iPhone 4S supports GLONASS satellite system, much towards the delight of Russia

Exactly what does a Russian satellite system have related to the iPhone 4S’ Gps navigation abilities? Let us explain. Russian site iPhones.ru lately observed the 4S’ spec page lists support for aided Gps navigation and GLONASS — the Kremlin’s global navigation satellite system and acronym for GLObalnaya NAvigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema. The nation released GLONASS 35 years back hoping it would eventually provide an alternative choice to Gps navigation and also the EU’s forthcoming Galileo, therefore reducing Russia’s dependence here- or Europe-operated systems. The worldwide system has since been beset by delays and financial difficulties, but a week ago, a Russian rocket effectively released the 24th and final GLONASS satellite, finishing the constellation and inching the infrastructure nearer to full activation.

News from the iPhone 4S‘ support has elicited a wonderfully surprised response in the Russian media, with daily Vedomosti writing: “When the iPhone 4S does indeed have Glonass navigation, this is the very first time the Russian system arrived at the planet market.” (Nokia, it’s worth observing, introduced in August it would manufacture GLONASS-compliant mobile phone models, while Samsung’s High Fidelity Position application offers similar compatibility.) Considering Russia’s economic and regulating climate, however, the move might not appear so shocking. The Kremlin already imposes import taxes on mobile phone models that do not support GLONASS and, as Russia’s iGuides.ru highlights, has threatened non-compliant products by having an outright prohibit. Apple, meanwhile, makes not a secret of their curiosity about growing its influence inside the country, with Boss Tim Prepare lately mentioning towards the Russian market as “more promising.” It remains to appear whether this added support leads to sharper navigation abilities, or maybe it improves Apple’s presence within Russia, but it is certainly a compelling development, nevertheless.