|
Below, you'll find extensive information on leading
portable outdoor flood lights articles and products to help you on your way
to success.
Gps Cell Phones
By Anne King, Sat Dec 10th
Motivated by the events of 9/11 2001 and problems with 911 callsfrom cellular phones, the FCC requires that by the end of 2005all cell phone carriers must be able to trace the location ofcell phone calls to within a range of no more than 100 meters. Cell phones are already available with GPS technology installed.These systems are not the same as the GPS devices used byhikers, mariners and drivers. Lower cost models do not allow theuser to enter data such as mapping software. All systems requirea wireless network. Cell phones with GPS technology use AGPS (Assisted GlobalPositioning System). Assisted because the system uses both cellphone towers and satellites as location finders.
There are advantages and disadvantages in the new technology.The cost to implement the program will be passed on to consumers-– cell phones will cost more. Privacy is a real concern withthe general public especially in this day of identity theft. Itis a concern that unknown people will be able to access yourlocation. Also there is a possibility that the spam you areflooded with on your home computer will now be sent to your cellphone. Using GPS cell phones to track people has some great advantages.Locating kids and family can be a blessing. Remember though, ifyou try to locate someone who is out of your calling area, youwill be charged extra. The obvious benefit for the consumer is the issue of emergencyaid and that was the catalyst for this whole idea of GPS cellphones. A 911 call that
can be quickly located, emergencyroadside assistance, locating persons missing in remote areas,the list goes on. If coverage is available then GPS cell phonessave lives. Many carriers already have GPS cell phones available. You canbuy the basic model for emergency tracking or you can pay forthe technology that turns the cell phone into a sophisticatedmapping, PDA system. Problems are still an issue with theadvanced features. The more you use the advanced features, thegreater the drain on the battery. Increasing battery size alsoincreases the cell phone size and that is a problem for mostconsumers who want ever smaller, lighter devices to carryaround. At this time Japan seems to have the edge on developingthe high-end miniature GPS cell phone. Sacrificing privacy for safety is the issue and I suspect thatit would only take one positive outcome in an emergencysituation to make the decision for you. As the systems become more and more refined camera and PDAcapabilities are being included into the phone itself.Developments in GPS cell phone technology are continuing. Ifprogrammers can solve the issues of privacy then the potentialfor GPS cell phones is incredible. It will no longer be an issueof "Can you hear me now?" Rather the question will be, "Can youfind me now?"
About the author:Anne King is a sports and recreation writer in Boise, Idaho. Formoreinformation on GPS cell phones, visit Maps GPS Info.comwhich also provides practical information on GPS and maps thateveryone can use. The website includes product reviews and amaps/GPS glossary.
|
