quoted

but by having only the
minimum necessary in the kernel. Unix  

I think you are confusing it with the goals of microkernels (e.g. Mach or Hurd).

No and the quote below is from Doug McIlroy - who amongst other thing
invented pipes.

quoted

"We used to sit around in the Unix Room saying, 'What can we throw out?
Why is there this option?" - Doug McIlroy  

Most GPS receivers I came across are modules which spit out NMEA
records with serial 9600 bit/s. Either through RS232 or Bluetooth SPP. There
may be others, but I don't want to have all problems of the world solved
at once.

The kernel lives in the big world, not your personal fiefdom

*PLONK*