MediaTek has announced a partnership with HERE to use the company’s advancing positioning solutions for IoT devices.

The company powers an increasing number of IoT devices with their processors and today’s announcement will improve the capabilities of future devices using select MediaTek chipsets such as the MT2503 product family.

"We are pleased to work with HERE to connect the next billion to the devices and technologies they want," said YuChuan Yang, Deputy General Manager of Internet of Things Business Unit, MediaTek. "Network positioning is a crucial component of the connected experience and HERE's database improves positioning accuracy significantly. We look forward to continuing to blend our strengths with those of HERE for the benefit of our customers around the world."

HERE’s proprietary technology uses mobile network and WiFi signals to determine a device’s location without the need for a satellite connection – which means it can be used for indoor positioning.

By continuously looking for cellular network signals and Wi-Fi networks, a map of the planet’s radio information can be created. HERE uses this ever-growing map to look at which signals are in range and is able to deduce a device’s location – even down to what floor of a building it’s on – from this information.

MediaTek’s MT2503 is the first solution to benefit from the collaboration with HERE and features an ARM-based SiP design with Bluetooth, multiple GNSS receivers, and an integrated 2G modem. One customer, 3G Electronics, recently used the MT2503 for a children’s smartwatch line called KidsWatch.

"HERE delivers fast and accurate global positioning services for any device anywhere, both indoors and outdoors, and online and offline when connectivity is not available," said Erminio Di Paola, Head of Tracking at HERE. "Wherever you are, we can enable a device to locate your position to within a few meters, and even the floor you're on within a multi-story building. We are delighted to work alongside MediaTek to enable new technologies for products around the globe."

What are your thoughts on MediaTek and HERE’s partnership? Let us know in the comments.

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