Garmin has added its technological muscle to the market for external GPS receivers for mobile devices, not only using GPS but also by receiving signals from Russia’s Glonass constellation. Yesterday Garmin unveiled its GLO receiver, which connects to Apple and Android devices wirelessly via Bluetooth and offers battery life of 12 hours and 10-times-per-second position update rate.

Garmin’s receiver is the first wireless GPS receiver to work on both the GPS and Glonass networks, according to the Olathe, Kan.-based avionics manufacturer. “When using both GPS and Glonass satellites, the time it takes for the receiver to ‘lock on’ to a position is [on average] approximately 20 percent faster than using GPS alone,” according to Garmin. “Furthermore, when using both GPS and Glonass, the receiver has access to 24 more satellites than using GPS alone.”

The GLO package for aviation applications sells for $129 and is available immediately. The aviation kit includes a mount, power cable and a free trial of Garmin’s Pilot app for six months. The GLO receiver by itself sells for $99; it will begin shipping in August.