Google service uses cell towers to locate users Google launched a location service for mobile users on Wednesday that doesn't rely on GPS. Google Maps with My Location, currently in beta, locates users who don't have GPS-enabled phones based on their location to nearby cell towers. The result isn't as accurate as GPS (Global Positioning System) but works for people who lack the positioning technology in their phones.
In Singapore, if you moved around the city, one of the providers (or was it BOTH maxis and starhub?) gave you general location as the "LOGO" of your cellphone. None of these useless "brand names" on the screen. It's actually friendly to tourists. But google goes one step over and users graphics and a BLUE DOT.
From the official site:
Google Maps with My Location (beta)
See your location on the map, with or without GPS. Save time and tedious keystrokes finding where you are, what's around you, and how to get there. Watch the video on the right to see how it works.
| Press "0" and look for the blue dot: |  | or |  |
If you have a GPS-enabled device, this blue dot corresponds to your GPS location. At times, or if you do not have a GPS-enabled phone, you might see the blue dot surrounded by a light blue circle (as shown on the right) to indicate uncertainty about your location.
Why the uncertainty? The My Location feature takes information broadcast from mobile towers near you to approximate your current location on the map - it's not GPS, but it comes pretty close (approximately 1000m close, on average). We're still in beta, but we're excited to launch this feature and are constantly working to improve our coverage and accuracy.
The My Location feature is available for most web-enabled mobile phones, including Java, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, and Nokia/Symbian devices.
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