Location, location, location
Google knows where you are better.
Location is a word that gets a lot of attention in commercial or residential real estate. However with the explosive growth of the mobile web another application of that word may take over the spotlight.
The mobile web is so attractive because you access it wherever you are. Sometimes where you are can be critically important in terms of the information you would like to get. In any day just think of the number of times you ask a question where that comes into play:
- Where am I?
- Where is the nearest post office?
- How do I get to the railway station from here?
- How far is it to your office?
Now Google is sharpening the location service it offers by pinpointing as exactly as possible your precise location. As they say, smaller is better.
Hundreds of location-enabled iPhone applications, including the Google Mobile App, use Google’s database of cell towers to determine approximate location. And just last week we announced Mobile Search with My Location, powered by the Gears Geolocation API.
With today’s launch, your location estimate will be centered closer to your true location, and we have also improved the calculation of just how good our estimate is.
Of course as usual this further refinement of the Google location service means they can target advertisements better. Perhaps it is a small price to pay for such improved information.
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BPWrap
September 19th, 2008 at 6:28 am
“We are the G00G, you will be assimilated!”.
I find it’s nice _not_ to be known, or ‘connected’, so anyone with a grudge can track me down.
January 5th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
agree, but targeted advertising reduces waste and that’s good for everyone.
May 6th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
I’m a little frightened by not knowing how close they can narrow down your location. What about cell phones? The future is here, if big brother wants to find you, you cant hide.