Lazyacres

I always listed to NPR on the way home from work, and one of the news pieces talked about the future of GPS in cell phones...  Some of the ideas that are coming out are really helpful - but some seem to be really invasive...  What do you think?

The technology is now small enough to be included in standard size cell phones.  There is technology (free) that is available to download (if your cell currently carries GPS) that will search for other cellphones on the road and help determine where there are traffic slowdowns or stoppages on your route.  Your cell phone can proceed to tell you how far ahead the problem is and then give you alternative routes if you want it to.

There is also technology available where you can hook to friends and always know where they are.  If you want to meet up with them, send them an email message.  This would be a great way to keep up with your kids, but not so good if you don't want friends following your every move.

The thing that I don't like is that they are talking about adding the potential for advertising to the mix.  Imagine driving down the road and getting text offers for 2 for 1 burgers or 30% sales from shops or restaurants as you are driving past.  Google is one of the companies that is researching this option right now.  Personally, I don't want to be targeted in this manner.  If I want to know what your offers are, I will get online and check them out.  Texting me on my personal cell phone (or worse yet, my work phone) will only get me mad at you. 

So, what's your opinion on these advances?