14 DAY TRIAL // Advanced Ground Information Systems announced the release of an application that allows users with GPS-enabled mobile devices to locate, track, talk and exchange text and photos with business, family and social groups.
AGIS enables each network participant (by mutual agreement) to simultaneously track each other's location on a PDA while having a[admark=1]conversation. AGIS includes "Touch2Call" rapid calling capabilities that allow users to easily create conferences, speak with other users and send text, photographs and video clips by simply touching identifying symbols with a stylus on a map. Maps are automatically downloaded from the AGIS server when the user activates the AGIS software and turns on the GPS and they are updated as the user travels. AGIS also allows the creation of nets, which enable one-touch calling or data sending to multiple users. A useful feature allows users to call all phones within a certain range by simply selecting the symbol farthest away, and then selecting "call within range".
AGIS includes remote monitoring capabilities, allowing users to know how many phones are active in a designated region, as well as the signal strength, battery level and GPS signal strength for all users. The application also offers an emergency alerting feature, that notifies all on the network when an individual is in trouble, and a "Location Marker" that lets someone specify locations that are of interest to those on his network.
"Here's the phone Agent Jack Bauer wishes he had," said Cap Beyer, chairman of AGIS. "An industry first, AGIS software is a novel marriage of off-the-shelf PCs and GPS PDA/cell phones. It provides rapid voice and data communications between network participants using AGIS's patented situational awareness and Touch2Communicate software which minimizes text entry,"
A 90-day trial version of AGIS can be downloaded here. The application is subject to US Export Controls regulations, and is available for use only in U.S.