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Bell Labs Demos Cell Phone Location Software

Posted by timothy on from the peekaboo-for-adults dept.

mateub writes "AP via Yahoo reports that Bell Labs will soon announce cell phone software to reveal the owner's location to interested parties. To alleviate privacy concerns they say the software will 'let cell users be as picky as they choose about disclosing their whereabouts' but the article goes on to mention 'the ability for restaurants and other businesses to send a solicitation by text message to a cell phone when its owner wanders within range of those merchants.' Oh, wonderful, cellular popups..."

7 of 341 comments (clear)

  1. Most /.ers Need Not Worry by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    Since most of us are not presentable enough to enter restuarants which can afford this type of advertising.
    There really isn't much for most to worry about.

  2. cellular popups by Alien+Being · · Score: 5, Funny

    The day I have to take my phone out of pocket to discover that i've been "invited" into a nearby business establishment will be the day I chuck said phone thru the front window of said business establishment. Really, how often do you get the chance to kill two birds with one phone?

  3. And for for just $4.99 per month. by blanks · · Score: 5, Funny

    For for just $4.99 per month you can keep these popups from showing up on my cellphone.

    They make money one way or another.

    --
    TruePunk | Games
  4. Can you see me now? by ir0b0t · · Score: 3, Funny

    No? Good.

    --
    I'm laughing at clouds.
  5. Popups by ksb · · Score: 5, Funny

    businesses to send a solicitation by text message to a cell phone when its owner wanders within range of those merchants.' Oh, wonderful, cellular popups..."

    Could be interesting when you pass that 'massage parlour' you never knew was there ;)

  6. Re:Hmm.... by ackthpt · · Score: 3, Funny
    Japan having a "personals" system on the phone. e.g it gives you a list of "singles" next to you on sidewalk.

    You are in Tokyo, standing next to a building, filled with 3,845 single women, would you like to list them?

    --

    A feeling of having made the same mistake before: Deja Foobar
  7. New business model. by ron_ivi · · Score: 4, Funny
    ... a courier service that will carry your phone to wherever you're supposed to be, while you leave the phone and go where you want to be....

    (At least I didn't say 3...profit)