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GPS technology hit the consumer market by storm. It helps drivers find the best routes, whether the GPS is equipped on their smart phone or vehicle. For consumers, the biggest benefit of GPS, is navigation features. The technology can pinpoint a user’s exact location, and then give him or her information about different services and facilities in the area. A lesser known, but much more controversial feature of the technology, is GPS tracking.

Most users will only need their GPS tracking feature in the unfortunate event that their vehicle or smart phone is stolen. However, this same helpful technology has a darker side. The same way that a user can track a stolen phone when it goes missing, a third party could potentially track the user while it’s still in his or her possession. This means that if you carry your mobile phone with you everywhere, as many people do, you can potentially be tracked everywhere you go.

Many modern parents have chosen to make use of this technology, in order to keep a virtual eye on their children when they’re away from home. Family members are allowed to track each other’s  property, without legal limitations. GPS tracking of family members can help keep children safe, and even find children who are lost or abducted. Alternatively, GPS tracking can help parents catch teens in lies about where they’re really spending the night. The same also applies for cheating spouses, but teens and adults are more likely to know how to turn off their tracking devices.

Employers also have the right to track their employees while on the job, but are somewhat more restrained by the law than family members. Before an employer can activate GPS tracking of vehicles or mobile phones, the employee must be notified that he or she is being tracked. An employee has a reasonable expectation of privacy when not in his or her employer’s presence, and tracking without notification would violate that expectation of privacy. The employer, on the other hand, has the right to detect whether or not the employee is using company time and resources appropriately.

Article Written by Marisa O’Connor

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A recent court determined that Garmin, Ltd., Swiss manufacturer of GPS hardware, was not in violation of GPS patents held by Pioneer Corp. Pioneer Corp. alleged that Garmin’s software and hardware both infringed upon three separate patents, and Pioneer Corp was seeking intellectual property damages.

GPS tracking is becoming increasingly competitive, and it is likely that we will see more of these types of GPS tracking system patent lawsuits from companies claiming copyright infringement. Just as companies that develop mobile devices have been the targets – and instigators – of patent lawsuits, so too will GPS navigation and GPS tracking companies get in on the game.

Pioneer Corp., has been well known in the industry for “patent trolling,” or attempting to sue companies for patents with little evidence to back the assertions. Many companies simply choose to settle for a few hundred thousand (or even a few million) dollars, making patent trolling a remarkably profitable business  model – especially considering the lack of value it actually provides to consumers.

The case is going to be reviewed soon by a commission. At that point, the decision will become final.

Garmin’s legal counsel told the Wall Street Journal: “Garmin is very pleased with this ruling, and this initial determination confirms Garmin’s long-standing belief that Pioneer’s patents do not cover the modern navigation functionality found in Garmin’s products.”

Article Written by Greg Minton

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Many people own a GPS tracking unit, but not all of them realize how useful a GPS unit can be. A GPS device can help with many tasks throughout the day, starting with getting up in the morning.

Personal GPS Uses

Since most GPS units can predict the time of sunrise and sunset, GPS units can be used to set clocks. Next, GPS units can help during workouts. Some joggers and walkers take a GPS tracking device with them while they exercise to map our their route, see how fast they are going, and how many miles they cover. Many professionals use GPS technology in some way in the workplace.

When it’s time for a lunch break, a GPS unit can help navigate to the perfect restaurant. GPS devices are also helpful to avoid a lonely lunch. Friends can “check in”, or communicate their current location with each other using the GPS tracking capabilities on their cell phones. It can be easy to see who is nearby and available to meet.

On the way home from work, a GPS tracking device can be a huge help in case of a flat tire. The driver can call a towing company and give them his exact location. In case of a stolen vehicle, if an owner has placed a GPS tracking device on the automobile, the unit can help the police recover the car quickly.

Professional GPS Uses

Surveyors use GPS devices to map out land and collect field data, including distances, direction, and more location-specific data with the help of satellite technology. Farmers often use GPS tracking to plan their fields for the year, mark the locations of soil samples, and even to guide their tractors to plow straight fields.

Other professionals who find GPS devices helpful are real estate agents, as well as men and women in the military, and, of course, many people in the transportation industry. Pilots, truckers and taxi drivers, use GPS devices every day to make their jobs easier and serve their clients better.

