Smartphones of HTC, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, and BlackBerry seems to be some time of support for the Russian gps alternative Glonass. That says chipmaker Qualcomm. Glonass has since recently, global coverage.
Qualcomm has built-in support in all the chips from the S2 and S3 series, says the chipmaker on the own blog. Below is the MSM8255, which is used in the HTC Desire HD, Incredible S and all Sony Ericsson Xperia phones from 2011, and recent blackberrys like the Bold 9900 and Torch 9860. Also the HTC Sensation series and Evo 3D have Glonass support. Samsung also works frequently with Qualcomm processors, such as for the Galaxy Ace.
Glonass has since recently, global coverage, and Qualcomm wants to be the 24 Glonass satellites also use a faster fix and more accurate positioning possible. With both networks enabled, it allows the place to two meters be accurately determined, claims Qualcomm. The reason that Glonass is built is not only technical; smart phones without Glonass support in Russia allegedly from a January increase in vat. Therefore, it would be Apple Glonass support also have built into the iPhone 4S.
The Russian gps-alternative can only be used in combination with gps can be used. If Glonass is not needed, disables the chipset Glonass automatically. Manufacturers and providers have to Glonass, however, to enable it. At which devices that up to now has happened and to what extent that will happen with updates, is unclear.