iPhone

Reading this post on iLounge about TomTom’s plans to include their real-time navigation software on the iTunes AppStore (or lack thereof) brings back memories from when I was developing advanced vehicle tracking systems a few years ago.

The root of the issue seems to be this line on the iPhone SDK’s license agreement:

“Applications may not be designed or marketed for real time route guidance; automatic or autonomous control of vehicles, aircraft, or other mechanical devices; dispatch or fleet management; or emergency or life-saving purposes.”

This stems from a chain of license rights that originates with the providers of mapping data, such as NAVTEQ or Tele Atlas. Apple has integrated Google Maps on the iPhone, which in turn uses mapping data from these providers under license. Pricing of map data varies with respect of what you intend to do with it, and for some reason, the providers value real-time tracking of anything as a top dollar use.

Apple had to accept the licensing restrictions that Google’s providers impose, and they very likely include real-time navigation and tracking of objects. In fact, Google Maps terms of use read:

“Except where you have been specifically licensed to do so by Google, you may not use Google Maps with any products, systems, or applications installed or otherwise connected to or in communication with vehicles, capable of vehicle navigation, positioning, dispatch, real time route guidance, fleet management or similar applications.”

This trait started when Microsoft released MapPoint 2004, which included for the first time a clause in its terms that forbid using the application for real-time tracking of vehicles and objects, and any such tracking should have a minimum 15-second delay between reality and display. With MapPoint 2002, one could use ActiveX objects to integrate the maps into a third-party application, like I did when I released StumbVerter, and fully control the map and data overlays. This meant that one could write a VERY cheap real-time tracking software application to go with the GPS tracking hardware the company sold. One could thus use pretty good maps of Europe and North America for a little over 400 Euros, compared to quotes I received that licensed only Spain for some 90.000 Euros! Microsoft got some heat over this, but defended its position by stating this restrictions had been imposed by the map data providers.

I don’t think TomTom will have a problem placing their software on AppStore, as they don’t infringe on the intended Location Services API clause, and maybe Apple will ease this clause by stating that the restriction is on using Google Maps rather than your own licensed map data for displaying location of tracked objects.

While analyzing the future of WiFi against the expanding 3G networks, it seemed curious that AT&T recommends using WiFi while abroad, and even Apple seems to really love WiFi instead of EDGE.

My theory is that Apple is itching to release the next generation of the iPhone without carrier lock-ins such as the current AT&T deal. They know very well they can sell a 3G version with a better camera and maybe GPS for $800 to $1000 in Apple stores, and people will queue to take them off the shelves, to then stick whatever SIM card they want in it. They could then be smart and have per-carrier features like Visual Voicemail, which doesn’t bind them to the operator, but gives subscribers a slight edge over “plain” iPhone users.

Apple will continue promoting WiFi on the iPhone and iPod touch for two reasons: it’s way cheaper and way faster to get iTunes content onto them over WiFi (a couple of movies will bust most 3G “flat” fee plans, and take eons to download). With the reported ‘edge cache’ for iTunes media deployed at Starbucks, for example, it only makes sense to promote WiFi as the access technology of choice.

WiFi also knowns no boundaries, and is the only cost-effective way to use data while roaming abroad – remember all those horror stories of four-digit roaming data bills after the iPhone was launched? Would never happen using WiFi. With the new Exchange integration coming with firmware 2.0, many more business travellers will want to tap into WiFi while abroad without having to pop open the laptop. In my opinion, it all points to a long life for WiFi, alongside mobile access technologies such as 3G and WiMAX/LTE.

If you are a talented developer for iPhone, we are looking for someone that can develop a WiFi application for it. It involves getting deep into the WiFi interface, so please only apply if you can do such work. We pay a very attractive hourly rate, so if you’re up for it, email me!

It’s not a native application (getting to know XCode is going to be harder!), but a so-called “web application” for the iPhone. A few times I’ve been at RTAs involving trucks carrying hazardous chemicals, and other times it’s out of curiosity that I would like to know what exactly is the well-protected container wrapped in warning labels carrying when such a truck drives by. If you want to dive right in without going through the introduction, browse your iPhone to http://www.technik-news.de – if you save it as webclip on your desktop you will get a nice orange flaming icon with it.

Hazardous chemicals and their classification

To cover the need of a unified system to classify and identify dangerous goods in transport, a unified number system was devised and adopted by the United Nations, and is now recognized by a number of countries, including those in the European Union and the United States. The commonly used label on trucks, train carts and other containers is an orange placard with two numbers – the top is the Hazard Identification Number (HIN), and the bottom the UN Number, uniquely identifying the substance.

In this particular example, the HIN is 33, meaning highly flammable liquid (the same number repeated indicates an increased danger), and the substance as the UN number 1203, which corresponds to motor spirit, gasoline or petrol. For example, diesel is not as flammable as gasoline (lower flashpoint) and carries a HIN of 30.

In addition to these placards, a container must carry hazmat (hazardous material) information placards, known as ADR labels in Europe, an example of which is shown below.