Location data democratized through free, mobile-location service
Potomac Falls, VA (PRWEB) May 6, 2008 -- More than 10,000 people are using Livecontacts, a free buddy finder service that launched in beta on April 15th. Livecontacts is offered by FindWhere, the global leader of precision tracking and location services. While other buddy finders on the market charge at least $2.99 a month for similar, friend-finding services, FindWhere unequivocally believes that such location-sharing information should be free to consumers.
"The proof is in the numbers. People really care about this type of solution, and they don't want to pay for it," said Jaap Groot, CEO of FindWhere. "We look forward to continuing to serve them through our free buddy finder and services that provide security and peace of mind."
Through the Livecontacts application, individuals use their mobile phones to make their current location known to their trusted contacts, and can track the location of friends who are also using the service. Locations are automatically tracked through GPS and can be turned on and off as needed.
With the rise of location-based services for mobile phones, free services such as Livecontacts democratize the sharing of location information. In coming months, FindWhere will integrate its free location data with a broad host of social applications.
"Livecontacts is taking the same approach that Craigslist took to democratize the online classified advertising space by offering users what is traditionally a paid geographic data service for free," said Frank Gruber, technology analyst and author of the popular technology blog Somewhat Frank.
Livecontacts beta is available for download on most GPS phones at livecontacts.com.
Location sharing can be determined through GPS chips on smart phones. Livecontacts works on any GSM mobile network operator around the world. In the United States, that includes AT&T and T-Mobile. FindWhere plans to extend Livecontacts to the iPhone in coming months. Additionally, Livecontacts users will soon be able to upgrade to FindWhere's new peace of mind services for the mobile phone, including speed reporting for teen drivers, location tracking for elderly parents and even a panic button to alert desired recipients in emergency situations.
Livecontacts is device and network agnostic, so users don't have to be on the same network to share their location. The buddy finder can distinguish between domestic and international roaming, thereby reducing data charges. Frequency settings determine how often a Livecontacts user's location is transmitted and optimized battery life through smart power management.
With more than 20,000 clients tracking geographic data on 200,000 devices, FindWhere is the global leader of precision tracking and location services. The companies "peace of mind" services include virtual perimeters for cars or mobile devices, speeding notifications, a lost phone finder and emergency alerts. FindWhere acquired the Livecontacts platform in 2007 as a means to integrate its services across mobile phones, local search, online social networks and instant messaging.
About FindWhere:
FINDWHERE, a Virginia based private company provides consumers and business peace of mind with precision tracking and location services. Through a unique and proven web-based tracking solution, FindWhere provides a complete solution to locate anyone or anything anywhere in the world. FindWhere offers; Parents & Families safety and security in knowing the location of their loved ones. Socially connected users fun by sharing and receiving location information with their trusted contacts. Businesses an improved bottom-line with asset monitoring and remote workforce management.
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