There’s been a lot of talk lately about how services like Twitter, Forsquare or Google’s Buzz are a stalker’s dream if used (im)properly. Now there’s a new site bringing even more attention to it. Pleaserobme.com. A simple specialized Twitter search engine, it shows just how many people announce when they’re not home. Couple that with other services that show just where your home is, and you may as well hang up a sign that says, as the site does, please rob me.
This is part of a larger issue that I think we’ll be hearing more about. I’m sure the last thing some people want is for their bosses to do a Twitter or Buzz search on them. On the plus side, paranoid spouses have a way to keep track of their significant smothered (and yes, that’s a plus. Tracking anklets are expensive). Being the cute girl at the comic shop probably gets a lot more awkward when all the seedy guys* who keep staring at you suddenly know exactly when you’re there.
This is not a doom-and-gloom “BURN YOUR GPS ENABLED DEVICE”. Technology is not the culprit on this one. Indeed, you don’t even need a mobile device to leave this particular door wide open. What it is (to this blogger, anyway) is a call to common sense. If your address is out there, don’t announce when you won’t be at it. If you’re pretty sure your address isn’t out there, tweet away.
In the meantime, if anyone needs me, I’ll be in my Panic Room. Watching you blog.
*No, I am not saying all guys at comic shops are seedy. I’m talking about a specific type. The skeevy guys who think that handing a girl a Neil Gaiman comic means she’ll fall in love with them.
Bing Mobile, originally Windows Live Search, was one of those super-useful yet often overlooked Microsoft applications.
The concept originally was to deliver location-based searches to your handset, such as gas stations or movie times closest to your current position. If your mobile phone has GPS, it can automatically update itself to your current location and even give turn by turn directions to the destination of choice.
While sharing a lot of common features with the more popular Google Maps, the big distinction between them to many end-users was that Google Maps was prohibited from offering real-time driving directions due to licensing issues with map providers.
LiveSearch/Bing offered to follow your GPS position, and actually route you in real time, alerting you before turns, just like a stand alone GPS unit, only for free. Back in 2007, it even starting offering a “Speak” command, in which it would do a little voice recognition to determine your destination. This effectively made it more hands-free and therefore safer and easier to use while driving than a traditional GPS unit.
Yet, despite all this, when Google finally made its announcement to start offering turn-by-turn directions in their free mapping application for Android, everyone heralded it as an industry first… Even the voice recognition part of it was proclaimed to be an innovation, despite MS doing this years earlier.
However, as is sadly the par with classic Microsoft products, sometimes functionality comes at the cost of form. The interface for Bing was sub-par compared to the easy and simple Google Maps, with many people never being fully aware that GPS routing was an option (you have to first plot a destination, then click show Map, then click a softkey and tap “follow me using GPS”. This should really start automatically or at least remember the settings from last time).
So is MS to do? Redesign Bing!
So, that is exactly what they did. Microsoft redesigned the entire interface to be more appealing and straight forward, and I dare to say they did a bang-up job. The problem is… they removed the most useful features of the application, including the GPS turn-by-turn routing!
Not only that, but the new application doesn’t seem to remember previous searches. That means unless you go out of your way to save a location as a “favorite”, you have to enter (or “speak”) a destination every time.
Some users over at PPCGeeks.com have mentioned that perhaps this new version is a technical demo / beta, and that more features are expected to come soon.
I sincerely hope this is the case, because the last thing Microsoft needs is to become a “form over function” oriented company like certain “other” companies out there…
It’s interesting how married to Operating Systems people can become. My first computer was an Apple IIGS, but then we swiftly moved to Windows. I used to join in deriding Macs, then I got one. Mac OS, especially 10 and up, became my OS of choice. However, I still used Windows (and occasionally Linux) on a daily basis. I’m basically platform agnostic. A platform is a tool, and the one that works best for you is the best… for you. There is no perfect platform for everyone, for computer or phone.
I mention this because of discussions I’ve been having with some fellow techies. This week I finally broke down and bought a Pre. The reactions from my iPhone, WindowsMobile and Blackberry using friends (Sort of sad, but I don’t personally know a single Android user – no I’ve never met Justin) were almost comical in their predictability. I even got complaints about the Pre from a fellow Pre owner… because he’s really a Blackberry user. I’m not saying they’re wrong – I’m just saying the Pre is closer to my “ideal” phone than most of those other options (In fact, I recalled a doodle I drew ten years ago and it resembles the Pre to the point of scariness).
Every phone does its job in one way or another and every phone does it for someone. The cell market is really big enough for everyone. So how about we all just calm down and let people find the right solution?
So, why is the Pre my “perfect phone” (so far, anyway?)? Click the read link and find out.
[Warning – this thing is a fricking essay. I clearly have no life.] (more…)
As Morts already mentioned, with the new Verizon Droid launch, Google has announced a new mobile maps feature: Navigation.
No, I’m not talking about using Google Maps to calculate driving directions on your phone. I mean real bona-fide location aware turn-by-turn spoken directions that rival and even surpass the features of high-end standalone GPS navigation units.
