Google Latitude

If you are a parent and would like real-time location based information about your kids, check out Google Latitude.  If you have a business and you would like a free way to obtain location based information about your fleet, check out Google Latidude.  Why is it free?  It is free since it utilizes a device that is already carried by almost everyone...a cell phone.  How does it work?  The full text has the info.

Anyone can use Google Latitude for free to obtain location based information about their friends.  All that is required is a compatible cell phone and a Google login.  How does it work?  Basically, you download the newest version of Google Maps Mobile to the cell phone.  This Google Maps application optionally relays real-time location information back to Google.  It uses either the cell-phone's GPS when available or it approximates the location based on cell tower proximity when GPS is unavailable.  Google then stores the location, and makes it available to your approved friends via Google Maps Mobile or its website.  There is even an iGoogle module to display it on your iGoogle homepage.

The person who is carrying the cell phone can turn off this feature, or manually enter the location.  Google has been very careful to ensure strict privacy policies and security.  However, those companies, parents, or friends looking for a free way to experiment with this technology can try this new Google service and play.