Google Latitude – Share Your Live Location With Friends!
Written by Simon Barker on February 19, 2009 · Filed under Software, Tech
Google Maps have introduced another new feature to their popular mapping software/service called Google Latitude which utilises the GPS functionality of your mobile phone to display your current location to your friends on their mobile devices or on their computer.
On a technical level, I think this a really cool bit of technology that Google have built into their Google Maps software, but another part of me thinks it’s perhaps a little creepy – but given you have total control over whether people can see you or not, I suppose that does make up for it and puts your mind at rest on that point.
I can see that this could be really useful for small businesses such as couriers or haulage firms who want a cheap tracking solution or perhaps for parents who want to be able to track where their children are – The question is though, once you rely on something like this, what happens when their battery runs out or even if they manually turn it off? – Would this be an instance where parents could possibly over-react about “not being able to track their child” every moment of the day?
Overall, I suppose being able to do this and see where your friends are near and far from you could be convenient for impromptu meet-ups, perhaps a step on from broadcasting where you are on Twitter…if you’re in a sociable mood and want to be found by people!
I think that’s perhaps a step too far for me, I like a bit of anonymity when I’m out and about and getting away from things. Would you want your friends to be able to locate you wherever you might be without having pre-arranged a meeting?
I love the idea of it, but in practice I think I’d have it turned off all the time…Can’t imagine many people want to be so easily found
I agree. The idea and concept is great but I just don’t think it’s something people will use very much. Another aspect is the cost to use this service. I assume the position is transferred through GPRS, which has a cost, specially if you are traveling abroad.