Using your phone instead of a standard GPS navigation system on your phone isn’t new- Old-school smartphone owners (Palm & Windows Mobile) have had access to commercial software from Garmin and Tom Tom for years. If you don’t want to store maps on your phone, or just have a simple feature phone, many carriers licensed Telenav software for a nominal charge to your bill.
What’s interesting here, however, is that Google is offering this for free. From Verizon. Yeah. Verizon is OK with letting Google give you something without them getting paid for it.
This really could be the start of a new Verizon.
The question is, will Google make this available for other GPS-enabled platforms as well? What about the iPhone or Windows Mobile? Or even Blackberry?
Now, before I sound too excited and ahead of myself, let’s not forget that Bing! mobile does this as well, and is also offered for free (as long as you have unlimited data) on some smartphone platforms such as Windows Mobile. Bing even offers a similar voice-recognition feature for speaking your destination. However, the interface is harder to navigate and it doesn’t speak the directions as it follows you. It looks like Google has taken all the good of Bing’s navigation features, and combined it with everything good in a standalone navigation package, and slapped on some killer features that only Google can get away with for free.
The question on my mind, however, is whether or not Google will be releasing this for all the other mobile platforms that currently have Google Maps supported. Remember all the fuss and delays Tom Tom had trying to push the iPhone navigation package?
Imagine for a moment that Google releases their nav system for iPhone, for free, before Tom Tom can break even on their sales. Wow. Talk about game changer.
Here are some interesting things from DigitalLook, but not exactly interesting enough to be their own article (no offense to the vendors, who were all awesome)
Note that I do have photos, but I seems to be mangling the photo functions of the blog, so I will be holding off on adding them. (more…)
A rant by Mordy Gilden.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably used Google Maps on your desktop browser for something at least once in your life. Google Maps is arguably the most popular mapping and directions plotting service there is, effectively stealing that crown from MapQuest ages ago.
So, its no surprise that the most popular server-based mapping and routing application on mobile phones is Google Maps Mobile (GMM). GMM offers a few features that don’t exist on the desktop based version, including support for GPS location if your phone has it, or localized search based on tower-triangulation (if your phone does not have or give you access to a GPS chip). It will even locate the addresses of contacts from your phonebook on some handsets.
Now, Google has announced voice recognition technology, based on the same technology as GOOG-411. Currently being tested on certain Blackberry handsets, the concept here is that your phone will record the voice clip, send it to Google’s servers who will decipher it, and send back the relevant information to your handset. Pretty nifty stuff, in fact nifty enough that many bloggers including Engadget, MobileCrunch, Boy Genius Report, and many others have rushed in to share this ground-breaking information with the rest of the Mobile World.
In fact, to quote the BGR:
“For the most recent feature addition, Google has decided to implement a bit of voice recognition. Sweet!”
Now, here’s where I’m confused. Did everyone miss Microsoft’s announcement to do this almost a year ago with Windows Live Search?
Windows Live has been offering this service for many of its compatible handsets, which include a wide range of devices including Blackberrys.
I currently use it on my Windows Mobile device so much that I now consider the feature to be indispensable (especially when on the road).
So, this begs the question: How come nobody talks about this stuff until Google does it?!
I see this as a great move on GMM’s part, and I share the enthusiasm as the aforementioned bloggers. However, my feelings towards it are not “Sweet!”, but rather “Finally! What took you guys so long?“. You don’t normally see Microsoft beating Google to the punch at these sort of things.
I have to admit, Google Maps seems to have fallen behind on features- Windows Live offers real time turn-by-turn routing on GPS enabled devices which GMM still does not do, not to mention some cute features like finding the cheapest gas, movie times and more based on your current location. Google still doesn’t do all of that.
Basically, Google Maps broke new grounds and set standards for desktop map utilities, but as far as mobile apps go, Windows Live far exceeds them in features and usability… once again, not something you’d expect from Microsoft. But there it is.
I am at least consoled by the fact that many of the loyal Engadget readers commented that they’ve already been doing this with Windows Live over the past year. Still, it makes me wonder how many people are only interested in a concept if Google is behind it… let’s see how well Android plays out against Linux Mobile.
I once read that if you want a promotion at work or just want to improve your life, go traveling.There is just something about it.Maybe it’s seeing something for the first time or problem solving your way out of situations while traveling that makes it so beneficial.I’ve been on the road for just over a week straight now and had two instances where I really needed to use GMaps.
I know the Google Maps application for phones has been out for a while now, and I have played with it a few times before (you know, to find cross streets in DC and such), but I never really used the application because I had no other option. I think these real life tests reveal much more about the application than just playing around with the tool.
The first part of the trip was out in CA.Actually, it was my first outing to Silicon Valley! I didn’t know the area that well at all, went out to the burbs, had dinner with a few people, and lost track of time. Long story short, I missed my train, didn’t really want to, but I had to stay.I am not one for unexpected sleepovers (being able to brush your teeth is nice), so woke up early the next day, pulled out my phone, found my way back to the BART train and easily navigated my way back to my destination. I must say, i was quiet impressed that trainstations were on the map! Without Google, there is NO way I would have found the station.CA is not much of a walking state, I mean, there are no sidewalks, many steep hills, and not a cab in sight!
