So I stumbled across something this morning which reminded me of the extra features of the SPOT. Namely the ability for people to find you in real time by logging in to a web page.

www.blackberrytracker.com

It's basically the same thing but for Blackberry devices which have a built in GPS. It seems to be free (demo with no apparent limits). I'm trying it out just for fun because it has an associated Facebook application so your friends can check out your location just like the SPOT service. The only difference is that you need a Blackberry with GPS, a data plan, and you need to be on a cell network. Not as useful for back country stuff but the theory is the same and could provide some peace of mind or some fun to loved ones if you were on a trip that didn't take you too far from civilization.

I believe it has integration with Google Maps as well.

It also has the ability to let you track any of your friends who also use the service and be notified by email if your phone (or your friends) moves outside/inside a certain geographical perimeter.

I know it sounds very 'Big Brother' but you can't hide the app and the user has full control to turn it on or off at will...or just stop the application. I'm going to test it out with my wife and I as we both have new model BB Pearls with GPS.

If only somebody made a GPS application for these damn things that would work without access to a cellular network. Even the Garmin software at $99 requires a data connection and gives you little more service than Google Maps.

My only concern is that the free demo service could be terminated at any time. The company is under no obligation to continue a free demo (after all it’s a demo like a coupon it will expire) service forever, you almost have to expect it to stop at some point.

My luck it would happen when I personally needed it.

True.

It's all for fun anyhow. There's really no life saving benefit to either service by itself...just the ability for others to keep tabs on you.

Hmm. Might have more application to suspicious parents or spouses!

The poor man's FISA/Total Information Awareness program?

I tested it out last night and I can honestly say it's neat and it works. The only problem is the application is a super battery hog.

The application is set to not transmit your location unless it detects that you've moved 15 meters or more. Unfortunately the application drained my battery dead in less than 12 hours sitting on my bed site table.

It could be handy to use once in a while but it's definately not something to leave running all the time.

I use this all the time with my BB pearl.
It works sort of kind of most of the time.
It just drains your battery FAST even if you set updates to

I use it when I travel so the kids can see where daddy is and when I'm coming home on the bus.

The service is semi-erratic. It only works where you have cell service with data capabilities. You MUST MUST MUST have an unlimited data plan unless you want a massive phone bill.

I can't think of any way to share data in realtime without, um, a data connection. Ham radio used to have APRS, but I don't use that anymore.

There are also systems that don't need GPS, that track the phone according to which cell towers it is using. Eg http://www.followus.co.uk/ (not a recommendation). I don't believe these put any extra drain on the phone's battery.