For worried parents who would like to keep track of their children’s activities throughout the day, there is nothing better than the new GPS tracking apps which are readily available. These tracking apps starts operating right after installation by reporting GPS coordinates which are adjustable, zeroing in the location on any web connected device with data information on the monitoring screen. It does so by displaying on a map the GPS area, gives driving directions and a 360 degree look at the area from Google’s Street Look.
GPS apps to use
1. MobileMe
Tech Word
It can be applied to any iPod touch, iPhone and iPad. On iPads without 3G, it will only work in wireless network range and data accuracy may be less. On iPod touch the wireless needs to be enabled and within wireless network range. On iPhone with any IOS version, it will provide information but within cell towers range. For the full operation of this tracking app, you will need MobileMe account, Find My iPhone and an IOS device which will enable you access to the other person’s device.
Download from
You need to have a GPS on your mobile before installing. If you are using iPhone, you can download from application stores. There is TomTom, Magellan Roadmate and MobileNavigator. For Blackberry you can try Blackberry Maps or GPS Tracker. You can manually download a free service for installing GPS from Google Maps on the internet.
Price
The cost for this service is $ 99 annually but on eBay the membership cost can be cheaper.
Highlights
The MobileMe is an Apple service applicator for online data backup, contacts, email, Find My iPhone and storage.
2. FamilyMap
Tech Word
The FamilyMap AT&T, determines a phone’s location by using a number of techniques. For the person using A-GPS on AT&T phones, they will receive accurate locations within a clear range of satellite with GPS. The FamilyMay includes iPhones, non A-GPS phones, and A-GPS phones which are in clear sight of GPS satellite, although GoPhone and prepaid services are not supported on this device.
Download from
Through the Twitter TM, Facebook TM and Flickr accounts, you can download. You can also purchase your downloads on Marketplace store online.
Price
Monthly service charge is rated at $9.99 for two members and for five members the rate stands at $14.99. The first 30 days of use is currently free.
Highlights
The good feature is that, the FamilyMap is able to provide information of locations by using cell tower if there is no A-GPS available on some phones. This works within the range of few miles or few hundred yards of the actual location of the phone.
Price
iSharing offers a flexible pricing plan with monthly service charges starting at $9.99 for two members, and $14.99 for up to five members. The first 30 days of use are free.
Highlights
A standout feature of iSharing is its ability to track locations even when A-GPS is not available, utilizing nearby cell towers for location accuracy. This feature works effectively within a few miles or hundreds of yards of the actual location, ensuring that you’re always able to find your loved ones, even without a direct GPS connection.
4. Google Latitude
Tech Word
This device enables you to connect with your family or friends with visibility map of each other and an easy sharing basis. By joining up on Google Account you can start sharing latitude and updating your location on computer or your phone. This device is applicable on Google Maps, mobiles with 3-0+, Safari and iGoogle. On this application you can have easy accessibility of checking if your family is within your range in locality. You can also control by enabling your family members to see your level of details and location. You can even sign out of google latitude, hide your location or share as you feel like.
Download from
You can either download from application stores or go online to google.com/latitude.
Price
Data rate and plans are on request from service provider.
Highlights
You need to have a phone that supports google latitude and on computer you can visit the Google Latitude website to sign up an account. On an iGoogle gadget, you need to get to your computer’s web browser and add your Google Account on iGoogle homepage.
5. Whereoscope
Tech Word
For this device, you will need an IOS 4 on an iPhone application. You can designate an initial setup of the most frequent locations which your children are usually at. By a push notification you will be informed of your child’s arrival or departure from a particular location at any given point of time. Whereoscope also gives you a warning signal if the child disables the application by mistake. For conserving battery usage, Whereoscope has an intelligence built-in for activating your GPS for a few moments to enable you further information. This can enable you to pay attention between swapping of cell towers on your child’s phone as alerts will show up on your screen. This will allow you a fair idea as to which proximity level your child is.
Download from
You can download from Android Marketplace online and it is currently free, otherwise you can do so from the iPhone application stores.
Price
Initially Whereoscope is awaiting Apple’s approval and will be based on subscription charge.
Highlights
The Whereoscope allows up to four users at a time and this is far convenient. At the moment both phones used by the child and parents must have the IOS 4 running. Parents will soon be able to monitor on a web app as well.
6. Family GPS tracker 2.3
Tech Word
It alerts you if your family is in trouble or the location details about them. It also gives you easy information access during emergencies about their medical history data. This GPS device can easily be put inside the backpack of your child and making it easier for you to keep track.
Download
Can be downloaded from application stores or on Yahoo on the Android section for phones.
Price
The GPS locator device is priced at $99+$10 per month of service.
Highlights
The family tracking is far more easier now and is powered by the phone’s GPS.
