I think most current phones, including our beloved PPC, has GPS chip built onboard. I see many ppl buying this BT GPS receiver and that BT GPS receiver to use something like iGuidance or TomTom (GPS software). Now, why can't I just get the software and use the internal GPS chip vs having to use an external GPS unit? (GPS newb)

Most phones don't have a GPS chip "built-in" as you suggest. They use A-GPS ... Assisted GPS. Basically that means that some of the process involved with finding your coordinates is happening on the cellular carrier's side of the equipment.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-GPS

I would assume that software doesn't currently take advantage of this because of standardization. Every carrier probably implements it differently. Most hardware vendors (HTC, HP, ...) probably implement it differently.

I've seen a number of developers trying to expose this data to installed GPS software... so there is future hope.

It might also have an impact on the carrier's network if everyone's phone was pulling this data. Remember assisted means Verizon or Sprint is doing some of the number crunching.

And finally since some Carrier's have specific services for this, such as VZ Navigator that is a revenue generating product, I don't think they will be helpful in providing free access to the phones ability to stream GPS data.

thanks for feedback