Lookout's location services may use different types of GPS in order to triangulate a location.
Lookout uses either the standalone GPS or A-GPS system to determine your phone's location when you run a Locate. We will default to A-GPS unless you activate the standalone-GPS setting. Each uses a somewhat different method of gathering signals to interpret a location, with possible variations in response. Here are the principal differences.
- A-GPS, or Assisted GPS: Triangulates a location using WiFi Positioning System and the cellular towers with which the device is connected. Can result in data usage fees due to the data network's assistance in fixing the position. Because it uses these multiple sources of data it generally provides a faster initial location fix.
- Standalone GPS, or autonomous GPS: Uses radio signals from satellites alone. Because it can take time to gather data from all three satellites used in the triangulation it can be more taxing on the device's battery. Ultimately provides a more accurate fix.
To run a Locate, "Google Location Services" must be enabled, as Lookout uses Google Maps for location services. Follow the steps below to activate the GPS setting on your device.
1. Access the "Settings" menu of your mobile device.
2. Select "Location services."
3. Check "Google location services." You can also select "Standalone GPS" if you prefer.
(Screen images may vary depending on your device and carrier.)
Note: If you still have inaccurate location readings even with standalone GPS enabled, it might be due to poor signal conditions. For example, in a metropolitan area signals may suffer multipath propagation, in which signals bounce off buildings; or are weakened by passing through atmospheric conditions, walls or tree cover. When first turned on in these conditions some standalone-GPS navigation devices may not be able to fix a position due to such fragmentary signals. Please run another Locate in line-of-sight of the sky or close to a window.