Tech Shout!

Google has just released Google Maps for mobile v2.0. A new feature found here is a beta version of Google’s MyLocation technology which uses cell tower ID information to assist users in determining where they are, how to get to a location as well as important points-of-interest.

Nowadays, the most common source of location information is the widely used GPS technology which is however supported by less than 15% of mobile phones expected to be sold this year.

Now, with Google’s new MyLocation technology, even users who don’t have GPS-enabled handsets will be able to request location information in a speedy and convenient manner.

However, it must be known that Google’s MyLocation technology also complements GPS-enabled devices, as it delivers a location estimate much faster than GPS and also provides coverage inside buildings where GPS could be unreliable. Moreover, this technology when used with GPS-enabled phones does not drain the phone’s batteries as quickly as GPS.

The new Google MyLocation technology works by taking information broadcast from cell towers and then sifts it through Google-developed algorithms, approximating a user’s current location on the map. The best part is that this approximation is anonymous because Google does not actually gather any personally identifiable information or associate location data with personally identifiable information.

Moreover, MyLocation can also be disabled by anyone who prefers not to use it.

The new MyLocation technology is now available on most smartphones available today including all BlackBerry devices, all Symbian Series 60 3rd Edition devices, most Windows Mobile devices, newer Sony Ericsson devices and a few Motorola devices.