"dragon" wrote in message
oups.com...
Google.com has implemented a new feature wherein you can type
someone's telephone # into the search bar and hit enter and you will
be given a map to their house. You can however have your # removed
or blocked. I tested this and sure enough my address came up, and
when I clicked on the mapquest link, a map came up with a star on my
house.
This is surprising. Google came out with a great new mapping featu
maps.google.com
I hope they make it so that it automatically goes to their new mapping
feature, as well.
But, the reverse lookup is not new for google, either. They have been doing
it for a long time.
Google has some really cool tools. I love their Picasa Photo Organzier and
Google Desktop Search. Go to
www.google.com, and choose More near where you
enter the search string.
Unbelievable. Think about it, if a child or anyone gives out
their # someone can find out exactly where they live. The safety
issues are obvious and alarming.
I agree. The convience features are really cool, though. You don't know
where your son's friend lives? Just type in his phone number. Or you don't
know where a business is? Just type in the phone number. You don't even have
to bother the staff, and you could print it out.
To test this go to www.google.com and type your # in the search bar
and hit enter. If you want to block google from giving out your
private info, simply click on phonebook results above your # and
scroll down. I removed my name, but it takes about 48 hours. If your
# is unlisted you might not be in there but it would be a good idea
to check. You might want to pass this info on to friends & family.
I obviously had a different take on this than you. I like the technology and
see how it can benefit us. Plus, I am a fan of google and their new browser
(they helped fund the development, but they don't own it), FoxFire (at
www.mozilla.com). You are concerned about the privacy issues. (So am I.)
Thanks for reminding us of this.
Jeff
BTW, I highly recommend FoxFire and ThunderBird, the new email program.
Both are excellent and safer than Microsoft's products.
dragon