Location-Aware Apps

Location-aware applications are sorts of apps that utilize the geological position of a versatile specialist and resource to execute a assignment. These apps recognize places through obsequious advances such as GPS or portable area advances in cellular systems and versatile contraptions to perform the assignments (Schmidtke, 2020). These applications are essential in providing actual–time locations for users near certain places. These tools are essential in qualitative interaction with business clients, providing them with accurate information about physical stores. In addition, these apps provide updated proposals to audiences, routine data collection, service extension, optimization of marketing strategies, and simplified search approaches. This paper discusses the importance of location-aware applications, the advantages and disadvantages of using the apps, the analysis of obtaining location-based services, and the risks associated with using these applications.

Importance of Location-aware Apps

Location-aware applications are essential in promoting user experience since they offer relevant data based on user’s real location. From mapping and navigation apps to location-based networking. Thus, the incorporation of real-time location facilitates the operationalization and utility of several applications (Girginkaya & Ergen).In addition, businesses utilize location-aware specifications to provide customized services based on qualitative interaction. These applications also provide updated suggestions to clients, enhancing businesses to expand their marketing strategies.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Location-aware Applications

Advantages

Rapid technological evolution has increased use of location-based applications due to the associated benefits. First, these apps provide customized recommendations and service–based locations for potential clients. Second, these tools facilitate optimized user engagement driven by location-aware features, allowing users access to relevant services and content (). Third, maps and navigation features anchored in location-aware apps allow users to link with people nearby, fostering positive connections between local communities and the actual world.

Disadvantages

Although location-based applications significantly benefit business marketing, location, and customer interactions, they pose disadvantages. These tools have privacy issues in collecting and using location information since users’ privacy may be deprived (). Continuous use of location services in mobile gadgets led to battery drain, affecting the performance of the apps. In addition, the location provided by the apps may need to be more accurate, leading to accurate app functionality. Collection, storage, and transmission of location information may predispose users to security threats, including hacking activities.

Analysis of Methods of Obtaining Location-based Services

There are several methods of acquiring location-aware services. These include using a Global Positioning System that depends on satellite signals to detect the location of devices. The Wi-Fi Positioning method uses Wi-Fi signals to triangulate a device’s real-time location based on nearby Wi-Fi networks (Zeng et al., 2020). Cellular positioning is another method through which location-based services are obtained. Bluetooth and Beacon technology are also used in acquiring location-based services.

Risks Associated with Using Location-based Services

Utilizing location-based services is associated with several risks to users. First, using these tools predispose users to privacy breaches during data collection and sharing. Secondly, location-based services are linked with increasing security threats from data sharing if appropriate data security measures are not applied (Lin, 2021). Third, location-based services create concerns over user resistance due to privacy issues, this undermines the functionality of the device’s location-aware features. Location-aware technology developers face risks of legal vindication if they do not follow application design regulations.

Conclusion

Location-aware applications are gaining vast attention from businesses due to their ability to detect real-time device locations. This technology is obtained through Wi-Fi networks, cellular positioning, Bluetooth, and beacon technology. In addition, these services are obtained through.GPS feature that is based on signal detection. Location-based services are essential in enhancing user experience, mapping navigation for actual locations, and promoting business expansion. However, the technology is associated with disadvantages from involving risks of privacy breaches, security vulnerabilities, and potential inaccuracy of the apps in addition to draining mobile gadget batteries, causing malfunction of the applications.

References

Girginkaya Akdağ, S., & Ergen, A. (2020). Role of location-based mobile apps in city marketing: Beşiktaş as a student-friendly district. Journal of Location Based Services, 14(2), 49-70. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ahu-Ergen/publication/342842984_Role_of_location-based_mobile_apps_in_city_marketing_Besiktas_as_a_student-friendly_district/links/5f7794e2458515b7cf62acb2/Role-of-location-based-mobile-apps-in-city-marketing-Besiktas-as-a-student-friendly-district.pdf?_sg%5B0%5D=started_experiment_milestone&origin=journalDetail

Lin, Y. (2021). Understanding and Mitigating New Risks in Location-Aware Technologies (Doctoral dissertation, Northwestern University). https://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/computer-science/documents/allen-yilun-lin_tech-report.pdf

Schmidtke, H. R. (2020). Location-aware systems or location-based services: a survey with applications to CoViD-19 contact tracking. Journal of Reliable Intelligent Environments, 6(4), 191-214. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s40860-020-00111-4.pdf

Zeng, W., Bashir, R., Wood, T., Siewe, F., Janicke, H., & Wagner, I. (2020). How location-aware access control affects user privacy and security in cloud computing systems. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=11286&context=ecuworkspost2013