The Value Of Location Services Used In Mobile Apps
Some services allow consumers to check in at restaurants, coffee shops, stores, concerts, and other places or events. Businesses often offer a reward – prizes, coupons or discounts – to people who check in at their locations. Google Maps, Foursquare, Yelp and Facebook check-ins all use location-based services.
Location services
GPS
The Global Positioning System is an array of satellites that exist solely to help find items across the planet. This capability lets the device communicate with at least four satellites. The satellites compare the signal delay to pinpoint where the signal originated.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi location tracking works differently from other methods. Typically, a device only connects to one Wi-Fi location tracking uses IP addresses instead. Every network has a physical IP address that allows the greater internet to know where it is so it can send information across the internet infrastructure accurately.
Mobile technology
Mobile technology works much like GPS. However, instead of connecting to satellites, your device connects to cellular towers. Generally speaking, you’ll usually be in the range of at least two towers, enough for the system to use triangulation to find your location.
QR codes
Quick-response (QR) tracking is similar to Wi-Fi in principle. When a dynamic QR code is scanned, it logs information related to the scan. When the QR code is established, its physical location can be recorded. That location can then be tagged anytime the code is scanned.
Proximity-based marketing
This means local companies can push ads only to individuals within the same geographic location.
Roadside assistance
Many roadside assistance companies provide an app that allows them to track your exact location if the user experiences a blown tire or car accident, so they don’t need to give directions.
Mobile workforce management
For logistics-dependent companies that employ individuals out in the field or at multiple locations, an LBS lets employees check in at designated locations with their mobile devices.
Fraud prevention
LBS creates another level of security by matching a customer’s location to a credit card transaction. Tying the smartphone’s location to a credit card lets the company flag transactions made across several geographic locations over a short time.
LBS companies
Many mobile app developers lack the resources to develop software that can interpret a smartphone’s location, so they use existing solutions through an API to save time and money. These companies liaise with wireless carriers to connect businesses with smartphone users’ locations.
Carrot Weather
Most weather apps present you with forecasts from just one nearby source. When you open the Carrot Weather app on your phone, it collates weather data from several sources into a forecast unique to your exact location.
Pokemon Go
Pokemon Go is an immensely successful location-based app Some locations even have Pokemon you can’t catch anywhere else. Pokemon Go shows the power of LBS not just for business but for fun.
It made our world a lot smaller
With the help of some social networking apps, we can connect with anyone on this planet. They compacted our world and brought us very close together. You can chat with anyone you want. All you need is to install the mobile app on your smartphone. From chatting to sending pictures, apps have completely changed the way we communicate.
No need to carry books with you
You already have to carry thick novels with you to read books. All you have to do is install an app like e-book and download your favorite book and boom. Your favorite book is on your mobile phone. You can read it whenever you want, while traveling on public transport or wherever you want.
Distance is no longer an issue
Mobile applications have shortened the distance between two people. Video calling apps allow one to see the other person’s life on their smartphone. They can talk and see everything around that person. This has made our lives very easy and is very useful for people who live far away and cannot meet each other on a daily basis. This app helps one to meet virtually.
Conclusion
Wireless location services have quietly moved forward in leaps and bounds over the past few years to the point where they’re now ready to be implemented on a very large scale.