HP Spectre x360 - 15-bl112dx GPS and Compass

[Steve_Quan]

Dear HP Experts,

My laptop model is HP Spectre x360 - 15-bl112dx.

I was surprised that Microsoft map shows my location and even it has compass that when I turn laptop, the map direction changes according to laptop direction, it was so impressive.

Is the GPS based on satellites or 3G / 4G LTE broadcasting point calculation?

This question is to know whether I can use this laptop map function in the foreign country without mobile signal or in the  flying airplane.

Thanks and regards,

Steve

[Huffer]

Its actually more complex than that and is based on a calculation from your network connection. The same thing happens even on models without a WWAN card and the specs on your model do not say it has such a device. It will work in most foreign countries when you are connected to the internet (Microsoft is a worldwide organization) but will be disabled on an airplane. Airline wifi usually includes a map showing exactly where the airplane is located along the route and calculates exact time to destination. You cannot use WWAN on an airplane. 

[erico]

Microsoft has not done much with the GPS and compass functions for a few years.  That is discussed in the Microsoft Community. If you are a coder you can download the driver and make your own app.

I can say with certainty that if you use an android phone and download the google maps for a region you are viting, you can use your phone and google maps to navigate. I did that last summer on a trip to the Dominican Republic.

[Steve_Quan]

Dear Provost,

Appreciate your answer.

I installed Application of GPS Satellite app and Compass app to HP Spectre x360, those 2 app works fine when WiFi or  mobile phone hotspot  connected. Those 2 apps were free at Microsoft App Store.

If WiFi or hotspot is disconnected, the GPS app does not receive coordinates data.

This is the same to my Galaxy Tablet that also not work without WiFi or hotspot connected.

So, HP Spectre x360 - 15-bl112dx has GPS ready as much as other tablets does. 

And the Compass app works fine without WiFi in the HP Spectre x360 - 15-bl112dx.

Thanks and regards,
Steve

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

The Compass app is actually a compass and works using the hard drive/screen position sensor not a network connection.