The creepy, exciting and growing world of location-based services |
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Mass High Tech
The creepy, exciting and growing world of location-based services
I'll be moderating a panel tonight at Seattle University on the future of location-based services. It should be a lively topic in part because the field has become one of the hottest segments in high-tech, highlighted by the rise of Apple's mobile app store, Google's recent purchase of AdMob and new technologies such as FourSquare. Nearly every day we come across some interesting tidbit which ties directly to how people are using GPS-enabled mobile devices -- from shopping to dining to buying homes.
So, here's where I need your help. In preparation for tonight's panel, I am asking readers for insights into this ever-changing industry. If you're an entrepreneur building a business in this sector, what are the crucial issues you face? If you're a consumer who uses location-based services, what mobile applications do you use the most? And, if you're an investor, where are the business opportunities?
Obviously, as the headline suggests, privacy is a key issue. But there's also tremendous opportunity when you talk about putting a powerful computing device in someone's hand.
(Please just leave any messages in the comments below, and I will try to get your questions answered tonight).
Meanwhile, the industry appears to be poised for significant growth. Just today, TechCrunch noted a new report from Juniper Research which said that the market for location-based services will top $12.7 billion by 2014.
“Location-based applications are extremely interesting for brands and retailers in that they allow those companies to direct consumers to outlets in their vicinity while simultaneously providing information about the products on offer," said Windsor Holden, co-author of the report. " When these are allied to measures such as mobile coupons and vouchers, you have the combination of information and financial incentive which can be compelling for consumers.”
More details on the panel, which kicks off at 7 p.m. at Wyckoff Auditorium here.
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