Previously,
when you went to google.com from your Windows Mobile phone's browser and
performed a local search, the results were tailored to the last location you
entered. Now, using the Gears Geolocation API, Search with My Location
approximates your actual location using the same
Cell ID technology used by
Google Maps
Mobile. So if you want to find sushi nearby, just type "sushi" and Google
will return local business listings around you. If you want to know the
forecast, type "weather". If you want to search somewhere else, specify a
location in the query like "pizza Kansas City".
Note that some devices don't yet support My Location. For this reason, Google
initially launching the feature on the devices listed in this help center
article while Google said it continues to work with manufacturers to add support
to future phone versions as well.
Unfortunately, Search with My Location will be initially available in the US
and UK only. To get started, visit google.com from your phone and click on the
My Location link under the search box (you may have to refresh the page to see
the link).
Which WM devices are supported by My Location? Do you have a link, Arne? I tried Google Maps Mobile on my device (X500) and I couldn't get my current position without enabling internal GPS.
Posted by Arne Hess on 12.09.08 - 11:14:33
Yes, you can find the link under "Related Links -> List of Compatible Smartphones" under the article.
Posted by ptc on 12.09.08 - 12:42:40
Oh, I did not see it, thank you. So does it mean, that Mobile IE sends out my current cell id to web pages and than the page can calculate my position? Hm, I'm not really happy about this, since one could track me, while I'm surfing on mobile internet. Am I right?
Posted by theefman on 12.09.08 - 15:23:47
Not to mention Google is probably storing all this information on its servers as well, thereby creating a database of who and where you are and what you are doing. Thanks but no thanks.
Posted by Arne Hess on 12.09.08 - 18:10:06
But at the end there's no real difference to Google Maps Mobile with the same "My Location" feature.
Posted by theefman on 12.09.08 - 19:11:25
Well, I dont use Google Maps for this and other reasons. I actually find MS Live Search better with its speech recognition.
Posted by Arne Hess on 12.09.08 - 19:56:43
I see. Unfortunately, Live Maps doesn't gives much love to European users (except UK) while (except for the My Location functionality now) Google always treats Europeans the same as Americans.
Posted by ptc on 12.09.08 - 20:27:02
There is big difference between using Google Maps Mobile and IE Mobile: If I use Google Maps Mobile, I know what I'm doing and know, that my position is send to Google. But if Mobile IE will send my current cell's id to google using some magic api, it could do the same to other (all) pages I visit, if they do some cell id request. You know what I mean?
Posted by Arne Hess on 13.09.08 - 12:04:18
@ptc: Ah ok - now I see your point and I fully agree. Thought you feel just uncomfortable to send your location and search request to Google and that's why I mentioned Google Maps Mobile. But indeed, this combination of browser sniffing and location updates could become dangerous, especially if it happens in the background without any further notification.
Previously,
when you went to google.com from your Windows Mobile phone's browser and
performed a local search, the results were tailored to the last location you
entered. Now, using the Gears Geolocation API, Search with My Location
approximates your actual location using the same
