There are already plans in place to restrict mobile access for 000 time wasters, but is technology being used to maximum effect to help locate genuine emergencies?
While mobile users have been able to rely on Google Maps to pinpoint their locations for some time, starting today Google Chrome 2.0 and Mozilla FireFox 3.5 users will also be able to locate their positions from their browsers.
If the new Geo-locating features in the upcoming Firefox 3.5 release just don’t jive with your privacy-conscious self, you can disable them easily with a simple tweak.
Much like killer Firefox extension/experiment Ubiquity is being partially integrated into Firefox’s 3.5 release, the neat-looking Geode extension has been quietly included into 3.5 as a new geolocation feature. It’s powered by Google’s Wi-Fi-powered location service, and it’s still supported by only a handful of services—but maybe more once it’s also incorporated into Mozilla’s Fennec mobile browser. [via CNET]
The YouTube development team has released a geolocation webapp that integrates Google Maps, YouTube, and Google Gears’ geolocation features to show you YouTube videos uploaded by users near you. The idea is great in theory, but unfortunately Google Gears came no where close to finding my actual location (especially compared to Geode’s accuracy)—which meant I had to pretend I live in 70 miles to the west (and near Grammy-nominated singer Eric Benet). [via]
We’re convinced that location-aware hardware and software will change your life, and now Microsoft seems to feel the same way: Windows 7 will officially include geo-location tools. Unfortunately the service—which is disabled by default—currently provides users with absolutely no control over which apps can use your location. Sounds like an Orwellian’s worst nightmare.
On the heels of Mozilla’s location-aware Geode extension for Firefox, Google announces that Google Gears will get a geolocation functionality for laptop Wi-Fi users, so you can get local news and searches without manually entering your location. [via]
Firefox with Greasemonkey (All platforms): The Google Maps & Geode Greasemonkey user script adds a small Current Position link next to the Google Maps search box that instantly locates you on a map using Firefox’s new geolocation technology. To use this script right now, you’ll need to install the previously mentioned Geode Firefox extension—but as soon as Greasemonkey supports Firefox 3.1, which itself supports geolocation natively, you won’t need any extra extensions. Since so many Google Maps searches start at your current location, whether you’re getting directions or looking for nearby businesses, this quick link cuts out the work of entering in your address each time. Handy! Google Maps & Geode – Together At Last (gmap) [Userscripts.org]
Firefox only (Windows/Mac/Linux): Firefox extension Geode adds experimental geolocation features to your browser. Done well, that could make a big difference:
You’ve arrived in a new city, a new continent, a new coffee shop. You don’t really know where you are, and are looking for a good place to eat. You pull out your laptop, fire up Firefox, and go to your favourite review site. It automatically deduces your location, and serves up some delicious suggestions a couple blocks away and plots directions there.
