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Google Maps To Add 'Friend' GPS Tracking

Posted by timothy on from the jealous-girlfriend dept.

Henway writes "Google is adding the option to Google Maps to place your whereabouts either via cell phone towers or GPS. Think 'locator beacon.' Paraphrased: This would be good for people wanting to let their friends know where they are or for parents wanting to know where their children are at all times."

3 of 259 comments (clear)

  1. So, kind of like Britekite? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Sounds remarkably similar to the services offered by Brightkite.

  2. Re:Abuse by zappepcs · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I'm not sure about the irony, but for $15/week, I'll feed and care for your phone, take it everywhere with me. I even promise not to take it to any meetings of subversive groups, or atheist meetups.

    The government will be happy that you are an active social part of society, and you can rest assured that your privacy is perfectly secure.

    In fact, your tracking data will look exactly like that of 17 other lucky folks who have signed up before all the openings are gone. I just have one space left, so hurry. If you call in the next 10 minutes, you'll also receive photo frame skin for your other phone that holds a picture of the tracked phone so that you'll never miss it, normally a $29.99 value, but you'll get it absolutely free.

    Sign up now, hurry, available spots are going fast.

    --
    Support NYCountryLawyer RIAA vs People
  3. They claim you can lie by professorguy · · Score: 4, Interesting
    Google claims that the tracking client has the ability to lie--that is, report your location as an address you type in. Problem is, if your boss is tracking you to an address, he'll know you're lying because you instantly appear at the destination.

    .

    So the first thing we need is a google application that can update this "lie" info in real time. I want to type in a start address, an end address and have it automatically update the lie with intermediate locations that correspond to a realistic speed. Then even if your boss is watching you, it'll look like you are following instructions (even though you are at the bar).

    That way, when it is inevitably used by assholes, we can salute and chime "Sure thing, boss!" then ignore him with impunity.