Vehicle Tracking 100% Free for everyone

Vehicle and People Tracking Revenues to reach 3 Billion Euros in Western Europe

Hampshire, UK 10th December 2007: In a new report on tracking and navigation LBS (Location Based Services) Juniper Research has estimated that revenues from wireless tracking services in Western Europe, are expected to to reach nearly 3.3 billion euros by 2012. The study explains how this will be driven by two key factors – the need to improve business efficiency and concerns over personal safety.

The business sector provides the largest opportunity for tracking applications, but applications also exist in the consumer sector eg for child tracking, pet tracking, “granny tracking” etc. The new report looks at two key areas within the location based services market; vehicle tracking and people tracking.

Now with Skype!

For all the Skype lovers out there you can now add your Skype! name or another contact number to your profile, which will show a clickable link to start Skype! on the persons computer.

You can find this new feature inside each user ID profile.

You can either enter your Skype username, and then people who click on your Skype! icon will be able to call your PC...

or

You can enter a mobile number in the international format, so when users click your Skype! icon it will connect to your mobile!... [ please note: Users will require Skype credit to call you ].

or

Leave the Skype box blank and it will not show at all.

Major Upgrade

LocateA.net is just over 1 year old, and the time has come when we just need to upgrade.

The reason for this is simple... while we tried to think of everything possible at the beginning there are always those things that just 'slip your mind' when thinking things through...

We thought we had 'seen the light' when it came to programming the site, but we were wrong... It's a bit like when the phone regulator keeps changing the numbers of the dialing codes, the reason... they just didn't imagine they needed so many at the time!

the same is true with LocateA.net, we need more, and we need to change our code in such a way that it requires a complete re-start of the data held on the servers... there is no escape I'm afraid we boobed it...

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME?

This only effects you if you have recorded data.

If you do not have or use the record functions on the site then this is of no interest to you.

If you record data...

On 01/01/2008 we will be deleting ALL recorded data, if this affects you then you need to read on!

If you are recording data just for the hell of it and do not want to keep your data you need do nothing...

If however you want to keep your data, then you need to export it before 1/1/08.

On the 01/01/2008 @ an unknown time we will be deleting all recorded data and installing a new recording system for you that will include 50 extra 'safe guards' on this event ever happening again!

This might take a few days, or up to a week while we intergrate the new server... so there will be no guarentee that we can offer you our recorded tracking service during this time...

Please post in the Forums if you need help on this subject. Thanks.

Van Tax Law Changes

Did you know that from April 2007, the 'benefit-in-kind' tax charge on company vans will soar from £500.00 to a massive £3,500.00 unless you can prove that the van is only used for business not personal use.

The scale charge for unrestricted private use will increase to £3,000.00 and if an employer provides fuel for unrestricted private use, an additional fuel charge of £500.00 will apply.

With the onus on employers to provide proof of use, you need to consider the benefits of vehicle tracking technology to present unequivocal evidence of when, where and how a vehicle has been used.

While other tracking systems charge you £500 + a year to be able to record this kind of vehicle tracking data, LocateA is the only site where you really will make a saving, because LocateA is FREE!

Updated PDA Tracking Software

Today see's the start of whats to come in mobile tracking software.

We have added 3 new types of software to the Downloads Section.

1. LocateA v071 for Pocket PC's running Windows 2003
2. LocateA v091 for PDA's running Windows Mobile 5 [ + uses Built in GPS ]
3. LocateA v091 for PDA's running Windows Mobile 5 Smart Phones [ + uses Built in GPS ]

and don't forget we now also have Java Software that works on most normal Mobile Phones!

Now there is no excuse's for not getting on the map!

Remember, it's all free, and you can download the new software right now in the Downloads Section.

Java GPS Tracking Software

Finally a Java version of LocateA is out. Note that this is just a BETA version and that there will be bugs. But feel free to download it and test it out. Your feedback is very important for us.

