Google: No GPS, No Problem!

Today Google announced the launch of "My Location", a new beta technology that uses cell tower identification to provide you with approximate location information, so it will work on phones without GPS.

Simply fire up Google Maps for mobile, press [0], and the map will indicate your approximate location by centering on a blue circle similar to what you can see at the beginning of this post.

At the same time, if you do have a GPS-enabled device, "My Location" can actually complement it: it kicks in faster than GPS in most cases, so you can access your location even faster on the map; it works reliably indoors (unlike GPS) and doesn't drain your phone battery at the rate that GPS does.

Now, what Beta means for this product? First, that although accuracy and coverage may vary, both will improve over time as more and more people use Google Maps for mobile. Second, that My Location isn't currently supported on all devices (but you can go to their Help Center for more info) and third that they are thirsty for feedback about it.

So if you decide to try it, make sure you give the GoogleGuys your feedbacks, by leaving your comments in their mobile blog.

Dying to try it? Just text "MYLOCATION" to 33669, or head to www.google.com/gmm on your mobile browser.