Apple’s searching for a Product Design Engineer for the iPhone - and the ad suggests GPS support’s just around the corner for the device.
That’s logical, as we already know the latest iPhone Software 2.0 pre-release build offers location-aware services that let you tag images with your location as you take images, if you like. And while the Skyhook system’s impressively effective, it’s no great leap to think GPS is on the road-map.
Apple’s recruitment advertisment says: “As a member of a cross-functional design team at Apple, you will help to create the next generation of the world's finest handheld devices. You will conceive, design, and bring into production products that will re-define the music experience. You will work closely with many different cross functional teams including Industrial Design, Packaging, Safety, Hardware Engineering, EMC, and Marketing.”
The applicant needs the highest qualifications and extensive experience, along with 3D CAD design skills, handheld/portable device experience, and must be able to integrate wireless antenna into the product. “Integration of wireless antenna (GSM, GPS, Wifi) into mechanical enclosures a big plus,” the ad declares.
Oh yes, it’s also helpful if the applicant possesses Mandarin or Japanese language skills. And be prepared to travel. Still - at least this product designer will know where they are as they test those GPS-enabled ‘Phones.
Comments
Nothing to see here...
Uh, I'm not sure I would say Apple looking to hire someone who knows how to integrate GPS antennae counts as GPS being "just around the corner." You think they'll fill the spot this week and have the new guy stuff GPS into the iPhone by the ninth?
Sure, I'm expecting GPS in the new version like everybody else, but this job listing does nothing to reinforce that.
Where is the FCC test data...
Rumors keep flying about a new iPhone announcement on June 9.
If that is the case, where the heck are the FCC filings? The secrecy-cap only lasts 2 weeks, so if the product is to be shipping on the 9th the FCC information would be public record by May 26th if not before.
Makes me doubt all the talk of 3G and GPS.
FCC reports once publically announced
The FCC filings don't become public until Apple officially announces a new phone. While we all expect such an announcement on June 9th, Apple has never confirmed it. Once it's announced the FCC will post filings within two weeks.
At this point I'm not sure if GPS is there for certain or not.
* Integration of wireless
* Integration of wireless antenna (GSM, GPS, Wifi) into mechanical enclosures a big plus
Doesn't "mechanical enclosures"mean movable parts?