Technology reboot: Updated list of GLONASS-supported Xperia™ devices

Last year, we published a story covering GLONASS (Globalnaya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema), a Russian, radio-based satellite navigation system covering the globe (locations mapped above), which a number of our Xperia™ devices support. In addition to an overview of GLONASS support in our latest Xperia phones from Sony Positioning Specialist, Magnus Persson, he also explained how you can incorporate the feature into your own apps. And in that time, our list of GLONASS-support devices has increased from 8 to 19. Read on to get the full list and a general recap of GLONASS technology.

When we think about navigation systems, GPS (or Global Positioning System) usually first comes to mind. GPS is a space-based satellite navigation system that currently contains 31 active satellites transmitting signals. GPS provides positional information when an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites is available. But there is a complementary and alternative navigational system that is also in global operation and is of comparable precision – GLONASS. GLONASS, is a Russian-based satellite navigation system operated by the Russian Aerospace Defence Forces. A full orbital constellation of 24 satellites provides GLONASS service worldwide. The feature image above shows the global positions of the various GLONASS satellites as of May 2, 2013, but you can see the real-time locations of GLONASS satellites on the Russian Federal Space Agency’s IAC GLONASS monitoring page.

When you use both GLONASS and GPS together, you greatly improve navigational coverage, particularly in urban areas, where a fixed line of sight to satellites can be hindered by tall buildings.  Accuracy can also be greatly improved over using GPS or GLONASS alone, when you’re indoors or in mountainous areas. With more satellites available from both satellite systems, you’ll achieve more successful position calculations and better accuracy of calculated positions in challenging environments.

GLONASS capability is transparent, so if you’re using a navigation-related Android™ app that uses the GPS provider on a GLONASS-supported device, it’s most likely already using GLONASS. One way to see the benefit of the GLONASS satellite is to download and install the free GPS Test application by Chartcross Ltd. on Google Play. The satellites numbered 65 to 88 are GLONASS satellites that are being tracked.

Screenshot example of Chartcross Ltd.’s GPS Test application.

As of May 2013, The following Xperia smartphones and tablet have support GLONASS:

• Xperia Tablet Z
• Xperia SP
• Xperia ZL
• Xperia Z
• Xperia TX
• Xperia T
• Xperia SL
• Xperia acro S
• Xperia neo L
• Xperia pro
• Xperia neo V
• Xperia active
• Xperia arc S
• Xperia arc
• Xperia neo

If you have any questions about GLONASS technology or support, feel free to drop us a note below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.