14 DAY TRIAL // There is no Android-powered smartphone on sale yet (although T-Mobile G1 is very close to a commercial release), but lots of software developers are already embracing Google's open source mobile platform. The company to do so lately is Location Based Technologies, a North American developer and distributor of personal locator services and devices.
Reportedly, Location Based Technologies has prepared its PocketFinder service and its PocketFinder location services to be easily integrated with all the Android handsets that will be released in the future. Starting with the HTC-built T-Mobile G1, of course.
“In our quest to optimize the family’s ability to stay connected, we have developed the ability to turn smartphones into PocketFinders, with all the benefits of real-time location, zone and speed alerts, instant messaging, and travel history, for one low service fee. This new service will work on any wireless network worldwide (GSM or CDMA) and will be offered in October upon launch of Google’s smartphone,” declares Chief Executive Officer of Location Based Technologies, Dave Morse.
Android handset owners will be able to subscribe to PocketFinder for a monthly fee of only $6.95, if they sign up during the first month of the software's availability. After that, the service will cost $9.95.
Following the Android devices, other smartphones will be able to benefit from the PocketFinder solutions. “We are negotiating with other GPS smartphone providers to make this enhancement available to their customers as well,” Mr. Morse says. “This opens a vast new market segment of customers who have existing GPS location technology, but are not benefitting from PocketFinder’s easy-to-use interface and the ability for parents to easily locate their children, outdoor enthusiasts to stay in touch, businesses to provide innovative customer services, and to increase levels of safety and security to the elderly. This additional revenue opportunity expands our existing market plan and allows for smartphones to function independently or to have full integration with our PocketFinder products.”