Google’s new mobile platform, Android, will be featuring applications that utilize location based services to increase the efficiency and convenience users will experience using their Android device. There were several different applications in competition for the first 50 spaces that were selected during the first round of judging. The 100 judges granted US$25,000 to each of the 50 winners to develop their applications for the Android phones. Once these first 50 have been developed and are ready for use, another 20 will be selected to compete for 10 spaces that will receive US$275,000 and 10 spaces that will receive US$100,000 to develop their projects for use with Android devices.

An example of one of the location based applications that has won a spot in the new line up is an application called Follow Me. This application would tag user feedback to points on Google Maps by utilizing GPS software and then would allow the users to share their locations-specific experiences with others. Of course, the most important factor in any application’s success is usability so easy use is their priority.

Some other applications that made it through the first round of judging were several different applications that incorporate pictures and mapping services. This application would combine a social network and user photos in order to create travel routes based on photos, which may prove to be a very unique program. Also, some applications allow different methods to track people. One in particular, Commandro, would show users were their friends and family are and what they are doing at any given time. LifeAware is another people tracker and would allow parents to track children. Developers project that services such as these will be accepted by the public within the next five years.

Source: http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/communications/0,39044192,62041447,00.htm