GPS Integrated Mobile Phones
GPS, technically known as Global Positioning System, is the new technology which allows individuals to track everything. Mobile phones with GPS technology are very useful when it comes to emergencies. Most mobile phones have GPS as a special feature. Brands and models with GPS integration include Nokia 6110 Navigator, Nokia N95 (8GB version), Blackberry 8800, Blackberry Curve 8310, HTC Touch Cruise and HTC TyTN II.
Right now, GPS functionality is reserved for the more expensive and high-end mobile handsets. As the demand for GPS-enabled mobile phones continue to rise, cheaper, smarter and sleeker GPS mobile phones are just around the corner. More mobile manufacturers are looking into investing in the GPS technology’s evolvement.
At present, GPS is mainly used for navigation, but the investors are more concerned about how it can be used differently. While most people find the navigation feature very convenient, the complete end solution from GPS technology will be the ability to provide location-specific services to people. The software used in combination with GPS satellites will provide exact coordinates to find someone and this will permit emergency services, businesses and others easily find the person, whenever necessary.
The ultimate use of GPS technology seems to be a privacy violation, but the real objective is to make it safer for the public and improve on different services for their benefit. Each country has specific regulations to limit GPS utilisation and the restrictions include the inability to monitor anyone without their expressed permission.
GPS tracking systems are still rather primitive, because towering buildings and constructional areas can be obstacles to the tracking. This is something the evolved version will take care of. The existing technology is capable of locating landmarks, important places and major roads, depending on the user’s location at the time. GPS-enabled mobile phones also provide relevant information according to the specific location.
Network integration is another future possibility with mobile phone GPS technology. Social networking sites and mobile phone networks will be able to exchange real-time information via GPS-integrated mobile phones.
MySpace and Facebook have already begun using this technology with a version for mobile phone users who wish to use the site. Content that is generated by users will now be able to be uploaded easily and effectively by using information on the users location.
GPS is a great and modern way to keep track of elderly relatives, children, important shipping activity etc, but the technology has the potential to become an annoyance to everyday life. This is mainly due to one factor - unethical marketing practices, such as targeted location-specific advertisements, can be used on GPS mobile phone users.
