“If your smartphone came with a built-in GPS receiver, you can choose to
just overlook Google’s latest technology, but if your mobile is among
the 85-percent (or so) out there lacking an integrated GPS module,
listen up. The search giant has revealed new software (dubbed My
Location) that enables non-GPS-equipped phones to be pinpointed within
three miles of their actual location. Google is claiming that it can
provide “neighborhood-level” data, and that pressing “0″ while in the
app will enable users to skip the task of entering in a starting
address when looking up directions. Notably, the system is not set up
to collect phone numbers or any other personal details, and for those
still paranoid, it can indeed be switched off. Currently, the tracking
database still has a few gaps to be filled — namely locales in Europe
and all of China / Japan — but Google could very well use the location
data to eventually provide targeted ads to those who use it.”
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