Maps is one of the most used, coveted, and powerful apps on the iPhone. With GPS, directions via driving, public transit, walking, and so much more, what’s missing (aside from turn-by-turn navigation)? Location tracking. This feature has been available on other phones—specifically on some MVNOs—for years, and is making its (native) debut to the iPhone very soon.
Latitude will allow users to see where friends and family are via requests and GPS. Communication with these contacts and more is provided on the Google end of things, and Latitude will easily allow users to know where their contacts are, and if any are near them. Although the well-known app Loopt covers this ground pretty well, maps expert Google will clearly win, having the advantage of an already distributed iPhone app and the chance of integration within that, as well as having the most powerful maps service available online. Simply request a friend’s location, and instantly see it while having the ability to converse with him. Location requests are easily revokable, and privacy settings are clear and thought out.
Latitude will (hopefully) be included in one of the next iPhone software updates, and is already available for online use, as well as on Android, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, and Symbian devices.
This may be trouble for Loopt.
Its okay..