Google unveils GPS-less handset locator technology
By Darren Murph 
posted Nov 29th 2007 12:13AM
posted Nov 29th 2007 12:13AM
If your smartphone came with a built-in GPS receiver, you can choose to just overlook Google's latest technology, but if your mobile is among the 85-percent (or so) out there lacking an integrated GPS module, listen up. The search giant has revealed new software (dubbed My Location) that enables non-GPS-equipped phones to be pinpointed within three miles of their actual location. Google is claiming that it can provide "neighborhood-level" data, and that pressing "0" while in the app will enable users to skip the task of entering in a starting address when looking up directions. Notably, the system is not set up to collect phone numbers or any other personal details, and for those still paranoid, it can indeed be switched off. Currently, the tracking database still has a few gaps to be filled -- namely locales in Europe and all of China / Japan -- but Google could very well use the location data to eventually provide targeted ads to those who use it.[Image courtesy of TracyAndMatt, thanks to everyone who sent this in]
I just downloaded it on my Dash and I can't get it to find my location while I'm using the wi-fi. I assume this is because with wi-fi on, the program can't locate the cell towers by gprs to get my location. I guess its not that big of a deal because most times that I am using wi-fi I do know where I am, just wanted to let everyone know.
in on juan. incredible. thanks googsy!!
How is this different than what navizon is doing?
Because Navizon's "Virtual GPS" isn't free. And because it's freaking Google, man!
The My Location doesn't work with my Motorola Q.
How much does Google pay for the locator info?
I wonder how much Google has to pay for that location info, because it's not free. In Germany the mobile operators charge €0.10 from third parties for every localization, and Google's new service works also here. In Berlin we have Qiro which are more advanced. You can locate yourself and your buddies on a map. Qiro shows nearby movie theaters with their current program, ATM machines, Burger King restaurants, train stations, travel agencies and many more things. READ MORE...
http://www.goebel.net/technews/2007/11/how-much-does-google-pay-operators-for.html
Google doesn't pay them anything as far as I know. There is a third party Google Maps program written by a private individual that does the same thing -- also completely free.
The My Location works only in the Major Metro areas it seems. I'm Northern/Central NJ, and all I get is a message that it's "temporarily unavailable."
People are saying that the location of you on the Google Map is tied to whereever your phone last made a call or hit the network for data.
People were complaining that their location was a few blocks off, but after making a call to their voicemail and hanging up, their location was almost dead on.
will it work with my iphone?
Works pretty good on my BBerry 8830 with VZW.
Well I'm pretty sure that a lot of my previous cell apps used this same tech... but thanks google, this looks more fun to use. Too bad it isn't working with my HTC touch. I am in a slightly rural area, but this technology isn't reliant on anything except cell phone towers, so if I have full bars, shouldn't the app be able to find me?
Does ANYONE know how to make the SHOW MY LOCATION WORK?? Im using NOKIA E62.... Thankz in ADVANCE>>>>
Works fine on my Nokia e65
I cant wait to be within 3 miles of a toilet.