News Report #2

Google Latitude keeps tabs on friends’ locations
By: Stephen Shankland
2 – 4- 09
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/02/04/google.latitude/index.html

Google announced the launch of their Latitude software on Wednesday that will allow mobile phone users the ability to share their location with close contacts. The intent of the mobile application is to provide users with the ability to find and track close friends out on the town. To use the new application, users are required to sign up for the service selecting the detail of information they wish to share with others. Current options include the precise location, city, or nothing at all. From testing Google has found that most users are in a give take relationship. Often users share their location with only each other, rather than the single ability for users to only track them. This new technology is strengthened by the practiced skills of Google’s ability to develop mapping and location technology. Google has hopes of their new mobile technology expanding to location based advertising use, allowing an increase in revenue from advertisers. You may be asking, “Will I be able to use this new app?” For non mobile users, you will be able to log into Google from your computer and track your friends. For use on your mobile, requirements are narrowed to BlackBerry phones, Windows Mobile 5.0, or Symbian-based devices. Google is looking to expand their market to more phones soon.

I have always been amazed by the applications and ideas Google has produced. The new application does not fall short of my expectations of the quality and originality Google creates. It does raise some privacy issues to my mind. While Google has claimed to take users privacy into consideration, I think it is always important to approach these new technologies with a bit of hesitation. I think the use of the application has many capabilities, which is a positive, as well as a negative. The adaptability of this information is great when used for its intent, such as keeping in touch with close friends and family. I do have concern for stalkers, privacy, as well as safety of users. I will be interested in the adaptation of the technology for advertisements based off of your location.

-TJ