Oops, that was supposed to go into our "Worth a Click" section! User error!
-- original post ---
"The quick summary: I believe I have confirmed that Apple is not storing your location, but the (actual or estimated) location of cell towers (and WiFi access points) that are close to you, to help locate you as you move (these are not necessarily towers that you have been in communication with). In the data I have examined there is nothing that is based on the accurate location of the iPhone. For a good example, see my previous post showing the location of cell equipment in Coors Field baseball stadium, and not revealing the location of my home which is very close to there. In my opinion, if Apple was storing this data in order to know where you had been, they would be storing different, more accurate location data that they have access to."
- GeoThought Blog
by Adena Schutzberg on 04/24 at 09:44 AM |
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Did you ever wonder how hardware makers insure their devices can locate you effectively via GPS, cell towers and Wi-Fi? How do they answer the question “Can you locate me now?” One way is to use in-lab simulations for testing. Executive Editor Adena Schutzberg spoke with Nigel Wright, Spirent’s Vice President of Marketing for Wireless about how their testing services work and are used.
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by Adena Schutzberg on 08/12 at 06:00 AM |
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GigaOm suggests that yesterday’s press release from Skyhook noting its latest four patents is intended to start a legal battle with Apple and perhaps Google.
- GigaOm
—- original post 7/30/10——
That’s what what the letter Apple sent back to Congress regarding its privacy issues states. The older Apple devices still use Google and Skyhook but from iOS 4 forward it’s all Apple data. Here’s the key bit:
To provide the high quality products and services that its customers demand, Apple must have access to comprehensive location-based information. For devices running iPhone OS versions 1.1.3 to 3.1, Apple relied on (and still relies on) databases maintained by Google and Skyhook Wireless (“Skyhook”) to provide location-based services. Beginning with the iPhone OS version 3.2 released in April 2010, Apple relies on its own databases to provide location-based services and for diagnostic purposes. These databases must be updated continuously to account for, among other things, the ever-changing physical landscape, more innovative uses of mobile technology, and the increasing number of Apple’s customers. Apple has always taken great care to protect the privacy of its customers.
Good digging there MG Siegler!
- TechCrunch
by Adena Schutzberg on 07/30 at 08:39 AM |
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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.
by Adena Schutzberg on 01/21 at 08:13 AM |
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Back in October I noted that Egypt (among others) has a ban on GPS (except with a special license). Apparently Apple removed the GPS capabilities to sell the phone in Egypt (at a much higher price than in other areas). Now the question becomes what to do in China? A deal might include revenue sharing with the government and removal of GPS and wi-fi.
New York Times (via Venture Beat, which also provides comment)
by Adena Schutzberg on 12/08 at 06:11 AM |
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