When Apple released its new iOS 5 operating system to go with the iPhone 4S, it ballyhooed an app called "Find My Friends" which was designed as a way to track and meet up with friends. If they agree, you can see their location on a map on your screen.
Divorce lawyers - listen up - this is precisely WHY we tell you to advise your client not to accept a cell phone as a gift. According to a chat posting on MacRumors, a man said he got his wife a new iPhone 4S and loaded "Find My Friends" without her knowledge. He was suspicious that she was having an affair - and the app tracked her to the suspected lover's home. So he posted a thank you to the iPhone and the app - apparently the wife has money and he expects to do well in divorce court with his evidence.
The app works with both the iPhone or iPad and uses their built-in GPS to see your friends' locations - accurate to within a few feet.
I love to see people come bearing gifts - but I will never accept a smartphone as a gift. Spyware could always be loaded on the phone as well since the giver would have had physical access. No thanks, I'll buy my own smartphones!
Hat tip to Jason Foltin for sending me the story.
E-mail: snelson@senseient.com Phone: 703-359-0700
