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 I found this a very interesting effort. It
combines a number of interesting technical issues such as the best way to
get location information as to the location of a person (suggested 3) and
raises a whole set of very interesting issues such as the whole privacy set
of issues - to who do we wish to know our location? How long are records
kept, how to introduce us to “new: friends etc.
The integration of the social networks issues with the
mobile platform makes this a worthwhile effort. The ties to relationship
based systems that are a hot topic in the USA may make the impact of this
proposal higher than normal.
There are a whole interesting set of social issues that
arise when one tries to “internationalize” such software. What is permissible in one nation may be highly
improper in others.
In order to be successful, there does need to be an
agreement with one or more cellular operators to supply location
information to the system. It was not clear if this permission was obtained
but I could be of some help if difficulties arose due to my DoCoMo past
connection.
The proposal itself was well written --
exceptionally clear when
read in English which suggests an ease of working
with the group.
I can see a real commercial market for this idea if it
is successfully
completed. The use of location-based assistance
is blooming again
in the USA after the .COM bubble burst
and this could be a real
winner.
All in all, this was one of the more interesting
proposals I have read.
To summarize, it offers a host of design issues
including human
interface and privacy issues that will greatly mature
the proposers.
It offers an interesting possibly profitable commercial
opportunity and
it raises a host of interesting design issues.
I rate this project 1st of those I am considering. I
would be pleased
to manage this effort if chosen and strongly suggest it
be accepted.
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