With GPS becoming a common feature on Blackberry, iPhone and even Windows Mobile, llocation-based services are starting to get a serious look from companies. As these services proliferate, I think we will see location become woven into the fabric of web applications, especially on the mobile web. The combination of location and immediate access via mobile phones can help companies relate better and thereby increase their value to consumers. ICS Mobile has envisioned a way to help their users
get better shopping deals based on their location and are launching a their platform to integrate with consumer goods manufacturers.
We’re also set to see location-targeting proliferate on mobile web advertising, with Loopt building a location-aware advertising platform. Their location-based IM platform provides adds another layer of context to the instant messaging experience. They also hope that it will help advertisers to create better targeted ads to consumers.
ICS Mobile provides an interesting value proposition to their users by helping them to find the best deals and discounts based on their location. This seems like an excellent trade-off to me that might result in people being more likely to share their location with them. Couponing is currently a hot topic with consumers looking for ways to save money online. To support these trends, ICS Mobile will be releasing free applications for the Blackberry and iPhone 3G platforms.
Their website currently has limited information available about the client applications and release dates, but I’ll keep you posted on this trend as it unfolds.
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I swear Dave, some associates and I had this idea years ago when Bluetooth first came out.
The biggest issue with any of these GPS-based services is the accessibility of GPS/e911 data to an application running on the phone. Until more GPS-enabled phones (and carriers) make this data readily accessible, it will require lots of cash to create widely-usable apps.
Just look at how few devices support what apps there already are.