Never get lost in the mall again! Apple debuts app that pinpoints your position in a crowded venue using Wi-Fi

  • Californian tech giant has quietly launched an indoor positioning app 
  • Called Indoor Survey, it uses Wi-Fi signals to detect a person's location 
  • Users 'drop points' inside a building to help technology find them
  • App may use WiFiSlam technology, which was acquired by Apple in 2013

By SARAH GRIFFITHS FOR MAILONLINE

Published: | Updated:

Apple has released an app called Indoor Survey (screenshot shown above) that promises to plot your position on a map of a venue

Apple has released an app called Indoor Survey (screenshot shown above) that promises to plot your position on a map of a venue

Christmas shopping can be testing enough without getting lost in packed and enormous malls.

But Apple has released an app that promises to plot your position on a map of a venue to help you find your way to the shops you want more easily.

The app, named Indoor Survey, uses Wi-Fi signals to detect a person's location in a large and complex building, which could also be handy in a crowded concert venue, for example.

The Californian tech giant has quietly launched its indoor positioning app, which is only available via a direct link, rather than a quick search on the App Store.

It was spotted by developer Steve Troughton-Smith in Ireland, Apple Insider reported.

The App Store description says users can '"drop points" on a map within the Survey App [to] indicate your position within the venue as you walk through.

'As you do so, the Indoor Survey App measures the radio frequency (RF) signal data and combines it with an iPhone's sensor data.

'The end result is indoor positioning without the need to install special hardware.'

The App Store post has a cautionary note that says 'continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life'. 

Commentators are speculating the app may be result of Apple's $20 million (£13 million) purchase of WiFiSlam in 2013.

The firm's technology also used Wi-Fi signals to pinpoint a person's location inside a building.

Some believe Indoor Survey may be aimed at businesses to let them add or correct information to help people find them on Apple Maps.

It was spotted by developer Steve Troughton-Smith in Ireland (tweet shown above) The App Store description says users can 'drop points' on a map within the Survey App [to] indicate your position within the venue'

The app, named Indoor Survey, uses Wi-Fi signals to detect a person’s location in a large and complex building, which could also be handy in a crowded concert venue or mall (stock image) for example

The app, named Indoor Survey, uses Wi-Fi signals to detect a person's location in a large and complex building, which could also be handy in a crowded concert venue or mall (stock image) for example

Users currently have to register in Apple Maps Connect to download it.

Apple Maps Connect is primarily used by businesses and allows them to add and edit entries shown in Apple Maps.

The idea of the app seems to be that it could help direct users to a section or a department, they needed in a large shop, or to their seat in a stadium, for example.

Despite being hidden, the app is shown as being version 1.0 and available for iPhone, iPod and iPod Touch devices, suggesting a roll-out is imminent.

An Apple spokesman told MailOnline it has nothing to say about the app for now. 

GOOGLE LAUNCHES 'WHO'S DOWN' TOOL TO FIND FRIENDS NEARBY 

An app that tells you which friends are free and want to meet has been released by Google.

Dubbed 'Who's Down', the app is available for free download - although it is currently invitation-only.

Once you've confirmed you're 'down' for an activity, nearby friends will see your status and be given the option to join you.

An app that tells you which friends are free and want to meet has quietly been released by Google. Dubbed 'Who's Down', the app is available for free download - although it is currently invitation-only
An app that tells you which friends are free and want to meet has quietly been released by Google. Dubbed 'Who's Down', the app is available for free download - although it is currently invitation-only

An app that tells you which friends are free and want to meet has quietly been released by Google. Dubbed 'Who's Down', the app is available for free download - although it is currently invitation-only

Users can do this by sliding a switch that makes them available for three hours. The app also lets them pick from a list of popular activities or create your own.

If they manage to find some friends, there are group chatting features included to help organise the logistics of the event.

The app, which was spotted by 9to5 Google, is available for both iOS and Android.

The Verge suggests it is likely directed at teenagers because those attempting to sign up for Who's Down without an invitation, are asked to enter their email address and school. 

'We're not down to share more details just yet,' the company said.

The new app is similar to Apple's Find My Friends tool and Foursquare's Swarm app, with the main difference being the option to say exactly what you're 'down' for.

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