An article on Google's grandly-named European Public Policy Blog, which offers "Google's views on government, policy and politics in Europe", has gently announced what the search-and-advertising behemoth calls A new option for location-based services.

Google's location-based services rely extensively on its controversial global database of WiFi access points.

The idea is simple. Google's many StreetView cars and bicycles spend their time driving around our suburbs, snapping a continuous stream of photographs of houses, gardens, offices, parks - whatever they pass on their all-encompassing journeys.

Whilst they're about it, the StreetView vehicles also make digital recordings in other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum - to wit, they sniff out WiFi access points and record their identification information and location.

Most access points spend long periods of time with the same MAC address and network name, and in the same place. So, a list of the access points currently within range of your laptop or mobile phone lets Google make a pretty good guess at your current location.

This obviates the need for GPS - which is slow to lock when you first power it up, drains your battery if you leave it running, and doesn't work well indoors.

Google's outward-facing explanation of the benefit of its massive WiFi database is that it represents value to you - it helps you find out where you are. Sadly, most of the time you already know where you are. You're at home, or in the office, or stuck yet again in a traffic jam on Parramatta Road on your way to work. Or from it.

Never use it . Have a nice time .

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