Linked by Rahul on Thu 26th Feb 2009 07:59 UTC
As seen in this TechFlash article, Microsoft has launched a patent suit against TomTom, a seller of (Linux-based) navigation devices. "It's believed to be the first time Microsoft has filed a patent suit over Linux, after claiming for years that elements of the open-source operating system violate its patents. However, Microsoft says open-source software is not the intended focal point of the action." The lawsuit focusses on several navigation techniques, and includes a few patents related to Linux. LWN lists the individual patents in question.
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Member since:
2008-05-26
My understanding is that GPS units download new data from the PC, when you connect them to your PC. Urgent updates to maps might be pushed out via the PC, but usually you have to purchase new maps each year and they don't cost much less than a basic GPS unit anyway.
Up-to-the-minute traffic information, on models that support it, is sent "underneath" a regular FM radio station's signal, much like teletext is sent along with a TV station's signal. There is no two-way communication, only one-way.
The units themselves find their location by use of the satellites, but AFAIK they do not download maps or extra data from them. Unless GPS units in America are much more advanced than what we get in Australia.