Services Prey On Location

April 12, 2007
PASN will enhance social-networking applications by allowing users to easily find and connect with one another.

The argument for third- and fourth-generation (3G and 4G) cellular services is simple. Consumers are increasingly relying on their handheld devices to send text and photos, surf the Internet, and even take and share video clips. It follows that consumers would be interested in watching television programs, music videos, and more on their handheld devices. When the next generation of services combines with location-based services, however, there is the potential for services that range from irksome to dangerous.

In this age of "social networking" through websites like MySpace and YouTube, what some have dubbed personal-area social networking (PASN) is growing in popularity. Essentially, PASN will enhance existing social-networking applications by allowing users to easily find and connect with one another. Of course, such connections depend on the user's security and auto-connect settings. One can assume that someone could only discover their location if they were on a sort of "buddy list." When it comes to children and trusting adults, however, a person who is labeled a "buddy" could turn out to be nothing of the sort.

For example, say a teen regularly competes against other people online. Some of those people—generally teenagers—live in the same area. If the teen adds these people to his or her PASN "buddy list," they could meet up. The potential risks are obvious.

In the near future, this automatic-discovery feature is expected to be realized through ultrawideband (UWB) technology. Thankfully, UWB only permits handset owners to connect with applications or other handsets within 10 meters. The chances of someone on the consumer's "buddy list" actually being within 30 feet at a given location, such as a shopping mall, are rather rare. In the case of the teenage gamer, most of the alerts about a friend in the area would undoubtedly be other teenagers at school-related functions.

Location-based services also are predicted to spur mobile advertising. Specifically, companies are expected to market to the consumer's phone based on the consumer's location. The messages will change with geography. For example, imagine walking down a city street. An advertisement for a nearby restaurant offers 20 percent off of any main course. Five minutes later, a "buy one T-shirt, get one half off" offer comes in for the clothing store that is just up the block.

Generally, location-based services will enable a number of very helpful applications. Yet they also invite some potential dangers. Even if they do not pose a threat, these applications may persistently interrupt the consumer's life simply because of his or her location. Eventually, some of us may be left wondering why we can no longer run an errand in peace.

About the Author

Nancy Friedrich | RF Product Marketing Manager for Aerospace Defense, Keysight Technologies

Nancy Friedrich is RF Product Marketing Manager for Aerospace Defense at Keysight Technologies. Nancy Friedrich started a career in engineering media about two decades ago with a stint editing copy and writing news for Electronic Design. A few years later, she began writing full time as technology editor at Wireless Systems Design. In 2005, Nancy was named editor-in-chief of Microwaves & RF, a position she held (along with other positions as group content head) until 2018. Nancy then moved to a position at UBM, where she was editor-in-chief of Design News and content director for tradeshows including DesignCon, ESC, and the Smart Manufacturing shows.

Sponsored Recommendations

Wideband Peak & Average Power Sensor with 80 Msps Sample Rate

Aug. 16, 2024
Mini-Circuits’ PWR-18PWHS-RC power sensor operates from 0.05 to 18 GHz at a sample rate of 80 Msps and with an industry-leading minimum measurement range of -40 dBm in peak mode...

Turnkey Solid State Energy Source

Aug. 16, 2024
Featuring 59 dB of gain and output power from 2 to 750W, the RFS-G90G93750X+ is a robust, turnkey RF energy source for ISM applications in the 915 MHz band. This design incorporates...

90 GHz Coax. Adapters for Your High-Frequency Connections

Aug. 16, 2024
Mini-Circuits’ expanded line of coaxial adapters now includes the 10x-135x series of 1.0 mm to 1.35 mm models with all combinations of connector genders. Ultra-wideband performance...

Ultra-Low Phase Noise MMIC Amplifier, 6 to 18 GHz

July 12, 2024
Mini-Circuits’ LVA-6183PN+ is a wideband, ultra-low phase noise MMIC amplifier perfect for use with low noise signal sources and in sensitive transceiver chains. This model operates...