geofencing
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Google introduces Maps Tracks and Geolocation APIs, awaits your next location-enabled application
In its never-ending quest to dominate the global mapping scene, Google has just rolled out a new pair of APIs designed to help organizations build their own location-enabled applications. The first is Google Maps Tracks API, which gives developers the ability to concoct apps that can store, display and analyze GPS data on a map. In other words, those in need of a geofencing program -- fleet managers and the like -- need look no further. Secondly, there's the Google Maps Geolocation API, which "enables an application or device to determine its own location without the use of GPS by looking up the locations of nearby WiFi access points and cell towers." It's pretty clear that enterprises are the target here, but it seems like only a matter of time before consumer-facing location apps tap into 'em. After all, the world needs more indoor mall apps. Fact.
Mavizon Mavia tracker reaches pre-order at last, makes best friends of cars and iPhones
Remember Mavizon's plans for its Mavia car tracking device (formerly the AutoBot) from almost two years ago? The company promised availability sometime in 2012, and we're here in earnest with the car companion ready for pre-order. The business model has changed significantly since 2010, however. It's a cheaper $169 up front for the Bluetooth cellular OBD-II peripheral -- $99 for the first hundred through the gates, or $299 for a two-pack -- but the full tracking service will cost $5 a month, or $49 every year. Those who do make the leap can get a look at their car's vital signs as well as set up geofenced notifications, track long-term performance and receive impromptu driving directions to a friend's coffee shop check-in. The first batch of Mavia units should arrive within several weeks, we're told, and should have both browser- as well as iPhone-based apps waiting in the wings.
Skyhook SDK for Android touts always-on location finding without the battery hit (video)
Enabling persistent location in a third-party mobile app isn't always easy -- it usually requires either cautious uses of updates, like iOS 5's geofencing, or an acceptance that there will inevitably be a knock to the battery life while it's running. Skyhook doesn't want there to be any compromise, at least on Android: an update to its developer kit has rolled in an Always-On location option that theoretically represents the best of both worlds. Third-party app writers can opt for position refreshes as quick as 30 seconds apart, if that birthday gift reminder needs just that many updates, but will supposedly face "little to no noticeable impact" on how quickly users' smartphones sip energy. We like the idea of guilt-free GPS, and there's even an airplane tracking mode for when you just have to check into Foursquare from 30,000 feet in the air. Developers can start working on the option today; until implementations reach the wild, everyone else will have to make do with a clip of the airplane tracking feature after the break.
Instapaper update introduces automatic background updating
The latest Instapaper update contains a pretty nifty new feature: the ability to update automatically in the background; the app uses geofencing to turn updates on and off. The Instapaper blog describes how the app will download articles whenever you enter a pre-set location, such as your home or work. You can add up to 10 locations using this feature. Developer Marco Arment gives credit to News.me, which was first released in April 2011, for introducing the feature. Arment reassures users that location data is only stored within the app and not shared with anyone. Arment also said there is no noticeable drain on battery life. Instapaper also now has an Android version of the app, introduced today at a lower price point than the iOS app. [Via The Verge]
Dear Aunt TUAW: Help me create GPS address book locations
Dear Aunt TUAW, I want to set Siri geofenced reminders for my kids' bus stop and a few other locations. The problem is that I live in a rural area, and these places don't have street addresses. What can I do? I want to be able to remind my wife to pick up milk and butter after she's done picking up the kids. Can you help? Your loving nephew, Kaelin Dear Kaelin, Auntie has some bad news for you. As far as the TUAW team can reckon, the Contacts app doesn't support GPS locations. That means that you can't use geofenced reminders for arbitrary locations beyond "when I leave this location." If you try to drop a pin in Maps, you'll quickly discover that rural locations plus the GPS coordinates plus the address book don't add up to a coherent location solution. Maps tries to find a street address to match the coordinates, and that address may be miles away, especially if you try to mark a camp site in a large state park. Since Contacts is built on street addresses, not coordinates, your locations will be off -- sometimes way off. For now, Auntie recommends the "when I leave this location" workaround if it's you doing the errands, and encourages all her nieces and nephews to file a feature request with Apple. Hugs, Auntie T.
AT&T ShopAlerts: first location-based ads from a US carrier kick off in four markets
A few third-party apps have been going after this market for a while now, but AT&T has just become the first American carrier to throw its weight behind location-based ads in teaming up with Placecast to launch the so-called AT&T ShopAlerts service in four markets. Residents of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco will be the first to experience the mind-bending future of advertising -- presumably because they're densely-populated enough to make a location-based trial worthwhile -- with seven inaugural partners: HP, Kmart, JetBlue, SC Johnson, Kibbles 'n Bits ('n Bits 'n Bits), Nature's Recipe, and the "got milk?" people. Fortunately, the system is opt-in, not out. Follow the break for AT&T's full press release.
GTX Corporation unveils GPS-equipped Xplorer shoes
It seems like Sayo Isaac Daniel has some serious competition coming at him in the GPS shoe market, as GTX Corporation is unveiling its latest geo-tracking footwear at next week's World Shoe Association trade show. The questionably styled Xplorer kicks pack an internal GPS transceiver, built-in battery that's good for "several days" before needing a recharge, and a sleek Dual GeoFencing feature that keeps your offspring on a leash gives parents peace of mind. Shoe owners (read: paranoid guardians) can utilize the firm's "internet portal" in order to pinpoint limited boundaries in which the wearer can, um, Xplore, and if the person's shoes ever leave the pre-set area, a phone alert will be immediately sent to a pre-selected individual to warn them. No pricing or release information was readily available, but if we had to guess, we doubt your kiddo will be begging for these next school year anyway. [Via NaviGadget]
