PocketFinder tracking devices help bring families closer together. In a Big Brother kind of way.

Rating: GPS based tracking device to be distributed by SED International

Californian-based Location Based Services approaches GPS in a way I genuinely hadn’t considered before. Their PocketFinder “family” of products are small, durable GPS / GSM devices that can be slipped into a pocket, a bag or around a collar. The devices will be on shelves very soon, made available through international electronics and wireless company SED.

What does it do?

The stated purpose of the PocketFinder is to locate family members, pets or luggage. The tiny, disc shaped device has a seven day battery life, and it’s information can be accessed by internet, mobile web or plain old telephone call. The device, when accessed, displays an awful lot of information. You can see where it is, and exactly how to get there with GPS directions. You can see what direction it is moving and at what speed, and even view a travel history to see where it has been. You can even create a virtual “fence”, and if the device crosses past the fence, you receive an automatic update.

PockerFinder also seem to be well constructed built for it’s purpose. It’s small, durable, waterproof and has a long battery life. It conforms to GSM standards. So it really would be possible to check on the location of your luggage, even if it ended up in a different country to you.

This application is being integrated with the Android smartphone, so that all Android owners will be able to use their device as a PocketFinder device.

From the Press Release:

“We are pleased to welcome Location Based Technologies to the SED family,” said Jonathan Elster, SED International’s executive vice president. “The PocketFinder product line provides our customers with a great opportunity to increase sales while delivering real value to the consumer. This is a quality line of products in an important and growing category.”

Dave Morse, CEO and co-founder of Location Based Technologies, commented, “This distribution agreement with SED International, Inc., is a natural fit for us and the PocketFinder brand. SED is highly respected and has a proven track record as a top-tier distribution company. They will provide seamless reseller access to our best-of-breed PocketFinder products and demonstrate our commitment to a diversified channel strategy encompassing affiliates, wireless resellers and traditional retailers.”

What we think?

Where to start?

First off, I think this is a great application of existing technology, and will probably generate a lot of profit. There is a huge amount of money to be made in offering peace of mind to parents and carers. Want to make sure your kid got to school ok? No problem. Set up a “fence” at the front gate, and you’ll get pinged as soon as your child arrives there. Likewise it can help track dependents with senile dementia, alzheimers or other disabilities who might have a tendency to wonder off. The 130 dollar price tag isn’t going to hurt either. It’s a small price to pay for hugely heightened security. There’s no word on whether it can use cell triangulation to provide a location where GPS isn’t available, but that would seem a likely function for a device that seems to take everything else into account.

But… it just seems to me that this is a gadget that is open to a lot of abuse. I’m not going to get into issues about “legitimate” abuse by overly strict parents or control freaks and the like. Those are private matters. What worries me are the incredible criminal applications that are on offer here. This device can be used to accurately and quickly trace people without their knowledge. It could easily be slipped into a pocket or a bag. What protection can be offered against someone who sticks this lightweight, unobtrusive item to the bottom of your car and traces your every movement for weeks on end?

I can’t help feel this will create just as many security issues as it solves.