Like Vocera, other companies are focusing on merging telephone networks with Wi-Fi's ability to deliver data over short ranges. For example, Internet Home Alliance (IHA), a non-profit home networking research company, is working on a system that would let a car pulling into the driveway automatically arm or disarm a home's security system, turn lights on or off in the home, or adjust its thermostat. Companies participating in the development include General Motors, security firm ADT, and Panasonic.

The company is selling wearable Wi-Fi gear that it envisions will replace bulky handsets in large stores, warehouses and hospitals, Vocera's telephone system, kalemba iii iphone case which it announced in June, is a new breed of phone network that uses Wi-Fi, a wireless networking standard that creates 300-foot zones of wireless connectivity, Because of Wi-Fi's short range, Vocera thinks its equipment will be used to replace intercom networks in warehouse or hospitals, Wi-Fi-based phone systems from companies such as SpectraLink have been on sale for years, but most involve bulky handsets that weigh more than a pound each, The Vocera badge is 3.5 ounces, light enough to pin to a shirt or shirt collar, according to records on file with the Federal Communications Commission..

CNET también está disponible en español. Don't show this again. The software was developed following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, said Vipul Sawhney, LocatioNet's vice president of technology. "I was in the Manhattan office at the time of the attacks, and everyone wanted to know where I was," he said. "We thought later on, wouldn't it be nice if this could be done automatically?". Where Are They Now is just one example of a commercial service inspired by so-called E-911 systems--emergency services now required by the Federal Communications Commission. E-911 systems are supposed to help emergency workers and police locate a person in trouble by calling 911 from a cell phone.

To win back some of costs of building these systems, carriers are looking to create commercial services, such as helping stranded motorists or offering location information for restaurants or services, for example, AT&T Wireless is the kalemba iii iphone case first carrier to launch a service, called "Find Friends." The service allows a cell phone subscriber to know the location of any number of other subscribers, and assists in creating a meeting point, A lot more of these kinds of services will start appearing, predicted Jonas Petterson, business development manager for Ericsson..

Privacy groups have raised concerns about "geo-tracking," saying that the technology could be a tool for criminals. "There are some things you don't mind other people knowing, but your location isn't one of them," said Gary Laden, a privacy program director for BBBOnline, a Better Business Bureau subsidiary. But AT&T Wireless and Ericsson said their services shouldn't raise privacy concerns. Services will only find those cell phone owners who have given their permission to be found, said representatives from the two companies.