We just bought 4 new cell phones for our family and here is what I have learned about their ''GPS'' capabilities. They are not GPS receievers as we (as geocachers) would term them. The use something called ''aGPS'', or Assisted Global Positioning System. No, you can't use one to go geocaching (although I'm sure it won't be long before cellular manufacturers offer an integrated unit that will do that.) What it does is allow you to call emergency services (like 911) and, if they are equipped with the proper aGPS hardware/software, they can track your location and send help to you ASAP. That is the reasoning behind it, as I understand it. Of course, like all technology, the potential for abuse is always present. The good news is, there is an option in the phone settings to turn it off. For those of you concerned about the government being able to track you down, if they have a reason to track you down, they probably already know where you are. ;-)

On a related note, I recall ShadowAce recently having to call 911 after a mishap attempting the Razorback cache. I just wonder if ''aGPS'' was involved or if he just told them his coords over the phone. Any comments, Dirk?

-- Sprocket

Randman wrote:

I'm sitting here this morning listening to KFYI radio, and the subject is GPS cell phones.  It appears a lot of people are concerned with privacy: Wives and husbands keeping track of their spouses, and BIG BROTHER monitoring the users, etc.  I'm curious if anyone on this listserv has used these phones and what they feel about them!?

Bob Smith wrote:

Rand,
A couple of months ago we got the Motorola V60s on Verizon.  I quizzed 
the kid about the GPS part of the system and he was so vague even when I 
described our GPS and caching to him.  I don't see where they can have 
anything in the cell phones that look at all like what we are using for 
caching.
Bob Smith, Team Petite Elite

RTW wrote:

I dont think that is what the GPS cell phones are about. They arent for 
using as a GPS unit. They have some kind of GPS capabilities built into it. 
I was told it is for 911 situations.. so they know exactly where you are. 
Brian/TeamAI might be able to explain more about this?

Of course, THEY know exactly where you are anytime of day and anyplace as 
long as the phone is on.. the way I see it. ??? I dont like it. Just another 
attempt by our wonderful government to control our lives and track us every 
step of the way, every day.

Scott