GPS For Relaxation

In the evening, when it’s time a for a little fun and relaxation, a GPS device can be used for games or hobbies. Many people use GPS technology when they go biking or hiking. Others use GPS tracking to find that perfect fishing spot again. Geocaching, a treasure hunt game played with GPS systems, is also becoming more popular. Some GPS units now include instructions and coordinates for other games.

From start to finish, a GPS unit can be a useful tool throughout the day, assisting with necessary functions as well as providing peace of mind and a lot of fun.

Article Written by Greg Bartlett

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Has a piece of your important mail ever gotten lost on the way to its destination? It happens fairly often. One little envelope just does not make it to the place it belongs. The United States Postal Service understands how frustrating it can be to lose valuable mailings. That is why they have recently started using a new system to keep better track of mail trucks: GPS tracking.

USPS Implements GPS Tracking

Recently, I sent a greeting card to a relative. A few weeks later, I asked her if she had received the card, and she looked at me, puzzled. Apparently, the piece of mail had never reached its destination. Both of us were saddened to learn of the postal service’s mistake. But let’s face it – with thousands upon thousands of envelopes going through the system every day, one little piece of mail can easily get lost.

The United States Postal Service cares about the quality of its service. Using tracking devices, they are able to keep track of the location of every truck carrying mail. By December of 2010, even the semi-trucks carrying bulk mail between states will all be outfitted with GPS technology by mandate of the USPS.

The End of Lost Mail?

If a piece of mail gets lost, GPS tracking devices make it possible to look back at the route a piece of mail was sent on in order to discover where it may have been misplaced. Which truck was the package on? Who was driving it? What roads did he take along the way? Perhaps the missing piece simply slipped into the wrong stack and ended up in the wrong post office. If the truck carrying the mail can be detected, the process of finding the missing envelope is expedited.

GPS technology also makes it possible to better anticipate when mail will arrive. Since all mail trucks now carry a tracking device, the Postal Service can keep track of the current location of each one. This allows them to maintain a constant watch of the time table on which the mail will arrive. If the mail is late, the USPS can find out exactly why.

Can GPS tracking save the mail? Obviously, it can help to prevent and remedy the loss of important envelopes and packages. And that’s good news to Americans who care about the mail that they send. The next time I send a greeting card to a family member, I will have greater confidence that it will arrive at its destination.

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The amount of information available in our technology-filled world today is amazing. Anyone with access to the Internet has incredible amounts of information literally at his fingertips. With the increase in technology has come the invention of many useful gadgets. Technology has made it possible for people to watch movies on their cell phones, carry their notebook computers in their purses, and find any location on the globe instantly with the help of GPS . These devices have provided greater safety in many situations. For example, if a hiker who carries a GPS tracker winds up in trouble, he could gain help from emergency personnel quickly. However, the use of the advanced technology of GPS devices has also brought with it some major privacy concerns.

Police Use of GPS Questionable

Many people use GPS tracking devices to keep track of pets or even small children. Others attach GPS units to their vehicles in case of car theft. While most people do not question a person’s right to know the whereabouts of his own property, other uses of GPS systems have caused controversy. One controversial topic in the news recently has been some uses of GPS devices by the police.

Some believe that the law has a right to track a suspect with such technology in order to gather evidence, but others disagree. Some say that by doing this, policemen are invading personal privacy. Opponents of this practice contend that a person should be officially charged with a crime before police are allowed to track him without his knowledge.

Dealership Use of GPS

Another recent controversy involving GPS is the use of car tracking devices by car dealerships. Some dealers attach GPS units to their merchandise, especially when they are selling to a customer with a poor credit rating. This system certainly helps the car dealership get their vehicles back if the buyer defaults on the loan payments, but is it ethical?

When it comes to dealership tracking, the general consensus is that tracking a dealership owned vehicle is legal. However, it is within the best interests of a car dealership owner to inform customers about a GPS tracking device. This way, both customers and dealership owners can rest assured that a vehicle is safe from harm.

The Future of GPS

These are only two examples of privacy issues raised by the increased use of GPS. At this time, there are no specific laws dealing with the use of GPS devices, although there are privacy laws that deal with surveillance equipment or tracking devices. As GPS technology improves, questionable use of GPS devices will cause more privacy concerns in the near future.

