GPS, technically known as Global Positioning System, is the new technology which allows individuals to track everything. Mobile phones with GPS technology are very useful when it comes to emergencies. Most mobile phones have GPS as a special feature. Brands and models with GPS integration include Nokia 6110 Navigator, Nokia N95 (8GB version), Blackberry 8800, Blackberry Curve 8310, HTC Touch Cruise and HTC TyTN II.

Currently, GPS functionality is only available in sophisticated and highly priced mobile handsets. But, because the demand for GP-integrated mobile phones keep increasing, more affordable, smarter and appealing GPS mobiles will be in the market soon. The majority of mobile phone manufacturers are investing heavy amounts to improve on GPS technology.

At present, GPS is mainly used for navigation, but the investors are more concerned about how it can be used differently. While most people find the navigation feature very convenient, the complete end solution from GPS technology will be the ability to provide location-specific services to people. The software used in combination with GPS satellites will provide exact coordinates to find someone and this will permit emergency services, businesses and others easily find the person, whenever necessary.

This might seem like the privacy of individuals will be in jeopardy but the ultimate goal of GPS technology is safety and helping the services industry. Typically the government will limit the use of GPS technology in the private sector. This is necessary to stop anyone from gathering information on individuals without that person’s permission.

GPS still suffers from the interference of tall buildings and areas that are under development. Technology is working to eliminate this problem. Currently, GPS is able to locate specific areas and roads by locating the person using a GPS-enabled phone. Phones that have GPS functioning are able to get information based on the individual locations.

In the future, GPS mobile phones will be connected with social networking sites, allowing the two parties to communicate in real-time. So, the sites can be updated as and when things happen in one place.

MySpace and Facebook have already taken measures to integrate the technology, by introducing the mobile version of their sites. The primary aim in this integration is to allow user generated content to be uploaded efficiently and conveniently from where the user is.

GPS technology is still new and its uses in tracking children and other people who need to be monitored is being used effectively, but it can become a problem for the average person in future. This is because GPS technology can be used to advertise various products and services to persons using GPS-enabled mobile phones.