Bosch launches barometric pressure sensor for smartphones, wearable and hearable devices. The new sensor enables accurate indoor localization with smartphones in case of emergencies.

According to Bosch, its sensor can measure height changes below 10 centimeters thanks to the improved resolution, and is 50 percent more accurate than its predecessor.

“Accurate altitude detection helps to localize people indoors, where GPS signals are not available,” says Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO at Bosch Sensortec. “The addition of the vertical-specific position to existing horizontal information enables first responders to determine the floor level of smartphone users who trigger an emergency call. The use of Bosch Sensortec’s latest BMP390 pressure sensor in smartphones, enables a high precision localization service that ultimately has the potential to save thousands of lives.”