Personal GPS in a Mobile Phone

i4u writes "NTT DoCoMo announced today that it will introduce it's first Global Positioning Service (GPS)-compatible handset F661i, at the end of April. The GPS mobile phone enables users to determine their location at the touch of a button, and download location specific information via i-mode like graphical maps and other interesting information about the area. This is not like the GPS functionality that the US Phone companies introduced so far. In the US the GPS coordinates are only used for emergencies and not yet for actually providing value to the user in other situations. Users of the F661i can send their current location to other i-mode enabled phones. In addition, a memo function allows users to store location information, including map, telephone numbers and addresses. The phone supports three applications of the GPS functionality: 1)The GPS enabled Phone can be tracked by via a service, useful for instance for parents to track their kids. See also the Wherify GPS Person Locator. 2)Submission of current location in case of emergency to pre-defined organizations, like police, fire departments etc. Similar to the GPS functionality available in the US. 3)The F661i also can be used by businesses to track their delivery trucks and more. Similar to Car GPS devices."

Comments

Hmmm, no thanks

[captainclever]

Tin-foil hat time :)

So, when the driver crashes

[SpaceLifeForm]

they'll know exactly where they are when the call for help.

Damn

[Timesprout]

Now my woman will be able to prove I was in the bar and not working late at the office. Is there to be no escape !!!

Re:This all sounds well and good...

[Anonymous Coward]

What, you're scared of your mom knowing where you are?

Useful purpose

[teamhasnoi]

If I could use the GPS to track down the theater-goer that hasn't shut off the ringer and execute them in a manner befitting their crimes, I think that I could become an early adopter.

Let's hear it for technology!

Next on Ask Slashdot:
Where are the tools to fight the eventual demise of our liberty?

Drug dealer IQ tester

[Dolphinzilla]

How many bonehead people doing criminal activities via cell phone will purchase these, and then be mystified at how the cops know exactly where they are. I am thinking automatic jail time for being a moron.

And the down side...

[mcgroarty]

This is related to a recent situation in Iraq which has involved the confiscation of quite a few journalists' phones. :-)

I suppose when your enemy is trying to figure out where you are so they can drop bombs and grenades on you, it's best not to have a beacon broadcasting your GPS location!

ringggg - oh hello, honey...

[Dolphinzilla]

Yeah, I have to work late tonight.

No I won't be home for dinner...

whats that? What am I doing at your sisters house?

ummmm - must be Russian GPS jamming equipment - damn phone - I guess I'll have to take it in for service.

I love you too...

The application I'd like to see.

[FuzzyDaddy]

Privacy concerns aside, one thing that would be cool would be if I could call someone, and while talking to them, hit a button to send my location to their phone, so a little arrow could appear on their phone pointing to me.

That way my co-workers could actually end up eating lunch at the same restaurant.

Why do I need GPS??

[RHIC]

I was looking at various gadgets today, and spotted a GPS receiver PC card, and thought: "That'd be cool to have, so I always know where I am!". This was quickly followed by another though: "...but I know where my room is."