MS unveils WiFi source code

data, which is hosted on the Microsoft Development Network Web site, writes GMA News.

According to The Inquirer, although Microsoft has not released the full source code for its data collection application, the firm said: “The source code demonstrates both the type and amount of data we collect when surveying WiFi access points through managed driving.”

Microsoft claims it uses standard mobile phones to acquire the data and these devices are “only capable of observing the same data points about WiFi access points that any phone, computer or other device connecting to WiFi access points can observe”.

Google got into trouble over the collection of WiFi 'payload' data, which Microsoft claimed its software does not intercept, saying the software neither observes nor records any information that may contain user content transmitted over.

The code released by Microsoft is part of that used in an activity it dubs 'managed driving', whereby Microsoft uses cars to collect cell tower, WiFi and GPS data, reveals ZDNet.

The idea behind the mapping is to be able to provide faster and better-targeted location-based services to Windows Phone users.