2008 started off with an upgrade to the iPhone that added Wi-Fi Positioning from Skyhook Wireless to the device. This upgrade allowed users to automatically find their location within the maps location. Later in the year, Apple released the iPhone 3G and the App Store: a one-stop shop for all applications designed for the iPhone. Here, users could browse, purchase, download and make comments.
A hot trend in 2008 was location-based applications. The Apple iPhone App Store offers over 700 location-based apps to date, and this number increases daily. One example of a popular application type was photo sharing and geotagging. Consumers wanted a more detailed way to share photos with friends and family, and found the solution to this in applications that featured location. With the addition of Skyhook’s technology into apps, users’ photos can be stamped with location and sent automatically to their computers or photo sharing sites. These types of apps previously integrated GPS solely, and could not provide consumers with accurate or fast enough location.
Mobile device recovery applications were also in high demand this year, as the popularity of mobile devices themselves increased dramatically. Many consumers today rely heavily on mobile devices and store irreplaceable information on them. With the integration of WPS onto such apps, users could closely track the location of thieves, and recover lost devices. Applications like MacTrak, Laptop Cop and CyberAngel all accomplished this and several others are poised to launch in 2009.
Looking forward, one very important trend that will arise in 2009 is hybrid positioning in all devices. It is clear that GPS alone is no longer satisfactory: it is not accurate enough, takes too long to get a fix, and cannot be relied upon in many fundamental environments, like urban areas. As the expectations of consumers rise, the industry will have to produce technology to comply.
One other trend on the horizon is mobile location-based ads. Though the interest in this trend is widespread, there has not been significant action taken in the area yet. Over the next few years advertisers will begin to see the benefit of location for their advertisements. If we can track where consumers are, we can better target personalized advertisements toward them, and therefore increase sales. This will be something to keep in mind in the upcoming year, and it will be exciting to see just how this industry takes shape.
Many developments were made in 2008 which cemented LBS as an integral component of wireless devices. It is certain that 2009 will only hold more exciting advancement in this area.