Google Maps makes big change on how users location data is stored

Google Maps remains one of the widely used apps in its segment. In December last year, the company announced to store user’ data on the device instead of the cloud. The change is now rolling out to Google Maps users worldwide. With the location history data storage change, Google aims to give users more control over their location data. It is also aimed to make it difficult for law authorities to access data from Google Maps via geofence warrants.

What are geofence warrants?

Geofence warrants, used by law enforcement authorities allow them to fetch the data of tech companies on mobile phones that have passed through a certain area during a specific time period. For instance, as part of a past investigation into attempted arson, the FBI used the warrant to collect information about a Black Lives Matters protest in Seattle, US.

What is the new Google Maps change?

As part of the change, location history on Google Maps will now be termed ‘Timeline’. The data is now grouped into Trips, Places, Cities, and World (countries). Google will also generate Insights to tell users how far they traveled on a particular mode of transport.

It is noteworthy to state here that timeline or location history data on Google Maps will no longer be available on web version.

Google is rolling out the changes to Google Map users worldwide. Google will notify users once it is available on their device. It will send a prompt message asking users to migrate the existing location history to the device via an updated app button. In case a user fails to do so, the Timeline data will be deleted.

11 mn vehicles equipped in Russia with Glonass SCBA systems

More than 11 million automobiles were equipped in Russia in the last nine years with the automatic emergency call system, ERA Glonass. In the first five months of this year, almost 800,000 vehicles were equipped with this device, which is a mandatory part of new or imported cars that meet Russia’s safety standards. Since the launch of Glonass ERA, motorists have made more than 380,000 emergency calls to rescue teams. Eighty percent of the requests for help were made automatically in serious accidents, the manager pointed out. www.plenglish.com

Indian Register of Shipping certifies Autonomous System with dual navigation capability

Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) announced its successful collaboration with MazagonDock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) on the pioneering technology demonstration of Autonomous Navigation system with dual navigation capabilities on the MDL Tug – MT Andaman.

IRS rigorously tested the Autonomous Navigation System software – developed by RobosysAutomation and Robotics Pvt. Ltd. – through simulation, as per approved Factory Acceptance Test procedure. The autonomous configuration also includes a Remote-Control Centre (RCC), specifically designed to control and or monitor the vessel from a remote location.

Subsequent to installation of the autonomous systems on board the tug, IRS verified system functionality as per the approved Harbor Acceptance Test procedure. Remote control of propulsion and steering systems from the RCC, as well as the monitoring of key machinery, navigation parameters, and situational awareness system at Remote Control Centre were also verified as part of harbour trials.

IRS witnessed the autonomous sea trials of the MDL tug on 23rd and 24th May 2024 as per the approved Sea Acceptance Test procedure. The trials successfully demonstrated collision avoidance in accordance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG), alongside various emergency response measures such as handling the loss of primary controls and communication with the RCC. www.irclass.org