Latest iPhone 2.0 Beta Adds Geo-Tagging to Photos

[MacRumors]

Apple has continued to add new features to their upcoming iPhone 2.0 firmware release. The latest version seeded to Enterprise customers has a added geo-tagging to the Camera application, according to Appleinsider.




The latest iPhone 2.0 Beta (5A292g) asks the user for permission before transmitting their location information. Apple currently uses Wi-fi and Cell tower identification to pinpoint locations, but is rumored to add GPS support in the next version of the iPhone.

Essentially, geo-tagging is the process of adding geographical identification metadata to media files such as latitude and longitude coordinates -- or even names of places -- so that those files can later be referenced, searched, and grouped based on their origin.

This functionality appears to fall under a broader "Location Services" preference that can be turned on or off.

The use of location in mobile phone applications is a growing trend. iPhone developers are already working on location based social networks and even a multiplayer role playing game (MMORPG) set in the real world.

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[fanbrain]

I like the sound of that. The triangulation feature doesn't work so well here, so GPS would be a welcome addition.

[sassenach74]

I don't get a mention for submitting it to you?

Edit: thanks Arn

Also did anyone else spot this on the second to last line:

iPhone Software 2.0 is due next month alongside the company's much-anticipated next-generation iPhone that will boast support for so-called 3G networks. However, it will also be made available for existing iPhone owners.

What does that mean exactly?

[captain kaos]

Giggerty, giggerty Goo!


Oh steve, home many more days are you going to leave us waiting on the edge of our seats!?

[spazzcat]

I wonder why this was release to only Enterprise customers? And not to all current developers with access to the betas?

[sassenach74]

Originally Posted by spazzcat

I wonder why this was release to only Enterprise customers? And not to all current developers with access to the betas?

Don't quote me, but I think that's the way they've been doing it with all the beta releases.

[spazzcat]

Originally Posted by sassenach74

Don't quote me, but I think that's the way they've been doing it with all the beta releases.

Guess I didn't realize that My iPhone wants an update

[mogzieee]

It sounds all to confusing for an Apple product.... I doubt anything like this

[arn]

Originally Posted by sassenach74

I

iPhone Software 2.0 is due next month alongside the company's much-anticipated next-generation iPhone that will boast support for so-called 3G networks. However, it will also be made available for existing iPhone owners.

What does that mean exactly?

Just that the iPhone 2.0 firmware is coming for all current iphone users.

Originally Posted by spazzcat

I wonder why this was release to only Enterprise customers? And not to all current developers with access to the betas?

Enteprise customers get it first, and the devs usually get it shortly.

arn

[sassenach74]

Originally Posted by arn

Just that the iPhone 2.0 firmware is coming for all current iphone users.

Ah yes, read that line completely wrong, appologies.

[Data]

I would love it if the next moddel phone would have gps build in, to me that's the one reason to upgrade my current phone.
No more sepperate navigation stuff needed for in the car for instance, can't wait , but i first have to see it before i believe it.

[eyephone]

So...

Let me make sure I am understanding this function correctly. Being that the next iphone may have a true GPS built in, you would be able to take a picture and link it to a location, only to return to it later?

Lets say that I visit an office building several miles away, I can take a picture of the building for graphical reference, and have that location on my phone anytime I need to revisit this location, all by selecting the picture in a list. Or maybe you could send someone a picture of your current location that would give them a picture and GPS coordinates of where you are.

If I am correct this sounds like a great idea.

[macFanDave]

Now I can know the exact geographic coordinates where the blurs in my life are! Yay!

[obliterations]

Originally Posted by eyephone

So...

Let me make sure I am understanding this function correctly. Being that the next iphone may have a true GPS built in, you would be able to take a picture and link it to a location,...Or maybe you could send someone a picture of your current location that would give them a picture and GPS coordinates of where you are.

If I am correct this sounds like a great idea.

Just imagine being lost in a city. "Help I'm near a StarBucks and I can't find my way home" ...send image...

All your friends and family will be able to find your dead body.

[Iphtashu Fitz]

Originally Posted by eyephone

So...
Let me make sure I am understanding this function correctly. Being that the next iphone may have a true GPS built in, you would be able to take a picture and link it to a location, only to return to it later?

Digital cameras store all sorts of metadata in the images you take. The metadata adheres to a standard known as EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) which can be read by all sorts of applications. EXIF data can include everything from the date/time an image is taken to the type of lens used to the shutter speed, ISO, and other advanced settings (if a digital camera supports them). It can also store the serial number of the camera, which can lead to all sorts of trouble if you assume photos are anonymous (people who leaked confidential data via digital photos have been tracked down by law enforcement this way). The EXIF format also specifies placeholders for GPS latitude/longitude and other GPS/location details, so the chances are they're simply going to add this information into photos that the iPhone takes.

Your idea of "going back" to a location where you snapped a photograph wouldn't be all that difficult. You'd just need an application that can read the latitude/longitude from the EXIF metadata in a digital photo and tell your iPhone to go to that location. Whether or not Apple will provide that functionality directly waits to be seen.

[herocero]

Originally Posted by sassenach74

I don't get a mention for submitting it to you?

iPhone Software 2.0 is due next month alongside the company's much-anticipated next-generation iPhone that will boast support for so-called 3G networks. However, it will also be made available for existing iPhone owners.

What does that mean exactly?

The iPhone software update will be available to existing iPhone customers (non-3G). These features will be present, just without the 3G data speeds, GPS, front facing video camera, and the other hardware upgrades rumored to be in the new release (personally I am waiting for the iPhone cotton-candy maker upgrade).

On a similar note, I highly recommend reading this CNet blog (

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-9942958-37.html?tag=blog.6

). Some of these android apps are really cool and very geo-centric, and this Google development fund isn't nearly as large as what KPCB is putting together. 3rd party apps are going to be the tipping point of this phone.

[SignorRossi]

I am very sure that we will see GPS in the next iPhone! It will be integrated in CoreLocation!

[decimortis]

if only the folks on LOST had one of these...

[MrCrowbar]

Originally Posted by decimortis

if only the folks on LOST had one of these...

:-)
Picture of you on island: check
GPS Tag on picture: check
GSM or WIFI to call for help: nope

Solution:
Stick the iPhone in a bottle and let it float away. If I fould a bottle with an iPhone in it, I would totally want to get it.

To Do: Find a bottle to fit an iPhone inside

[crees!]

Originally Posted by decimortis

if only the folks on LOST had one of these...

Then the show would have to be called FOUND.

[Marvin1379]

Originally Posted by crees!

Then the show would have to be called FOUND.

and *that* wouldn't be much of a show

[JoeDMD]

Originally Posted by crees!

Then the show would have to be called FOUND.

I'm not sure... They have a sat phone and all they use it for is to call the people trying to kill them.

[koobcamuk]

Originally Posted by crees!

Then the show would have to be called FOUND.

and it would've been good and only lasted 1 episode.

[Stately]

Originally Posted by decimortis

if only the folks on LOST had one of these...

LoL

[inkswamp]

Originally Posted by decimortis

if only the folks on LOST had one of these...

Ah yes, the iPhone Lost Edition.

* The GPS screen asks "Camera would like to use your location. [execute]"

* All your stored contacts have the same phone number: 4815162342

* Signal strength is terrible, but you can occasionally tune in to a French woman broadcasting a distress message.

* It only has one button on the interface and you have to press the darn thing every 108 minutes.

* You can call any of your friends named Jacob, but you may be too limited to hear anything they try to tell you.

* Please note: the iPhone Lost Edition is only available to people with "daddy issues."