What is Android?
Android is a mobile operating system designed for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. In addition, it is a system developed by Google and based on the Linux Kernel and other open source software with the aim of facilitating the use of a large number of applications in a simple way.
It was initially developed by Android Inc, which was later bought by Google in 2005 to be introduced two years later, in 2007, in the advancement of open standards in mobile devices. Its main Android source code is commonly known as Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and stands out as the most widely used mobile operating system worldwide.
How does Android work?
Each of the layers of the operating system has its own function and process. The functioning of the operating system (OS) depends on the functioning of each of these parts. The OS will be in charge of managing all the resources of the cell phone, giving priorities to the different memories and programs.
Thus, when a user presses the screen to open an application, it redirects the execution privileges of that application so that it (and not another) runs in the foreground and on the screen. The mobile operating system can be thought of as a kind of traffic police whose job is to redirect information flows and determine which ones take precedence.
What is GPS?
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a U.S.-owned utility that provides users with positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services. This system consists of three segments: the space segment, the control segment, and the user segment. The U.S. Space Force develops, maintains, and operates the space and control segments.
GPS operates through a network of at least 24 satellites orbiting the Earth at an altitude of 20,180 km, with synchronized trajectories spanning the entire surface. In practice, usually 4 or more satellites are needed to determine a position with some precision.
GPS Services
GPS satellites provide service to civilian and military users. The civilian service is freely available to all users on a continuous, worldwide basis. The military service is available to U.S. and allied armed forces as well as approved Government agencies.
Types of GPS systems
You’ll be dazzled once you begin to explore the many types of GPS systems and amazing features available in today’s market. There isn’t one of us who can’t benefit somehow from its multitude of applications.
1) Street navigation systems (sat-nav)
You’ll never get lost driving with this type of GPS, since it gives turn-by-turn directions, including mileage, speed and estimated time of arrival. Some are optional when you purchase the vehicle and are built into the car’s dashboard. Others are aftermarket purchases attached to the dashboard or windshield and can be removed for hand held use. Most are preloaded with US maps and offer international maps as an upgrade. The maps provide information such as airports, police departments, hospitals, places of interest, and gas stations. You can even program it to tell you where all your favorite latte stops can be found. Guess what? Most of these GPS systems can even interface with your cellular phone as a hands-free device!
2) Sports GPS systems and watches
Are you a sports buff? Well, there are types of GPS systems just for you. If you’re a sailor, then don’t worry about reading the stars on cloudy nights. There are systems specifically designed for marine conditions. If your sport keeps you on the move, there are GPS watches that can be perfect for you. A hiker? Orienteering with a compass is cool, but old school when you have a GPS that knows the lay of the land and will point the way. GPS watches are actually like mini-computers strapped to your wrist with multitudes of features specific to your needs. Of course, the down side is the small screen and the need to frequently change modes to accomplish a task, but I doubt that Dick Tracy would have had any gripes about that!
3) PDA based systems
Many of us are already slaves to our PDA’s. The added feature of GPS makes them even more appealing. Having it with you at all times means you’ll never be late for an appointment due to losing your way.
4) Phones with GPS
Many of today’s phones offer a GPS feature for an additional service charge. That’s a convenient feature, since most people these days tote a phone no matter where they go. All phones also come with a government mandated tracking capability that will help locate you in case of an emergency.
5) For kids too!
Wherify GPS Child Locator Watch – This kid’s watch is a combination GPS and wireless radio that helps you determine your child’s whereabouts via a Web- or phone-based service. Keeping track of your child, however, comes at a price. The watch will set you back about $400 and requires an activation and monthly service fee for tracking.
WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT GPS TRACKING FEATURES TO LOOK FOR?
To ensure that you always keep track of your commercial fleet, these 10 GPS tracking features are key components you need in your solution. Learn more here to determine the best GPS tracking for your commercial trucking needs.
