Add GPS functionality to Wi-Fi devices with G-Fi

A wireless router that doesn't hook your Wi-Fi-enabled devices to the Internet but instead to GPS satellites.

Dong Ngo SF Labs Manager, Editor / Reviews

CNET editor Dong Ngo has been involved with technology since 2000, starting with testing gadgets and writing code for CNET Labs' benchmarks. He now manages CNET San Francisco Labs, reviews 3D printers, networking/storage devices, and also writes about other topics from online security to new gadgets and how technology impacts the life of people around the world.

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Dong Ngo

Jan. 10, 2009 8:13 p.m. PT

2 min read

The G-Fi GPS router is about the size of an iPhone. PosiMotion

It's the last day of CES, and I ran into an unusual networking device called G-Fi from PosiMotion. It's the first router I've known that doesn't have the ability to share access to the Internet. Instead, it receives the satellite signals and shares the GPS information to any Wi-Fi-enabled device.

According to PosiMotion, other than the lack of support for the Internet, the G-Fi works just like any other wireless router. It allows for creating a Wireless LAN you use to share resources between up to 254 wireless networking computers and devices.

Measuring merely 3.08 inches by 2.91 inches by 0.69 inch and weighing about 2.5 ounces, the router is about the size of an iPhone and is battery operated for up to 4 hours. It can be recharged either via a regular included adapter or via a computer's USB port.

Considering the size and its niche, the G-Fi is a great device for group travelers or those who want to have access to GPS through their computer or other mobile devices, including the iPhone or iPod Touch.

PosiMotion currently has two GPS applications at Apple's App Store for the iPhone and the iPod Touch that you can download and use with the G-Fi for free called G-Spot and G-Park. The company is now developing applications for other platforms including smartphones and personal computers.

The G-Fi is available now for $179, which is rather expensive in my opinion. PosiMotion also offers another version of the G-Fi called G-F VS that doesn't have the GPS capability but just the wireless networking sans Internet, which costs $149.

In the future, the company is contemplating adding the ability to share Internet to the routers. Maybe then, the prices will stop sounding a bit too expensive.