It's always funny the first time, because the Web site looks innocent enough. Just type in a cell phone number and satellites magically reveal a person's location on a detailed map.
???Search engine kingpin Google released on Wednesday their newest program called Google Latitude. This online GPS application allows registered users to keep track of and contact friends or family, as long as they want to be found.
???The fear of clicking on random links has haunted Web users since the day the Internet was born. Until now there has never been a legitimate, easy-to-use Web site that mimics what the offspring of TomTom and Facebook could be.
???Google Latitude can be used on cell phones or computers, depending on how mobile users choose to be. Students will be able to see their friends on a map and even make contact with them using either an instant message or a phone call.
???The most interesting element of this new application is the "Directions" feature. Once two people have agreed to share locations they can receive MapQuest-like directions to each other's positions, the perfect aid in case someone gets lost.
???Sharing locations either by cell phone or computer requires an Internet connection and a Google account. Cell phone users looking to take advantage of the new application can visit Google's Web site for information on what gadgets are compatible.
???Currently, only certain mobile devices are able to use Google Latitude including those that support Google Maps for mobile version 3.0. The company has already announced upcoming applications for the iPhone and iPod touch.
???Google has gone to extended lengths to ensure that discretion remains among their top priorities. It is obvious how unethical a program like this would be without privacy features.
???Latitude acts just like any other social tool. Friends can add each other through e-mail or Gmail accounts, and send "share location" requests at anytime, according to the Web site. This allows users to control whom they are locating and who is keeping an eye on them.
???The advanced privacy features can also be used to set, share or hide locations, as well as completely turn off Latitude. If that Facebook stalker wants to know where the hot party is tonight, just simply hide the location and he'll never know.
???Speaking of social networking tools like Facebook, Latitude borrows some familiar features that date all the way back to the first instant messenger programs. Not only can users control privacy and create friends lists, there is also a status feature that enables users to check what their buddies are up to.
???The share status makes it easy to upload a photo as well as a status message within Latitude for immediate use. The program also syncs directly with Google Talk, the company's own instant messaging service.
???For students who already have an iGoogle account, Latitude can be added to their personalized Web page in order to make the application even more accessible.
???When using Latitude on the computer, users can either set their location manually or install "Gears", a plug-in that will detect locations automatically, according to the Web site.
???Gears extends the capabilities of supported browsers and has a Geolocation application programming interface that allows Latitude to find users' locations through their web browser.
???Even though the program is only a few days old, many have already criticized Latitude for being too easy to use and indiscrete. However, the privacy features should help prevent Karen and Brian down the hall from finding this weekend's party.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
