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?

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Anonymous
2012-12-12T16:23:17+00:00

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-03-20T17:40:33+00:00

    MS has said that cellular networks won't work because of the magnesium. Their would be too much interference, this also effects GPS. Perhaps they have already tried to incorporate what is simply not possible internally.

    This is terrible news. The trend is towards more and more connectivity, especially for business, especially given the fact that they're pushing Office 365 and Skydrive. Having your ability to work hobbled by Wifi availability is so ridiculously short sighted of Microsoft. They will need both 3G & GPS now and in the future to compete. There must be a workaround even with the Mg case. From the developer chat it sounded like they don't even consider it important.

    Anyway, apparently you can get 3G+ GPS USB modems that plugs into the Surface and works with Windows (just Bing it). Most people (including my friends I'm trying to get to buy Surface) won't want the hassle and will just get an iPad which actually works out of the box, rather than a crippled Surface plus expensive USB key, but for those of us who are big Surface fans this is good enough.

    I just use my phone as a Wifi hotspot.  Nothing extra to carry and no extra contact required.

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