After a mix of trains and planes, I thought it might be nice to take the car up to the City for the second half of my trip.Parking your car in Manhattan does not need to be difficult or expensive (There are plenty of spots in Harlem and the 2/3 express train stops at 125th).I was running late the morning I was going to drive out to long island from the City and completely forgot to print out directions!Luckily I remembered GMaps Mobile app offered directions.
Now, the nice thing about GMaps Mobile is that it imposes the directions on top of the map.So if you don’t quite understand what the directions are saying, you can visually see that specific step.The other great feature I found was that it estimated with current traffic conditions, how much longer my trip was going to be.It always sucks to be stuck in traffic, but I would rather be forewarned than surprised.
But, this is in the leg of the trip where I saw a few faults with the application:
First off, with Google Maps Mobile there is no way to just view the written directions all at once.Instead, you can ONLY view the directions one at a time.IDK about you, but before I go somewhere, and if I have time, I like to read out all of the directions.That way, if I have to make a snap decision, in my subconscious some names or exit numbers ought to be familiar.
Second, I think it might be useful for GMaps Mobile to add a voice component.When your steps are coming one right after another in a busy place, it is difficult to take your eyes off the road and focus in on your tiny phone screen.Now, if there was an automated voice reading the directions that would make for a much safer driving experience.
Third, every time my phone turned off the screen to save on power and I clicked any button to bring up the screen again, the application would not pick up where it left off. I was forced to press the number 3 to return to the previous entry.Mix this with heavy NYC traffic, directions happening in less than .1 miles from one another and you found a very stressed Kathie.Fortunately, I made it safe and sound to my beach town.
Thanks to Google Maps Mobile, I was able to navigate an unknown city on my own and drive out to LI with out printing directions.
In Barcelona at 3GSM, Rave Wireless is one of three finalists from the United States competing against a total of twenty-three entries from around the world. The event is the MoMo Global Peer Awards 2007, a project of MobileMonday. Finalists were picked by MobileMonday chapters each of which chose a company that has demonstrated exceptionally innovative mobile technologies, products, services and concepts.
Rave will be showcasing their Rave Guardian GPS application which keeps college kids safe all over the country.
February 12-25 in Barcelona 70,000 people are attending 3GSM World Congress, the planetss premier mobile event. Rave Wireless VP of product Todd Piett and Raves own Mobile evangelist Justin Oberman (aka me) are attending and presenting.
Its nice when a company actually listens to the market its trying to cater to. Many wondered what Helio was thinking when they offered two handsets to the tech savvy crowd and left out simple and necessary application like BlueTooth. Well, now Helio’s new Samsung Handset, the Drift, not only sports Bluetooth but has a built in GPS system with wicked Location Based Services (LBS) to boot.
This sleek and compact slider packs exceptional power and design into a slim, elegant shape. Produced by Samsung and exclusively available to Helio members, the Drift launches in two colors; gunmetal black and frost white. The Drift features a 2.12 inch high-resolution QVGA display, stereo Bluetooth®, 128MB internal memory expandable via microSD™, 2.0 megapixel camera with 4x digital zoom and flash for shooting photos and video, high-speed 3G network access for lightning fast data, and MP3, MPEG-4 and VOD support for endless entertainment options. The Drift is also complete with GPS capabilities to support innovative new Helio services in addition to existing exclusive services like MySpace Mobile and Helio On Top (H.O.T.).
The built in GPS works together with built in Google maps. In addition to using GPS technology to pull up a current location on a clear and crisp map, Google Mapsâ„¢ for mobile also lets Helio members get:
• Real-time traffic: locate traffic jams or find a new route in over 30 major U.S. metropolitan areas with color-coded traffic reports.
• Detailed directions: routes displayed on the map itself, together with step-by-step directions.
• Integrated search results: local business locations and contact information appear in one place, integrated on the map so you can find the closest pizza joint and get there fast.
• Easily movable maps: interactive, draggable maps let members zoom in or out, or pan in every direction.
• Satellite imagery: get a bird’s eye view of a desired location.
But Helio is really the first mobile company to truly take advantage of GPS for Buddy Beaconing. Buddy Beacon is the new way for Helio members to synchronize their social lives and tell friends where the fun is. Rather than calling or texting, Helio members can switch on their Buddy Beacon and use satellite technology to broadcast their location to the friends they add to their Buddy List. When they turn on Buddy Beacon, their Buddy List friends can see their location on a map along with their closest address. Members can add up to 25 Buddies to their Buddy List. When members change locations and want to let everyone know the party is on the move, one simple button refreshes the location. Want to hide out? Just leave Buddy Beacon off to enjoy a night of privacy or to slip out the back of the club into the VIP.
Buddy Beacon also lets Helio members send out an SMS message asking their friends to flip on their Buddy Beacons. When they activate Buddy Beacon, members can see where everyone’s at and meet up with the closest person for a fun night out or to tailgate at the big game. If a member notices a friend is nearby, a call can be placed directly from Buddy Beacon to check in on the fun.
Pretty damn cool. Its the future and Helio is already there.
As Morts already 
