Facebook’s New Friend Tracker App

29 Apr 2014

GPS tracking technology combines with the number one social media site to provide a brand new friend tracking app.

The Facebook app in question will be called Nearby Friends, and uses the person’s mobile phone’s GPS tracker in order to find out where their nearby friends are. Right now, the only way to find out this information is if they check in at a nearby location, but the technology is making a big step forward. No new device is needed, since the technology is in the form of an app.

Most people are familiar with everything global positioning systems (GPS) can accomplish. From navigation and getting up-to-date driving directions, to monitoring activity and behavior, and tracking vehicles, the technology has come a long way over recent years. Now, Facebook is going to use it for their newest application update.

Facebook has already reported some of its features, including being able to receive updates on certain friends and checking in with the app if they want to find a ride, or meet someone nearby.

The app works by looking at the user’s location through their phone’s GPS system, pointing to about a half mile from their current location. Naturally, this raises some privacy concerns, as tracking people’s location and movements often does. However, Facebook ensures users the app is entirely optional, so not everyone has to be tracked if they are not interested in this service.

As an additional security measure, it is only available to Facebook users that are 18 years old and older. That way, only adults have access to it, and only the Facebook user’s friends see their location, not just anyone that has access to the app.

Another great feature is that even if the app is installed on the user’s smartphone, they have to physically activate it in order to be tracked. By default, the Nearby Friends tracking feature is turned off and the smartphone user needs to open the app and turn it on. It is also nice that they offer the Nearby Friends app because it helps avoid all-digital conversations and interactions, and encourages physical meet-ups between friends and relatives.

Users will also be able to change settings from their Facebook account, including who can see their activity and location, just like changing privacy settings for the account itself. It is also important that Facebook users are honest about their age, because they want to make sure nobody under 18 years old has access to this app.

The app is expected to be released soon, available on all Android and Apple iOS devices.

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About George Karonis

George Karonis is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of LiveViewGPS Inc., a company he established in 2008 with the vision of making real-time GPS tracking more reliable, affordable, and accessible for businesses of all sizes. Over the past two decades, he has built a reputation as an innovator in GPS tracking, fleet management, asset monitoring, and Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PTToC) communications. Under George's leadership, LiveViewGPS has grown into a nationally recognized provider of GPS tracking solutions, serving businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, law enforcement organizations, and public works departments throughout the United States. The company's technology helps organizations improve operational efficiency, protect valuable assets, increase driver safety, and reduce operating costs through real-time location intelligence. Before founding LiveViewGPS, George developed a background in security, surveillance, and emerging location technologies. His passion for innovation and practical problem solving has driven the development of products that combine dependable hardware with easy-to-use cloud software, giving customers actionable information when it matters most. In 2018, George expanded into nationwide Push-to-Talk over Cellular communications by launching PeakPTT, providing businesses with rugged, instant communication solutions that operate over LTE and Wi-Fi networks. His focus has remained the same throughout his career: delivering dependable technology backed by exceptional customer service and long-term customer relationships. George regularly writes about GPS tracking, fleet management, asset protection, business technology, and communication systems. Through this blog, he shares industry insights, practical advice, and emerging trends to help organizations make informed decisions about tracking technology and connected operations.