GPS technology is ever expanding and improving and changing. It seems that every week there is a new tracking device being launched and constant updates to dedicated mapping GPS devices. Many of us (myself included) sometimes take it for granted that we can find our way to just about anywhere with the power of technology. We take it for granted, and expect that it will always be there. But technology isn’t infallible and isn’t always around during times of emergency. When Hurricane Sandy hit, power outages lasted for several days at a time–way longer than the battery of most devices.

In all of our technology-driven society, it seems like some important things have been lost. The ability to get lost and discover new things. The ability to find your way without staring at a screen before or during your trip. The drive to wander and just see where things take you. Basic ability to read a map and conduct yourself without technology to aid. How many kids even know how to read a map or find their way to an unfamiliar location without a computer-mapped route? read more

This location based App uses your GPS information to change gameplay

Windows has released a new location based mobile app for kids featuring DreamWorks Animation’s popular movie series “How To Train  Your Dragon.” The app uses real-time GPS mapping technology in the gameplay, so real roads, buildings, traffic conditions, weather and other GPS location information will change virtual locations and conditions in the app.

The app also features a play-at-home Explore mode featuring quests across 16 real-world cities (with no physical travel necessary) and a Train Mode where kids can play quests during trips where real streets and buildings will show up in the game. The app also uses Foursquare social media-based interaction to help players find points of interest and unlock new characters and dragons.

While not incredibly useful, the app seems like a neat way to integrate GPS technology so kids can use it—and a good way to keep children occupied during travels. The game features favorite characters from the movie and a total of 38 quests. It is only available for Windows phones, and it is free. I haven’t had a chance to try it out, but I like the idea, and it sounds very similar to the popular Wherigo cartridges played on dedicated GPS devices.