subject: Locate your kids with AT&T's FamilyMap [print this page] A child locator application has been launched by AT&t calledFamilyMap which allows theor parents track down their children's location by using their cell phones.With FamilyMap, parents to track their child's whereabouts anytime via AT&T's location framework.Once you sign in to the FamilyMap website, you will be able to see your child's location mapped on a Microsoft Virtual Earth map. There is even a Bird's Eye view of the location. You can also schedule alerts at certain times to find out where your child is.
AT&T FamilyMap provides peace of mind by being able to conveniently locate a family member from your wireless phone or PC and know that your family's information is secure and private. Parents will give their children an AT&T device, then login to the FamilyMap web site for viewing where their children are on a Microsoft Virtual Earth map.Unlike some of the GPS-enabled mobile social networking/tracking applications, FamilyMap doesn't require the user (the kid) to input their location manually, the tracking is automatic and uses the phone's built-in GPS.
There's not much more information available without signing up, but it does seem like a helpful location-based app, and one that could encourage mainstream users to opt in.Once activated, parents can then log into the FamilyMap web site from either their mobile device or PC and track their kids' whereabouts on a Microsoft Virtual Earth map which even supports Bird's Eye view.AT&T phones that use A-GPS can return very accurate location, if the phone can "see" the GPS satellites. This could be while using the phone outside or near the window of a car, for example.
For all other phones, the system automatically uses alternative location technologies. In these cases, you may receive a location with an accuracy of a few hundred yards or more.The service costs $9.99 per month to locate up to two family members or $14.99 per month thereafter to locate up to five family members. This is more affordable than Verizon's Chaperone service ($9.99 per child) but is more than Sprint's Family Locator.
FamilyMap enables users to see details such as location on a map and surrounding landmarks like schools and parks. Users can also toggle between satellite and interactive street maps.Virtual Earth could provide even more context in its 3D environment, which I hope AT&T will eventually take advantage of. That might be a little complex or intimidating for some families at first.
In order for AT&T FamilyMap to work, the wireless device on which the service is located must be turned on, charged and located within your coverage area, among other factors. Accuracy of the location information obtained via AT&T FamilyMap is subject to network capabilities, environmental conditions such as structures, buildings, weather, geography, landscape, and topography, available data, atmospheric conditions and other factors associated with use of wireless networks, satellites and satellite data.
