Does Microsoft Surface have GPS?

Anonymous
2012-10-16T16:40:26+00:00

Simple question, cannot find the answer.  A couple of websites states that GPS is there, however I find nothing on www.surface.com.  The website that state that GPS is there have said that since june and I don't know how they would know?

Surface | Other

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments No comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2012-12-12T16:23:17+00:00

There is no GPS on the Surface. It uses location services based on the internet connection.

Was this answer helpful?

30+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments No comments
Answer accepted by question author
btbt 11,841 Reputation points
2012-10-16T18:47:26+00:00

As it's a WiFi only device, there is no GPS, but it does have location services as part of the operating system.

Was this answer helpful?

20+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments No comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2012-12-26T22:54:36+00:00

Hi,

Surface for Windows RT does not support an external GPS device such as the one you refer to.

Surface for Windows RT can look up your location based on WiFi signals in your vicinity, as long as the Surface is also Internet-connected.  Apps such as Maps or Weather, or web sites through Internet Explorer, can use this information.

Hope this helps

Was this answer helpful?

1 person found this answer helpful.
0 comments No comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2013-04-02T19:11:00+00:00

Hello Myron,

Surface RT does not have GPS, however it does have Location Services which allows certain programs to know your location based on IP address.

Was there a specific app you needed to use with GPS?

Best regards.

Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments

115 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Anonymous
    2013-01-02T16:13:53+00:00

    I guess the issue is that the BT GPS needs a driver...

    As I understand it..., both USB and BT GPS receivers will be useable in the Pro version of the Surface.

    Still, I really want a built-in GPS.

    Quite a number of people who use iPads for navigation (pilots and boaters) have bought the cellular data enabled versions, even though they don't activate the data, just to get the on-board GPS. I would be happy to pay extra for a data-enabled Surface Pro to get a GPS, but it does not appear that I will have this option.

    It seems unclear how data capability will evolve in these devices - quite a few people say they don't want cellular data capability, because they can tether to their phone. If this becomes the norm, then more manufacturers, including Apple, may end up offering GPS without cellular data.

    To me, the notion of a tablet without real GPS is completely ridiculous - producing one is a major fail, especially in what is supposed to be a high end product meant to demonstrate the possibilities of the new OS.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments