation and LBS-based apps these days require greater positioning accuracy to work effectively, and dual-frequency GNSS is the key to delivering a great user experience when using these apps. Xiaomi is delighted and honored to be the world's first smartphone manufacturer to support dual-frequency GNSS. We will continue to pursue innovation for everyone to enjoy.”

Exciting times for geolocation

The launch of the first dual-frequency GNSS smartphone, together with the opportunities offered by the availability of GNSS raw measurements in Android, creates exciting opportunities for the geolocation community. Access to raw measurements opens the door to algorithms once restricted to more advanced GNSS receivers. This, in turn, allows users to fully benefit from the differentiators offered by Galileo.

Recognising these opportunities, last year, the GSA engaged with the academia and industry in the areas of navigation and positioning to innovate around this new feature, as part of a GNSS Raw Measurements Task Force. Then, in January this year, the GSA published a White Paper on the use of GNSS Raw Measurements in Android, providing developers with in-depth information on accessing and using raw measurements to implement advanced GNSS techniques in mass-market devices.

Building on this work, the GSA and the Raw Measurements Taskforce shared their latest updates at a dedicated workshop – “GNSS Raw Measurements: From Research to Commercial Use” - held at the GSA headquarters in Prague on 30 May, where Broadcom presented their encouraging test results from the dual-frequency BCM47755.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the GSA website (http://www.gsa.europa.eu).

Xiaomi - one of the fastest growing mobile brands - has launched the world’s first dual-frequency GNSS smartphone. Fitted with a Broadcom BCM47755 chip, the Xiaomi Mi 8, launched on May 31, is the world’s first smartphone providing up to decimetre-level accuracy for location-based services and vehicle navigation.

Xiaomi has launched the world’s first dual-frequency GNSS smartphone, the Mi 8. This smartphone represents a breakthrough in GNSS technology as it is the first commercial deployment of Broadcom’s revolutionary BCM47755 chip.

The BCM47755, introduced last year, is a dual-frequency (E1/L1+E5/L5) GNSS chip that can compute location with an accuracy of up to a few decimetres. Until now, mobile location-based applications have been powered by single frequency GNSS receivers whose location accuracy is limited to a few meters. However, in recent years GNSS systems have been launching satellites broadcasting signals on new frequencies to open up new possibilities. Specifically, Galileo has the majority of satellites with E1/L1 and E5/L5 frequency capabilities.

Leveraging Galileo for increased accuracy

Users of the Xiaomi Mi 8 and future models with dual-frequency GNSS will benefit from better positioning and navigation experience in urban environments. This is due to the unique shape of the E5/L5 frequency, which makes it easier to distinguish real signals from the ones reflected by buildings, reducing the multipath effect (a major source of navigation error in cities and other challenging environments). The numerous Galileo satellites broadcasting E5 make this improvement available for users all around the world. In addition, the simultaneous use of two frequencies reduces other sources of error, such as those due to the ionosphere, and the frequency diversity is more robust to interference and jamming.

In addition to making existing applications more accurate, the enhanced position precision offered by dual-frequency GNSS will also create opportunities for new applications in areas such as augmented reality, vehicle navigation, and mapping.

Commenting on the product launch, European GNSS Agency (GSA) Head of Market Development Gian Gherardo Calini said that the arrival of the first dual-frequency GNSS smartphone to the mass-market represents a breakthrough for users all over the world. “The enhanced accuracy provided will empower developers to create new applications that meet the growing high accuracy location requirements of users and also open up applications that previously only ran in dedicated devices intended for professional use,” he said.

Alex Chou, vice president of product marketing for the Wireless Communications and Connectivity division at Broadcom Inc., said: “Broadcom is glad to gear up Xiaomi’s flagship smartphones with the very latest dual-frequency GNSS technology. Xiaomi Mi 8, the world’s first smartphone with BCM47755, will take smartphone GNSS navigation to a whole new performance level.”

Zhiyuan Zang, Director of Product Marketing from Xiaomi, said: ”The importance of GNSS to modern life is undisputed, and is particularly important for smartphones. Navigation and LBS-based apps these days require greater positioning accuracy to work effectively, and dual-frequency GNSS is the key to delivering a great user experience when using these apps. Xiaomi is delighted and honored to be the world's first smartphone manufacturer to support dual-frequency GNSS. We will continue to pursue innovation for everyone to enjoy.”

Exciting times for geolocation

The launch of the first dual-frequency GNSS smartphone, together with the opportunities offered by the availability of GNSS raw measurements in Android, creates exciting opportunities for the geolocation community. Access to raw measurements opens the door to algorithms once restricted to more advanced GNSS receivers. This, in turn, allows users to fully benefit from the differentiators offered by Galileo.

Recognising these opportunities, last year, the GSA engaged with the academia and industry in the areas of navigation and positioning to innovate around this new feature, as part of a GNSS Raw Measurements Task Force. Then, in January this year, the GSA published a White Paper on the use of GNSS Raw Measurements in Android, providing developers with in-depth information on accessing and using raw measurements to implement advanced GNSS techniques in mass-market devices.

Building on this work, the GSA and the Raw Measurements Taskforce shared their latest updates at a dedicated workshop – “GNSS Raw Measurements: From Research to Commercial Use” - held at the GSA headquarters in Prague on 30 May, where Broadcom presented their encouraging test results from the dual-frequency BCM47755.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the GSA website (http://www.gsa.europa.eu).