AT&T Launches FamilyMap to Locate Family Members
April 16, 2009 10:55 AM | AT&T | Comments (0)
| AT&T today announced the availability of AT&T FamilyMap, a new tool that makes it easy to locate a family member's phone via web browser on a PC or mobile device. In addition, AT&T announced a new Mother’s Day promotion featuring three Samsung quick messaging phones, each with a full keyboard that makes it easier to stay in touch, whether through text messaging, e-mail or AT&T FamilyMap. The phones are the Samsung Propel for $49.99, Samsung Eternity for $129.99, Samsung Impression for $199.99 The service enables users to see details such as location on a map and surrounding landmarks like schools and parks. Users can also toggle between satellite and interactive street maps. Families can customize their mapping experience by assigning a name and photo to each device within their account, and can also label places they visit frequently, like “Home” or “Soccer Field.” Through the tool’s schedule checks option, parents can receive alerts at specified times via text or e-mail. |  |
For example, parents could request a schedule check every weekday at 4 p.m. to check on their child’s location.
In another scenario, parents of a teenager who drives could use the tool to check on their child’s location instead of calling or texting the teen, which might present a distraction while the teen is on the road.
Users may locate any phone with which a billing relationship is established — for example, phones that are part of the same wireless account.
In keeping with AT&T’s industry-leading stance on privacy, AT&T FamilyMap includes tools that give the primary account owner control in managing privacy preferences. All users on the account receive a text message when their phones first become locatable through AT&T FamilyMap, and those users will receive periodic reminders that their phones can be located. Alternately, the account owner has the option of notifying a phone every time location information is requested. Additionally, account owners receive notification when location information for a phone not already being tracked is requested through the application, and he or she can then choose whether to allow the request.
The service is compatible with all AT&T postpaid mobile phones. Location information is returned with the highest precision when A-GPS (assisted-GPS) technology is available. Alternative location-finding technologies will be utilized to locate users when A-GPS in unavailable1
Users can locate up to two phones on an account for a monthly subscription of $9.99, or up to five phones for $14.99 per month. Customers who sign up for the service will receive the first 30 days free2. Standard data usage charges apply, and an unlimited data plan from AT&T is recommended.
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