Today's release of google maps for mobile phones includes a rather smart bit of code- when it transmits map data it pays attention to which cell it is received from. This means that it can automatically focus the map within a kilometer or so of where the user is. Not exactly a GPS replacement, but still handy.
Of course it does pose another question. Why do I like that google knows the closest cell tower to me, when I avoid at all costs any data about myself going through redmond? Is it just because google suppiets open source enough that I trust there is no proximity tracking or localized ad tracking in this app? Because a company in sunny cali can't be as bad as one in the rainy northwest? Or because google's motto do so long was 'don't be Evil' ?
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Δεομεθα: ποιησον ημας ζωντας ανθρωπους --Anaphora in euchologio Serapionis, s. IV.
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proust humor. bad french. poor reader.