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In the “buy here, pay here” auto market, GPS tracking is becoming essential to keep up with the competition. Given the current economic situation, buy-here-pay-here is an extremely popular option for consumers. Auto dealerships are finding that to keep up their business, this is an option they need to offer. However, financing a car opens a whole new set of problems that the bank used handle. What do you do when a customer stops making car payments and a vehicle disappears? The dealer is out of a lot of money with a small likelihood of getting it back. This is where GPS tracking comes in.

How GPS Tracking Works

GPS tracking works by connecting devices with satellites and computers to show the location of the device at any time. A tracking device (such as the Smart Tracker Elite) can be attached to virtually anything, including a car, and then satellites use latitude and longitude to determine the precise location of the device. That location information is passed on to a software system that alerts the user to what they want to know. It can tell the owner where the device has been, where it is at the moment, how fast it’s moving, and additional related information. Some of these devices are also designed to perform other functions in addition to tracking, such as allowing the user to disable the vehicle that is being tracked with a device.

Dealer Possibilities

The possible benefits for the auto dealer, especially a dealer offering buy-here-pay-here, are incredible. The dealer can attach a car tracking device to any vehicle in the lot. A business owner does not have to continually track all the vehicles; the device can be activated only as needed. Repossession companies often offer discounted rates to dealers with these GPS systems because it makes finding a vehicle so much easier.

Using GPS can aid dealers in more than one way. Getting customers who make payments on time is a top choice for an auto dealer, and having a tracking system can be an extra incentive that causes buyers to think twice before attempting to hide a vehicle.

Article Written by Greg Bartlett

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Article Written by Greg Bartlett

Buy-here-pay-here car dealerships have been a staple of the automobile industry for decades. Customers enjoy them because they can offer lower prices and more personalized service than large chains. In addition, they offer an excellent opportunity for someone with an entrepreneurial bent to start a business and earn a good living. Such dealerships are not without risk, however. Buyers at these dealerships tend to have fewer financial resources and less than ideal credit, meaning that dealers face more risk of the buyer defaulting on his loan. In addition, thefts tend to occur more often at smaller dealerships since they may seem to provide an easier target. GPS tracking offers a solution to both these problems, as well as offering the buyer a way to protect his new purchase once he leaves the dealership.

Benefits of GPS

There are several benefits offered to both dealers and buyers when they use a GPS device (such as the Smart Tracker) to monitor their vehicles. One of the greatest benefits to dealers is the ability to locate a vehicle immediately if the buyer defaults on his loan. Because the vehicle title remains in the possession of the dealer until the buyer makes his last payment, the dealer can, and should, keep an eye on his assets.

In the case of a loan default, a dealership owner can locate and recover the vehicle in a matter of hours rather than spending days or weeks looking for a buyer who doesn’t want to be found. In addition, the devices act as an anti-theft feature for both buyers and sellers. If someone steals a car from a lot, a dealer can locate it immediately and enlist the help of local police for recovery and apprehension of the thief.

Buyer GPS Installation

Once a buyer purchases the car, he can also install his own tracking system to deter theft. In both cases, recovery will be much easier and faster with the help of the device than would be possible without it. Some models also allow the owner to disable the starter if the car has been stolen, preventing a thief from moving the vehicle.

GPS tracking offers asset protection in a notoriously difficult to monitor industry. Car dealership owners and buyers will both benefit greatly from taking advantage of the technology to monitor their vehicles, both before and after the sale.

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by James Neely - freelance writer for hire

Lean activities by businesses are popular these days – and for good reason. Making sure that your business and systems operate at peak efficiency helps profitability. This is why GPS Tracking systems should be integrated into your business where possible. Here are the benefits.

Lowered Payroll Expenses. The highest expenses are those that are associated with the people part of your business. Think payroll. Adding employees is more expensive than ever and the rules and regulations that come with it are overwhelming. GPS Tracking devices allow you to keep your payroll low by having a system in place to manage company assets in central location. Departments like accounting no longer need to hire those whose job it is to track assets.

Watch Profitability Improve. As you look for ways to streamline your operations there are many ways to perform that task. Looking for less expensive alternatives for the procurement side is a good area on which to focus. Looking for better ways of performing tasks is too. These can be assisted with a GPS Tracking system which is added to your physical assets that are mobile and moveable. Keeping insurance premiums low is another benefit. With GPS Tracking systems, insurance companies lower their risk and pass savings on to you as well.

