Bluetooth-enabled GPS receivers have become quite popular lately, as they can enhance the functionality of various portable devices that don't come with a GPS module right out of the factory, but do feature a Bluetooth chipset. And this is exactly the reason why the people over at BlueNext have released the BN-909GR, a device that's closely related to the BN-908GR, with a few important changes, though.



Thus, first and foremost, the BN-909GR has been equipped with a SiRF Star III chipset, which provides 20 channels all-in-view-tracking, thus helping the device indicate the correct position even in those areas with poor GPS coverage (canyons, buildings, etc.). Furthermore, the BN-909GR uses the NMEA-0183 protocol at 38400 bps baud rate, the most commonly used and proved around, and the device also supports the EGNOS system, for extra positioning accuracy.



The Bluetooth GPS receiver also offers some pretty good start times (Cold/Warm/Hot start time 42/38/1 sec (average)), as well as 1 second reacquisition time. Furthermore, it features a built-in patch antenna with LNS, supports an external active antenna (MMCX port) and has a tracking sensitivity of -158 dBm.



Although the device's main method of communication is Bluetooth (compliant with V1.2 specification), the device also sports a miniUSB interface, used for charging the built-in 900mAh Li-Ion battery, which offers an estimated continuous functioning time of around 12-14 hours.



The company also claims that the BN-909GR is one of the world's smallest GPS Bluetooth receivers, and they do have a point, since the device measures only around 69mm x 44mm x 15mm. The device is available at several retailers for around 50 US dollars, which is not that bad a price, taking into account the features and specs this device has to offer.