Understanding Geo-Tagging

"Geotagging is the process of adding geographical identification meta data to various media such as photographs, video, websites, SMS messages or RSS feeds." 

(Wikipedia)

This has some great benefits to Smartphone users, mainly as a way of finding information while out on the road. For example, Google Maps has an embedded feature that allows users to open a map, have their location pinpointed, and then find out what particular stores are nearby, depending on the user's search parameters.

Software for geo-tagging is based on a Smartphone's GPS capabilities and embeds the image's latitude and longitude into the meta tag of the image itself - this is only able to be viewed by specific programs that are designed to use this particular information.

For those of us who use our Smartphones to get around, find convenient stores or restaurants in unfamiliar cities, or even just like to know where we are, this is a fantastic option in our devices.

So for those of you that don't like others to know where you are, and vehemently avoid the use of programs such as FourSquare or Places on Facebook, remember that every time you upload an image to your social media feeds, or even send a text message to friends, your device will let them know just where you are. Whether you like it or not - it even goes for regular cell phone users in terms of text (SMS) messages.

This also stands as a warning to those that are quite happy utilizing these services - your images being innocently uploaded can give away your home location or other sensitive information. By all means, upload pictures of last weekend's party at the local bar, but remember to keep the private stuff private...

Social Networking....On Your Wireless Device

Originally posted April 21, 2010

Social networking has always been a personal affair, with special events set up to ensure industry colleagues, office-mates and others can meet and connect in one space with ease.

However with the introduction of websites online, social networking has become an increasingly online process, with fewer people meeting in person, instead choosing to instant message, ‘poke' and provide status updates so everyone knows what they are up to.

A further development has been the production of cellular devices that are centered entirely on social networking. Data plans are being introduced that allow users who might not necessarily want to surf the Internet, but still want access to all the popular sites, including Twitter, Facebook and MySpace. And these options are becoming increasingly more affordable to all users, including those who might never have used a cellular device in the past.

A survey conducted by the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association discovered that more than 65% of Canadians aged 16 and 17 own a mobile device, 30% of those are 13 - 15, and 5% of those are aged 8 - 12 years of age.

Wireless carriers see this young influential market as a target for building brand loyalty immediately, as these users are usually purchasing a device for the first time. In recent weeks, this market has been targeted specifically with the Touch phone products, providing users with unlimited text messaging, social networking, and lower monthly service fees.

The move from phone calls and physical interaction to online updates and texting may mean that even our desktop computers are set to become obsolete. And the expansion of features on cell phones now, such as cameras, picture / video messaging etc, all make it much easier to stay connected with everyone at all times.

This may mean that wireless carriers have to tailor more of their plans to suit the heavy mobile social networker - providing more for less. These users are likely to be a large portion of the market for existing carriers and those coming into the market soon.

Wireless Communication Becomes Completely Hands-Free

Originally posted February 4, 2010

As of October 1, 2009 and January 1, 2010, Ontario and British Columbia, respectively, introduced new laws preventing the use of hand held cell phones, portable electronic devices and text messaging while driving. Moving forwards, only hands-free cell phones and devices that require one touch to activate are permitted for drivers to operate.

In BC, there has been a 30 day "grace" period allowing drivers to obtain hands-free kits for their vehicles, with the new $167 fines going into full effect February 1, 2010. In addition to this fine, BC drivers are subject to three points on their license if caught text messaging while driving.

As a result, the wireless communications industry has seen a rise in sales of Bluetooth accessories, which includes headsets and visor kits. Ontario locations have had a hard time keeping these accessories in stock since the introduction of the law, and accessory vendors suffer from back orders on a regular basis. And it looks like the same is happening here in BC, mainly because most manufacturers and vendors are located in the already out-of-stock Ontario region.

Bluetooth accessory providers have two popular options for hands-free cell phone use while driving: a head-set that fits snugly in the user's ear, or a visor mount that clips right to a sun visor within the vehicle itself. Many of these headsets are voice activated, and the visor mounts connect right to a device's address book, further eliminating the need for even one-touch dialing. With recognized names such as BlackBerry, BlueAnt, Motorola and Nokia all providing Bluetooth products, users are able to rely on their favourite manufacturers to provide them with all of their Bluetooth needs, to ensure all drivers are law-abiding and ready for the new law.

Regulation Rules:
No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway while holding or using a hand-held wireless communication device or other prescribed device that is capable of receiving or transmitting telephone communications, electronic data, mail, or text messages

Permitted Uses:
While driving, a person may use an electronic device in a hands-free telephone function; may listen to sound from a hand-held audio player; may use a GPS for navigation purposes; and may use a walkie-talkie if:

• The motor vehicle is off the roadway or is lawfully parked on the roadway
• The motor vehicle is not in motion
• The motor vehicle is not impeding traffic The device is not held or operated by the hand
• It is voice-activated or requires only one touch to initiate, accept or end a call; or activate directions (in the case of GPS)
• If the device includes an earpiece, that earpiece can be worn in one ear only, and must be placed in the ear prior to driving
• The sound is emitted through the speakers of the sound system of the vehicle (for hand-held audio players)
• The device is programmed prior to driving (for GPS)
• The device is securely fixed to the vehicle or worn securely on the person's body
• The device must be installed in a manner that doesn't affect the driver's view of the front or sides of the vehicle or interfere with the safety or operating equipment of the vehicle

Fines and Penalties:

Offence - the use of an electronic device that is not allowed for in the legislation but that does not involve texting, emailing or dialing, e.g. talking on a hand held cell phone
Penalty - $167 fine and no penalty points
Offence - the use of an electronic device for communicating with another person or another device by email or other text based message, e.g. texting, emailing or dialing
Penalty - $167 and 3 penalty points