You can find the application and download instructions in the Downloads section.

Does my phone support the Java version?

If your phone is on the list at http://mobilezoo.biz/search.php?action=search&search=%2B%28JSR82+JSR179%29+%2B%22CLDC+1.1%22 , it should be able to run the application just fine.

What are the requirements to run the Java version?

The device must support

MIDP 2.0
CLDC 1.1

and either Bluetooth API (JSR 82) or Location API (JSR 179) to use the application for tracking. Also you of course need a internal/external GPS to use the application with.

Caravan Tracking

Our new hard-wired tracking unit is the ideal solution if you want to help recover your caravan if it has been stolen.

With over 3000 caravans stolen a year, it's something you can no longer ignore.

Low cost caravan tracking has arrived!

Our units are small, easy to hide, easy to fit and once purchased there is no additional subscription, unlike the more expensive caravan tracking units on the market.

The caravan tracking unit can be instantly geo-fenced by sending it a simple text message, just text it the word 'stay', if your caravan moves more than 200 meters the tracking unit will instantly text you it's latitude, longitude, speed, direction, heading & the nearest motorway junction.

If you have programmed your tracker to use the LocateA website maps, your caravan will also instantly appear on the map, so you can call the police and direct them to it within a few minutes!

Hard Wired Tracking Units now Available

LocateA 'Hard-Wired Tracking Unit' now available to buy!

It might be low cost, but it's packed with features the most expensive tracking systems are finding hard to beat!

Unit measures just 98x64x36mm
Instant Geo fence System, just text the Unit 'Stay' and if your vehicle moves more than 200 meters it will alert you to a phone number you program in to it.
Easily programmed by sending the unit simple SMS message.
Low Power Consumption, Typically 12mA on standby
SiRF III GPS Receiver to ensure a good signal at all times
Intelligent power control
The unit is already configured to send data to the LocateA website, just tell it your User ID & PIN, OR informs you of the nearest motorway junction if you send the unit a SMS Message from your phone!
Runs on any network Pay-as-you-go & contract SIMS *
Tells you how much credit is available on supported SIMS
Extremely simple wiring, just 2 wires
IP56 Protection
Full RoHS Compliance, Pb (lead) free

The benefits of using a Hard Wired unit are...

Low cost, updates typically cost just 1p on a PAYG SIM
Updates can be programmed, every 2 minute, 5 minutes etc
If your vehicle is stolen, you will find it!
Set & forget, once installed and programmed, there is nothing else to do
Shows you on the map only when the vehicle is moving, saving you money
No subscription to the LocateA website

Each unit costs just £199.99 + VAT [ £234.99 ] and you own it for life!

Ideal for Fleet Tracking, Couriers, Taxi's, Caravans, Boats, Assets, Bikes etc etc.

New Version of LocateA [ 90c ] BETA

We have today released a new BETA version of the LocateA software for Windows Mobile 5

This BETA version is for those of you who feel up to testing out some new features on LocateA.

Please note: This version is BETA, which means it might not work fully as you expect it to, if you download this version and use it, please leave Feedback if you find errors etc

If you want a Stable Version, do not use this one! Use Version 0.51

This version [ 90c ] should do the following...

Remember your log in details
Auto reconnect to GPRS
Select your own ring tones for alerts to GPRS Messages

You can find the new version in the Downloads Section

Who can send me GPRS Messages ?

Up until now you could only send and receive GPRS message within your own group of users, but we have now made it possible for you to set up who you want to receive GPRS messages from.

From within your users control page, you should see a new drop down menu called "Enable GPRS Messages from" ... the available options are...

none = only people within your group of users can send / receive GPRS messages.

public = all visitors to the site can send that user a GPRS message if that user appears on a public map.

registered = only logged in registered users of this site can send that user a GPRS message, if that user appears on a public map.

If you set this to 'public' then anyone in the world can send you a FREE GPRS message instantly!