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Google knows where you at
by Brian Krepshaw on September 13, 2008

This week Google announced Mobile Search with My Location, for devices running on Windows Mobile. By either using GPS or cell-ID, Google can tap into your location and deliver location-specific information.

Previously, the system returned results based on the last location entered. The new Search with My Location feature will be able to give much more precise results.

You have to specifically opt in to use the service and you can always change that setting. Google assures users that personally identifiable information is never associated with you location. At least we know they have privacy issues on the brain.

Comments rss icon

  • So they’ve convinced cell carriers to let them grab the user’s location? That’s a pretty big task in itself and it opens up a lot of opportunity.

  • Hi folks! Someone knows if the windows mobile can work on a desktop computer to use it like a gps.

  • “At least we know they have privacy ”

    Sure thing Bob, lets think for a second and recall…. .. .. .
    Oh yea! what about that cookie that Google sets in your computer that expires on 2038??

    Or wait, that’s old new.. How about the new browser “Google Chrome?” that wants to take over all your possessions?

    Makes me wonder.. hmmm privacy and Google just don’t fit very well.

  • The GPS/CellID is not new. This info has been used by third party affiliate companies for a couple of years now (maybe longer, I’m only familiar with it being available as of about 2 years ago). They have been trying to come up with ways to use the data in a way that does not alienate the cell provider’s customers and it looks like they are finally giving it a try.

  • “Google knows where you at”? Really? Really? Are we incapable of using proper grammar anymore? I mean seriously, the only reason I clicked the link to open this article was to point out the horrendous misuse of the English language. It’s sad to see news media falling victim to such editorial mishaps as bad grammar, punctuation, spelling, and whatever else. Granted, this may not be an actual “news post”, but rather a blog entry — I’m not sure — but at least make an effort. Speak right, write right. You learn something for a reason (i.e. grammar, spelling, and other typical 1st-12th grade english class topics). If you didn’t pick any tips up in school, maybe rethink your profession.

  • Wow, thats some serious clever advertising potential. I only get results of business were I am at that exact location.

    Privacy is something that is never truly true, as there are humans behind the policies who were not involved in writing the policies.

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