Self.Location

This past week, Google released a new application called Google Latitude. It is part of google maps in many respects, but seems to be functioning a bit on it's own. The system links through your cell phone or igoogle home page to put your current location into Latitude, and see your friend's locations-- Of course with come limitations and privacy options. Also this system seems to have no integration into any other google systems. Yet.

Check it out here: http://www.google.com/latitude/intro.html

Some bloggers are noting the possibility with targeted ads, locations, and linked-in social networks there is lots of marketing and profit potential. I am more keen on the next level of information - location being introduced into google's social systems.

Privacy issues aside, the potential for improving social networks and the ability to locate who is near you has huge implications in the way we live and live spontaneously. Just how cell phones changed the way people (or at least young people plan, knowing where people are, and how long it would take to get to you to help you, or just to talk, or to pick something up for you, or give you a ride, or whatever -- all of these little things could change planning, decision making, social networks, living habits and who knows what else--