Wednesday, January 21. 2009

Wired's Honan on LBS Overload

Recall the fim Super Size Me? The fellow ate exclusively at McDonald's for a month to see what would happen. It was not pretty. Wired's Matthew Honan did the same thing - but with an iPhone (and later an Android G1) and LBS services. The results? Also not pretty. His report (including fear, adult situations, awkward meals) is well worth reading, as much for the tech review as the social commentary. I'll just share his conclusion - which was forced after a near car-accident when loading an app:

I had gained better location awareness but was losing my sense of place. Sure, with the proper social filters, location awareness needn't be invasive or creepy. But it can be isolating. Even as we gradually digitize our environment, we should remember to look around the old-fashioned way.

TomTom Announces Subscription "Safety Camera" Updates (Australia)

The updates come twice each week and cost AU$50. Nick Broughall at Gizmodo doesn't think they are worth the price - especially he argues because you should be able to get the updates via Map Share.

I think it's great that TomTom is testing the waters with extra, regularly updated datasets. Some will stick, some will not.

TomTom Press Release

North Korea: No More South Korean GPSs, Phones in our Country

North Korea, which used to allow South Korean businessmen across the border if they turned off GPS and handed over cell phones, is tightening its grip. Now come word of zero tolerance from officials. North will expel any South Korean found with either device. The hardware will be confiscated.

- World Tribune