“Smartphones, as well as smartwatches, fitness trackers and other wearables are about to get better at guiding users and mapping their sporting achievements even where satellite navigation cannot work, using the latest electronic compass (eCompass) from STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) , a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications. STMicroelectronics Brings Superior Indoor and Undercover Navigation to Mobiles and Wearables Fitness-tracking smartphone apps, smartwatches, and bands need continuous location data for mapping and recording, and accuracy is critical for wearers who like to monitor their progress and share achievements online. A built-in eCompass helps calculate location when satellite signals are unavailable, such as inside buildings or when running or cycling under tree cover. However, current solutions can give errors of about 10° in latitudes such as Northern Italy or Northern California. This can put the user off course by 150 meters or more in every 1000 meters travelled.”