Streamline Business Processes. When it comes time to account for business assets, there is no reason why everyone must stop what they are doing in order to accomplish this task. Taking inventory disrupts business activities which cuts off profitability while the activity is taking place. With GPS Tracking devices, inventory can not only be tracking and identified periodically, it can be done on a daily basis, which eliminates the need to stop business operations in order to accomplish this task.

Satisfy Customers. Using GPS Tracking devices helps send the message to your customers that their satisfaction is the top priority. Being able to generate reports and include them with invoicing provides proof of performance. This goes above and beyond what other businesses provides and gives your customers a sense of value in your services.

What would it be like to do business in today’s economic climate without the control afforded by GPS Tracking systems? It would be much more difficult to turn a profit and remain in business that is for sure. Those businesses that have discovered these benefits and more are ahead of the rest. Are you there with them or just struggling along?

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By James Neely

Under the U.S. set of laws and judicial system, a suspect is innocent until proven guilty. Using this as a basis for criminal law places the burden of proof upon the shoulders of the accuser. This is a foundational principle in the United States of America. While it makes it more difficult to prosecute crimes unless explicit evidence can be entered which provides overwhelming proof, it is what must be done to preserve this most important aspect of living in this country.

That is why technological advances like those offered by GPS Tracking systems are so important. They provide the evidence necessary to prosecute beyond reasonable doubt.

Caught red-handed. Obtaining warrant for the arrest of a perpetrator who is caught in the act of committing a felony in the area of theft is the best case scenario. If the items stolen were outfitted with GPS trackers, then they could be traced to within a few feet of their actual location. The authorities can be notified and the items recovered.

Admissible proof. “How do you know and what proof do you have” are two reasoning processes in defending one who has been accused. With GPS Tracking systems the data collected can be entered into court to support your case. Using detailed reports you can obtain not only location, but distance travelled, speed, and stops along the path.

Prevention or prosecution? Which is better, to implement preventive measures or to wait until there is a crime committed. Any reasonable human would have to admit that there is a place for both. And yet there are compelling reasons for the prevention basis because of the work load of authorities. Just adding another case to the pile of those that have been unsolved makes them much less likely that they will ever see the light of day. Let alone, be solved. Even police agencies realize the importance of preventative measures and applaud the use of GPS Tracking systems in use today.

All the help you need. With reports and maps that show the information about, you have all that you require to take to authorities.

Put to work for you. What a better way to protect your business assets and family items, too. These units are more affordable than ever and are easy to install and set up. You will find the web interface easy to use as well. Get a GPS car tracking system today and put yourself on the right side of the law.

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By James Neely

GPS vehicle tracking systems are in the headlines of news stories across the world. The positive benefits of using these systems is well documented, but the practical application side of things gives insight into where they are making their highest impact.

These stories underscore the importance of obtaining and implementing a GPS Tracking system into your business.

GPS = Accountability & Efficiency

First, from Pueblo, Colorado comes a story about the use of a GPS Tracking systems on school bus fleet operations. Not only are they using the system to monitor in near real-time the bus routes and driving activities, but also they will be requiring students to use a card to swipe as they enter or leave a bus in order to verify where they got on or off a given route. This will provide instant monitoring in case and incident should occur. Authorities can be notified immediately with the location of the bus as well as the number of students aboard at the time. The GPS Tracking system will also help avoid students from getting off at the wrong stop or location.

Second, we have a story of a man who stole a courier van that contained a GPS Tracking system. This occurred in England and underscores the importance of being able to monitor at all times where assets are located. This gives operations better control over the whereabouts at all times. Also, being able to recover a vehicle almost instantly helps you be able to get back to business and keep profitability your highest priority.

Next, there is a move afoot on a federal level for legislation called “The Standup Act” to be enacted that would tighten up licensing requirements for teenagers. In connection with this effort the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted research that underscores the fact that a GPS Tracking system helps reign in poor driving habits by teen drivers.

Finally, in a seemingly obscure application, a GPS device is being added to an asthma inhaler. The practical uses are yet to be fully realized, but the unit detects trends in usage as well as time and location reporting.

These underscore the importance and acceptance of GPS Tracking systems in culture. It is almost expected to find these in situations where security and performance issues are supremely important. The role that they play and the discussions surrounding privacy will continue as well. But one thing is sure: GPS vehicle tracking systems are here to stay and they are making life better for everyone.

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