Ali Kuru

Google released an application called My Tracks for its mobile platform, Android. It simply record tracks of your outdoor activities via built-in GPS functionality. The application is also allowing you to share your activities with the rest of the world via Google Maps, and build a history via Google Docs. Best part is; according to FAQ, you don’t need a data or cell connection while recording your track;

A cell signal or data connection is not required to record GPS tracks. However, if there is no data connection, you will not be able to see satellite imagery or a map. Instead, you will see a grey screen or partial map. Tracks, represented as simple lines, can still be recorded even if there is no data connection.

I hope this application will be available to other platforms soon. The only similar thing I’ve been able to found for Windows Mobile platform was MyMotion, which is able to use downloaded maps (from Google Maps) offline. Never tried it after I’ve read that it is problematic in HTC Touch Diamond though.

I love Gmail, it simply gets more useful every day.

If you have Labs enabled in your Gmail account, you can now display your location information at your signature. You’ll probably find this useful if you are a frequent traveler.

First, you have to enable the “Location in Signature” feature in Labs, and then you have to enable signatures under settings and check the box in front of the “Append your location to the signature” option. After these steps, Gmail will use your public IP to locate where you are.

It says on the Gmail blog that using Google Gears with location module brings more accurate results with Wi-Fi triangulation.

[via Gizmodo]