Google knows where I am…scared? Me?
Google maps have become such a part of my everyday life that when the chance to install a version to my lovely shiny Nokia E71 arrived I was totally up for it. Installation was a breeze, i simply entered my phone number on the Google maps page and it sent me a link via SMS. The application was installed and working in about 2 minutes. 
What’s cooler than cool is that these maps on your mobile are location specific. A simple once only step allows the maps to relate to your current location in a snap.
The map displays your location with a nice blue circle. The radius of this circle gets smaller and more accurate depending on how many satellites your GPS has latched onto. It even works if you happen to be using a wifi connection too, easily pinning my location on my home wireless to within 20 yards or so. If this seems scary to you it’s probably because your either have read ‘1984′ so often that the text has faded or you don’t live in Britain – the most watched and photographed (cctv) populace in the world. Frankly we are used to big brother knowing every intimate detail of our lives from where we drive our cars to who we sent that email to and how much our waste bins weigh.
Here is a quick overview from Google
The localised search is a godsend, it finds my local Pizza place very quickly, and seeing as its 35 metres away I certainly need the directions.
The much disputed ‘Street View’ is also in operation giving you a street level view of your surroundings or anywhere else that the Google snooper vans have been (except Milton Keynes where I live, we chased them away with pitchforks and torches…)
Local search results can instantly be used in a variety of ways. Get directions to..or from, call numbers, store as contact or SMS. Brilliant, simple and also very fast.
Google is best Seach Engine
yeah, and by a long way too. Search, in all its many forms is actually a fundemental part of living these days (at least in my world). So when it all becomes joined up like this it makes a real impact on the way we live.
Maybe you shouldn’t have installed it, I mean you act like Big Brother put a gun to your head…
I’m sure the Feds are constantly searching the web for information on your next pizza topping
Did you speed read this… with eyes closed?
I’m rather glad it knows where I am. I use the google maps facility to find my way to new client’s all the time! It’s brilliant.
And if I want to avoid big brother I can always leave the phone at home
I agree its actually a good thing. You can sign up your kids mobiles and know where they are when they are late…again…
Unfortunately, it isn’t some mythical ‘big brother’ that’s the problem. It’s the ability of a theif or psycho to plug your mobile number into his iphone and find out where your daughter probably sleeps – and when you aren’t home.
One friend of mine, a single woman, showed me that if you google her mobile number it shows you street view of her home, car in driveway, license number showing.
These products is a security issue. Useful products, but let’s eep them in check regarding the risks.
jonathanwarren.org
privacyauthority.org
1984 was twenty-five years ago. It’s silver anniversary surveilance. My GPS knows which direction I’m facing should I stop to refuel. It also knew when I drove too close to a prison.
i love google
& blogger, gmail, all stuff they made
I like Google too, but much prefer Zoho when it comes to web apps.