Google Latitude

So there are cynics who think Google is after world dominance, a sort of Big Brother who knows what your habits and hobbies are, who you like to talk to, how long you spend on the Internet, shows pictures of your street and in some cases even shows shots at street level of 'real people'. So what could they possibly offer next that goes another step closer to monitoring your EVERY move?

Well maybe we could find out next week when Google launches their brand new service Google Latitude.

So what can Google Latitude do?

Well here is a simple question;
Would you like to know where your husband / wife, boyfriend / girlfriend, children are when you can't reach them (or don't believe them)?

Well Google Latitude uses a mixture of GPS (Global Positioning System), wireless technology (WIFI) and mobile phone tower (node) to determine where you are via your mobile device, dependent upon which of the aforementioned technologies your mobile phone uses. The Google latitude service is really an extension of the current Google Maps service, which has already caused a lot of controversy over the street level images showing people as clearly as if they were standing in front of you.

It is available on the majority of Blackberries, most Windows Mobile 5.0 devices, most Symbian S60 devices, and phones powered by Google’s Android mobile software, such as the T-Mobile G1. Unfortunately (or fortunately) those of you with iPhone or iPod Touch will have to wait little longer although it is coming...

How Google Latitude work?
1) Download the new version of Google Maps to your mobile phone
2) Invite your friends via email to join
3) When they have accepted and are part of the 'Google Community' (they have a Google account in other words) with a profile picture you will suddenly see their 'mug shot' on the map.

What's more you can get directions to their location and even use your desktop (or laptop) via iGoogle to see the same information.

Don't worry though for those of you that do not want to be tracked Google has though ahead and has come up with a variety of ways to ensure you cannot be tracked.
So there you have it Google Latitude.

Remember WE KNOW WHERE YOU ARE!!