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Apple and Google to Blog the World

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the look-where-i-am-ma dept.

Zrop writes "AppleInsider is reporting that Apple has been working on OS-level integration of an geographical mapping technology as an integral part of Leopard, its next-generation OS. The technology is rumoured to employ GPS functionality. Will GPS chips make Apple iPod phones and MacBooks location aware? Users would be able to post information at a location, hanging in the air, ready to be browsed by people passing by. Imagine getting highly relevant messages, without even pressing a button, simply because you are in the vicinity and your preferences match the content of the post."

5 of 218 comments (clear)

  1. You mean... by blike · · Score: 5, Insightful
    Imagine getting highly relevant messages, without even pressing a button, simply because you are in the vicinity and your preferences match the content of the post."
    You mean "Imagine getting highly relevant advertisements..."
  2. Re:"integration" or "bundling"? by brass1 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Why is it that when apple does this kind of thing it's somehow "cool", but when Microsoft does it, it's somehow "evil"?

    Because when Apple does it, it becomes a well documented, open API. Microsoft? Not so much.

  3. Re:Will this "feature" have an off button? by dangitman · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I remember when the Pentium III came out, and everybody freaked out because it had built-in serial number identification that were supposed to destroy your privacy.

    I don't remember everybody freaking out. That would surely make the world news, and lead to civil chaos, if the entire population of the planet started "freaking out." I don't remember anybody freaking out, actually. A few people raised some privacy concerns, yes. Not the same thing as everybody freaking out.

    Now "They" will know where you are, but since it's Apple, slashdot puts a nice happy spin on it.

    Actually, the majority of the posts so far are talking about ways this could be abused, and a sprinkling of "Apple is teh suck" posts. I haven't yet seen anyone on slashdot say it is "cool" or put a happy spin on it.

    --
    ... and then they built the supercollider.
  4. GPS + Ipod by nurb432 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    "Sorry, your content is not authorized for consumption in the country which you currently are in"

    --
    ---- Booth was a patriot ----
  5. Re:"integration" or "bundling"? by Overly+Critical+Guy · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Because Apple doesn't have an OS monopoly.

    Since when did Apple sign illegal OEM deals that forced OEMs to not ship competing products to prevent them from entering the market?

    Next.

    --
    "Sufferin' succotash."