More gadgets seek ways to use GPS
By Hilary Powell
The year 2008 could see the development of more gadgets and gizmos equipped with GPS.
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The hybrid camera integrates a GPS radio into a digital camera.
A GPS Business News article states the device will feature a 3.5-inch touch screen and, with the two integrated technologies, the camera will be able to geotag your photos.
On the Miss Direction blog, GPS blogger Bonnie Cha said Mio hopes users will be able to put away the cumbersome cords and accessories necessary to run GPS modules, such as the Pharos Trips & Pics and the Sony GPS-CS1KA.
No word yet on when those Mia models will hit store shelves, but some GPS-enabled devices already on store shelves look like they’ll be even more useful to travelers. Among those attractive options: devices that feature built-in cheap fuel price finders.
According to an article by Donna Goodison on BostonHearld.com, “Several Garmin GPS models are compatible with MSN Direct, a subscription service for personal navigation devices that includes a location-based search feature for gas prices.”
After searching for prices of regular unleaded gasoline and listing them in order of their distances, the device will spit out directions to the station of choice.
While Googling to uncover even more of the hottest geographic gadgets, I started to squirm when I came across an article on NewScientistTech revealing that Microsoft researchers are developing ways to track patterns of travel and modes of transportation using GPS technology.
A team of technology experts in
Though Microsoft’s experiment is more concept than gadget, it raises a pertinent point about what Michael Peterson, Chair of the International Cartographic Association Commission on Maps and the Internet, calls “location privacy.”
As it becomes easier to track and share our movements, the concept of “locational privacy” – controlling who can access our location records – becomes more important, he says, adding that Microsoft and others should make sure their products are designed to protect users.
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