Google’s Mobile Phone Locator
Google is testing a new service called Mobile Phone Locator. It works even if the phone making the connection doesn’t have a GPS equipped.
Using the technology, dubbed “My Location,” simply requires pressing zero on a mobile handset equipped with the new software. The sender’s location shows up as a blue dot on Google’s mobile maps.
The tracking system isn’t set up to collect a user’s phone number or any other personal information that would reveal a person’s identity and as a safeguard, the feature can be turned off at any time by simply clicking on a link in the help menu.
Unlike GPS, Google’s tracking feature works while handsets are indoors. “My Location” also drains less power from a phone’s battery than a GPS receiver does.
On the downside, Google’s service isn’t as precise as GPS. In most instances, Google hopes to get within one-quarter to three miles of a user’s location — close enough to provide helpful “neighborhood-level” information, Lee said.
By knowing more about a mobile phone’s location, Google conceivably could make more money displaying ads from nearby businesses hoping to lure in more customers.
I’m not so sure how this will go over with customers. People today expect much more accuracy than 3 miles. Especially considering that the GPS capable devices are accurate within feet. The only practical purpose I see would be to maybe find the general area where a run away teen may be located at. Besides, isn’t there another company that advertises a service that will locate where the cell phones on the account are located? With much more accuracy?
Your thoughts?
9 Comments
leftystrat
June 27th, 2008
at 8:29pm
It will be so much easier when we’re all chipped
Nandkishor kashyap
July 8th, 2008
at 5:58am
very good
Justin Blaufuss
August 30th, 2008
at 12:32am
I think it is great that Google is creating apps like this even if the accuracy isn’t as good as GPS. If anyone is looking for a service with a little more accuracy, you might want to try http://myphonelocator.com This site is only .99 a month and you can try it for one month free. Give it a try!
yo
December 30th, 2008
at 9:20am
I think this is horrible. Another step closer to big brother controlling everything. I dont want to be tracked everywhere I go just because I want to be able to contact someone if I need help.
Joe
January 6th, 2009
at 11:02am
It Sucks And I Hate It
EddieO
February 12th, 2009
at 2:24pm
A friend’s mother with Alzheimer disappeared one day and it took hours to finally discover that she had called a cab and gone to the beach (in winter). The found her body two day’s later washed ashore 40 miles away. Just think what a difference a locator service could have made. You can’t let paranoia about “big brother” stop progress everywhere and for everybody.
Sokobanja
February 22nd, 2009
at 4:46am
We are tracked from everywhere. It’s is not yous a big G bussines, everybody tracks somebody. You wanted NWO – so here is it for you.
chanda
March 3rd, 2009
at 1:28pm
Your phone has always been telling people where you are. Google’s just making sure that you get in on the action, too; they’re making sure that the big brother apparatus that’s already in place is at least useful to us lowly normals. Runaway teens and mothers with Alzheimers are totally irrelevant.
Baber
April 20th, 2009
at 3:13am
Everything has its pros and cons depending upon whose hands the technology is in and for what purpose. I agree that we don’t want to be tracked by anyone but then the choice is our’s. We may sign in or otherwise. As long as we look on the social side it is a good effort. On the other hand, if we’re into something which we don’t want others to know there is always a way out. Buy another handset / cell number and don’t register for this service. See!! How easy.