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Comment by a2tech | Hacker News Reader

Very cool-looks like this is the same code that is used in Google Maps for location awareness in Firefox. It doesn't seem to like Opera (or it could be my connection not being found) but it seems to be cross browser compatible.

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It looks like it's really only designed to work with devices that provide Geolocation functionality. They have a list on their site: http://code.google.com/p/geo-location-javascript/wiki/Suppor...

I think this also includes support for the Geolocation API found in Firefox 3.5, so they can probably add that to the list, as well.

Yep, you are right, FF 3.5 is being provided with location by the Google Location Service (http://google-code-updates.blogspot.com/2009/04/google-locat...). Also, this service implements http://dev.w3.org/geo/api/spec-source.html, which should, once widely adopted, void the need of a wrapper library such as geo.js posted here.

Edit: Typo

How does FF 3.5 get the location? The example asked me to share location, but then showed me in the middle of New York City when in fact I am in Burlington Vermont

FF 3.5 uses your IP address or wifi basestation id to retrieve the location and there is no guarantee that is accurate. In order to be accurate you need to use GPS or Cell Tower Locating from you cell phone.

The service they use is particularly bad then. Most places I have tried get within a few towns for my office. (Obviously none can get my home satellite connection correct)

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