Thursday, June 12, 2008

GPS Integrated Mobile Phones

By Stewart M. Russell

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It is a technology that is used to track down people and things. When they are used in mobile phones it provides a service that can be highly effective in the event of an emergency. Some brands of mobile phones have integrated this technology in their products. Phones like the Nokia 6110 Navigator, several models of Blackberry and the Nokia N95 all have this technology on board their phones.

Generally, phones that have this feature are more expensive and are top of the line models. But as the price of the technology begins to drop, the phones will become better and cheaper as well. Mobile phone makers are waiting to integrate this technology in all of their products.

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.

This might seem like the privacy of individuals will be in jeopardy but the ultimate goal of GPS technology is safety and helping the services industry. Typically the government will limit the use of GPS technology in the private sector. This is necessary to stop anyone from gathering information on individuals without that person's 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 technology is still new and its uses in tracking children and other people who need to be monitored is being used effectively, but it can become a problem for the average person in future. This is because GPS technology can be used to advertise various products and services to persons using GPS-enabled mobile phones.

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