Google Maps GPS Simulator 205
garbletext writes "A new version of Google Maps introduced this week includes a beta feature dubbed My Location that was designed to simulate the GPS experience on mobile phones and handheld devices that do not include GPS hardware, like Apple's iPhone. Essentially, the My Location feature takes information broadcast from mobile towers near non-GPS equipped mobile phones to approximate the device's current location on the map down to about 10 city blocks. "It's not GPS, but it comes pretty close (approximately 1000m close, on average)," the Mountain View, Calif.-based search giant explained on its website. "We're still in beta, but we're excited to launch this feature and are constantly working to improve our coverage and accuracy." The My Location feature is currently available for most web-enabled mobile phones, including Java, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, and Nokia/Symbian devices."
1000 metres on *average*? (Score:4, Interesting)
While I like the sentiment, I suspect the usefulness is going to be... limited... It'll be as easy to put in the street names and such.
Re:Wow! This is exactly what I always wanted!!! (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:Wow! This is exactly what I always wanted!!! (Score:3, Interesting)
Killer App = My Location + Business (Score:2, Interesting)
-- Google pushes to your phone which nearby businesses are having sales at the moment.
-- During non-peak hours, Starbucks sends you a coupon for a half-price latte redeemable in the next 15 minutes.
-- Capital One, knowing your buying habits, lets you know which nearby clothing stores they can get you a discount at.
-- Match.com tells you which matches are in the area to meet up with.
-- LinkedIn lets you know there's a consultant nearby at lunch with just the kind of Indian outsourcing experience you need.
-- Facebook takes your location info, accidentally leaks it to a Facebook app, and Ron Paul supporters swarm your location with placards and chants.
In other words, massively delivered location-contextual ads and services are the next big thing. This is huge!