GPS real-time tracking products begin to catch fire
With GPS becoming more common in people's everyday lives, new products are making use of the information gleaned from GPS to provide real-time tracking applications for cars, people, pets, and corporate assets.
NEW YORK CITY (BetaNews) - At the Digital Experience press event on Wednesday, two companies in the GPS tracking applications sector took center stage: While Zoombak seems focused on the consumer, FindWhere offered similar services aimed at the business set.
Both companies' products use GSM networks, which are publicly accessible. While FindWhere has not specified whose network it is using, Zoombak representatives told BetaNews that it has an agreement with T-Mobile to use its towers.
In both cases, a device is equipped with a GPS, which sends a packet at regular intervals to the servers of either service. From here, those data points are plotted in real time on a map where interested parties can track it.
Tracking like this is nothing new, but mass marketing of such a service is. Amateur radio operators have been using a system known as APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) since about 1992, when GPS first became affordable enough to be used by average consumers.
However, without a ham radio license, such tracking was unavailable. Companies are now looking to change that, as is evidenced by the surge of new products now being released, and a growing appetite by the consumer to use GPS as more of a one-way technology.
For the most part, tracking systems have existed similar to this for several years for cars, shipping crates, and other valuable assets (besides people). However, historically, the information was downloaded not in real-time -- not while the car or asset was traveling. Thus connectivity is key for this latest generation.
Of the two companies shown here, consumers would probably find Zoombak the most interesting -- and by far, it's cheaper (FindWhere's subscription plans are here). Its devices come in three flavors: a universal system that retails for $200, a pet-centric unit that also retails for $200, and a $250 unit that is intended for in-car use.
Each device measures about 2.87" long by 1.69" wide and just .82" thick, and weighs in at 2.5 ounces.
The feature lists of the devices are essentially the same. All include unlimited tracking, and as well as the capabilities to set up safety zones, and device alerts based on these events. The car unit also includes necessary accessories, such as a mounting bracket and car charger.
Zoombak spokesperson Michael Glickman told BetaNews that it is also offering text messaging alerts, but is busy adding functionality that would allow users to ping the location of their devices by texting as well. Users can also call the company to be informed of the location of their devices.
The company sees this as important because it solves a number of common problems, from parents being worried as to exactly where their children are to losing the family pet. Even better, if these devices are turned off or fail, the subscriber is notified immediately.
Other features are coming as well, including the capability to change safety zones on the fly from your mobile phone -- good for when you want to ensure your car is staying where its supposed to be -- and speeding alerts.
Glickman added that in some cases, having the device in the car may qualify some for insurance discounts similar to those offered for users of LoJack.
Service for the units range from $9.99 to $14.99 a month, depending on whether the customer opts to pay up front for multiple months of services. The plans require a one year service agreement.
The pet-centric unit is available at about 900 PetSmart locations in the US, while its other devices can be found at Circuit City, Bestbuy.com, J&R, and Amazon.com.
BetaNews will be conducting an in-depth review of the Zoombak device next month.