BIOS: Technology Means Business

How’s this for Big Brother? WorldTracker SMS is a self-contained hardware and software package small enough to fit in the palm of your hand (45x66x25mm, 87g).

When placed with packages, vehicles, or personnel, the WorldTracker SMS provides detailed reports of routes travelled - perfect for quality-control, security purposes and stalking!

The gizmo even features SiRF star III technology for extra sensitive reception outdoors, indoors and through metal. The WASS-enabled receiver even provides GPS signal corrections, giving better position accuracy. How much better? The company claims an average of up to five times better. A WAAS-capable receiver can apparently give you a position accuracy of better than three meters 95 per cent of the time. Wow!

The World Tracker SMS has two communication channels - a GPS receiver to determine the position of the ‘target’ and a GSM phone interface to ‘phone home’ - to receive orders and setup instructions, and to report the GPS position back to the tracking persons or items. The WorldTracker SMS has no other interface - neither serial nor Bluetooth ports are available.

Location information can be reported to a mobile phone or PDA using SMS messages without the use of a computer or Web site, but you can also track using Google Earth. All hardware necessary to start tracking is included, and there are no monthly access or service charges. No computer is required either.

SMS messages are sent through the company’s server allowing you to use Google Earth to track to your target live or view past locations. Google Earth uses high resolution satellite images, 3D maps and the power of Google to create a complete virtual world. If you’ve never used Google’s amazing mapping program, go to .

WorldTracker SMS costs $89.95 and provides tracking access for 1 year. Customers must pay this fee before the service is activated. To get started you need to have a valid SIM card, and need to know its phone number. You can either use one of your own SIM cards or you buy a SIM as part of the package.

The product's home page is here.

Got this product? Got a camcorder/mic? Let us post YOUR video/podcast review!