The most basic search question of all: "Where are you?"...
I was writing about GPS developments yesterday, and today an interesting press release from Google arrives in my inbox. Announcing Google Latitude, it promises a solution to friends questioning you 'Where are you?'
"It is an opt-in feature in Google Maps for mobile that allows you to share your location with your friends and family. While it won't pinpoint your exact location, it gives you a good idea of where your friends are at a given time," says the release.
"Using your Google account, you can opt into the feature, and then invite friends and family to join Google Latitude. Once they accept, you will see their profile picture appear on a map through your mobile device. Google Latitude can help you meet up spontaneously when you see a friend near you, feel more connected to distant friends and family or connect with your friends at large gatherings such as sporting events or concerts. Using Google Latitude, you can click on a friend's icon on the map to call, text, IM or email them. Latitude can also give you directions to their location."Interesting. Google has long been majoring on go-positioning information, and how this can be incorporated into search results.
Support for Google Latitude is apparently available in 27 countries, and Google latitude approved devices include:
* most colour BlackBerry devices
* most Windows Mobile 5.0+ devices
* most Symbian S60 devices (Nokia smartphones)
Not supported just yet is Google's own G1. It says support for iGoogle users and Android-powered devices such as the T-Mobile G1, and Apple's iPhone will be coming soon.
