GPS Mobile Phones — Let Your Phone Ask For Directions

Imagine being able to travel from Irondale, Alabama to Prescott Valley, Arizona or even Russellville, Arkansas, always knowing exactly where you are, never having to stop for directions! While GPS cell phone technology is still in its infancy, it is only a matter of time before this type of service is available to all GPS mobile phones. GPS stands for “global positioning system,” an emerging technology that lets your phone communicate with a satellite mapping system to determine your location.

GPS mobile phone is presently used mainly for emergency service. When you dial 911 on a landline phone, the operator automatically gets information that identifies your address. Until recently wireless phones couldn’t transmit an address to the emergency operator. Now, thanks to GPS technology, E911 enable phones with a built-in GPS chip can give your map coordinates to the operator. While GPS systems don’t work in all cases at all times, having a phone with built-in GPS adds a larger degree of security.

GPS technology is just starting to become available for everyday non-emergency uses. Cell phone users in Japan and Europe are already using GPS enabled phones to plan routes and locate services. These services have the option of giving voice directions or full color maps with the routes highlighted.

NexTel offers a new service for location enabled phones that helps US cell phone users find directions. Audible directions are given over the speakerphone, ideal for handsfree safety while driving. If the directions turn out to be inaccurate a live operator is just a few keystrokes away.

Motorola is introducing ViaMoto™ service with several innovative ways to use a GPS cell phone as a positioning device. The service is currently available only to NexTel customers but plans are in the works to make ViaMoto available through other carrier plans.

Also see; cell phones.

Author Notes:

Greg Marsden contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.cell-phones-n-plans.com. A cell phone industry resource that features service plan comparisons, cellular phone reviews and articles.