Google launches application to track mobile users

An online searching service giant Google Inc. announced about the release of a new application that enables mobile phone users to automatically share the information about their location with the family members or their friends. Mobile service subscribers in 27 countries around the world will be able to provide their whereabouts details to others via Google Latitude.

Users can set up their options and specify who will receive the information as well as go offline at any time. Meantime, people can track their friends’ location details on a Google map either from their mobile device or from a PC. The new service offered by Google replicates the one that is already being provided by privately-held Loopt. At the moment Loopt's service is available through the companies like Verizon Wireless, owned by Verizon Communications and Vodafone Group Plc. It is also can be accessed from Apple iPhones.

As for Latitude the software will be compatible with Research In Motion Ltd's Blackberry and devices running on Symbian S60 devices or Microsoft Corp's Windows Mobile and some T-1 Mobile phones running on Google's Android software. In addition the company says that the service will eventually run on Apple's iPhone and iTouch and many Sony Ericsson devices.