Almost every GPS tracking system for fleet management offers vehicle location and real-time mapping, but there are several other features that you need to know about. Many of these GPS tracking features give you more insight into how well your commercial vehicle fleet is optimized so you can make decisions about how to change or improve operations for your business.
10 Features to Look for in a GPS Tracking System
If you want to get the most from your GPS tracking system, look for a provider that offers a broad range of GPS features and other important fleet-tracking functions, including the following:
Real-time mapping of your fleet
If you need to see where all of your vehicles are in real time, make sure you select a GPS tracker that includes this feature. With the exception of the most basic asset protection units, this feature is generally included with most GPS tracking systems.
Maintenance alerts about your vehicles
Managing a fleet involves much more than just coordinating drivers, you also have to maintain multiple vehicles on various schedules. Remember that some maintenance tasks are scheduled based on time, while others are based on mileage or engine hours. Make sure your GPS tracking system offers all of these options for maintenance alerts.
Driver dispatching
If your businesses dispatch drivers in the field or from a central location, make sure your vehicle tracking system provides features that make this easy for you. Two-way driver communication and the ability to find the closest vehicle will simplify work for dispatchers and allow you to serve more customers in a shorter period of time.
Landmarks and geofences
You might want to know when a vehicle reaches a customer location or when they leave your facility. Landmark and geofence features allow you to set up alerts based on a specific location or perimeter so you can passively track vehicle locations as needed.
PTO event tracking
If you want to monitor power take off events such as a hydraulic lift being engaged or a seatbelt being used, look for a GPS tracking system that can integrate PTO tracking and alerts.
Mobile fleet tracking to use on your devices
In today’s world, fleet managers don’t always work from a desk, especially if you’re an owner-operator. Make sure that the GPS tracking system benefits you by offering a mobile interface that works with the types of devices you use for your business.
Robust reporting to suit your fleet’s needs
Most vehicle tracking systems come with basic reporting tools, but in order to truly optimize your fleet, you need access to all the information that your GPS tracking system gathers.
Analytics to improve your fleet performance
Reports are great for high-level details, but sometimes you just need a snapshot view of performance over time. Analytic reports provide just that, but not every GPS tracking system includes this type of reporting function.
Field service management tools for your fleet
If your drivers interact with customers, collect payments, or need to enter information into a central system, look for a GPS system that allows you to integrate field service management tools.
Ongoing technical support for your GPS system
As a fleet manager you know that sometimes technology doesn’t always work as you expect it to. Look for a provider that not only sells GPS tracking systems, but also provides ongoing technical support for those times that you need a little help with troubleshooting.
GPS Trackit provides all of these important features and more. With more than 25 built-in reports, the Driver Tablet Site, and easy-to-read analytic reports, you have all the fleet information you need right at your fingertips. Speak to a Fleet Advisor today to get started!
WHY YOU SHOULD DISABLE GPS ON YOUR PHONE
Many Android users have reported that leaving GPS on in their mobile phone could be harmful. Here we tell you all about it.
Android phones have multiple functions, for example, they now offer you “senior mode”, “WhatsApp drunk mode” and even “reading mode”. But there is a function that comes from the factory and serves to provide our contacts with other information, we are talking about GPS.
Keeping GPS active allows the apps we install to know where you are going and send you different promotions and targeted ads based on your location. So, here we are going to tell you the reasons why it is not very advisable to always have GPS enabled on your Android phone
Why turn off the GPS on your Android phone?
- One of the reasons mentioned above is that the apps installed on your phone know the places you frequently visit. Facebook,Google and even Instagram know your steps.
- Another detail is that active GPS consumes your phone’s power, even though it is used in the background.
- It is only recommended to activate your GPS in certain situations, . if you think you are in danger and decide to share your location with someone.
- Always check which applications request GPS. To know these details, you should be aware of the permissions they ask for before installing them..
Which applications uses my GPS?
- Go to your phone’s settings
- Then go to Applications
- Then click on the page that says “Permissions Manager”.
- Look for the “Location” option.
- After that you will see all the apps that use your location or even your GPS information.
- You can manually turn anyone off
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