[http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2011/10/samsunggalaxynexushandson6412-1319131693.jpg](http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/galaxy-nexus-barometer-explained-sam-champion-not-out-of-a-job/) [Google's Galaxy Nexus](http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/samsung-galaxy-nexus-hands-on/) may be a lot of things: the [fourth-coming of Android](http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/android-4-0-ice-cream-sandwich-now-official/), an HD Super AMOLED showcase and iPhone 4S competitor. But *weather forecaster*? Alright, so it won't give you hourly atmospheric updates with an air swipe, but the [built-in barometer](http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/behind-the-glass-a-detailed-tour-inside-the-samsung-galaxy-nexu/) that's got so many of us scratching our heads has a much different purpose. [Android engineer Dan Morrill](http://www.engadget.com/all/danmorrill) took to the social pages of Google+ to clarify the confusion. Turns out, Sammy added the barometer to help the device more rapidly acquire a GPS lock by delivering altitude coordinates to the required latitude and longitude GPS equation. Morrill goes on to note that the original Xoom also packed a similar feature, so if anything, this Nexus is simply following that Moto tab's lead. Next quandary Morrill needs to solve? Why, that would be the omission of [carrier release dates](http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/samsungs-galaxy-nexus-launches-in-november-worldwide-on-ntt-do/).
Galaxy Nexus barometer explained, Sam Champion not out of a job originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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