Global Positioning Systems have a range of applications, being used in everything from cartography and navigation to surveying, fishing and a range of other applications. From the individual user's point of view, however, what makes a GPS hand held device especially attractive is its combined mobile phone and global positioning features. As well as being able to contact and be contacted wherever you are, you'll never get lost with this cutting edge software that lets you know exactly where you are and helps you find places you're looking for.

Technology news has all the latest updates on GPS phones that will be hitting the market during 2011, and the choice of features on offer is becoming ever greater as new models come out.

As well as pinpointing your position and sending you concise and clear directions for travelling, a GPS phone and GPS solutions can be used to keep you updated about special offers and promotions from local businesses and where restaurants, hotels and attractions are located wherever you happen to be. Gone are the days of hefty road and street maps and city guides. With a GPS phone you have it all literally at your fingertips.

Every GPS phone comes with a panic button as standard so that the authorities can be alerted immediately in the unlikely but possible event that you are abducted or attacked. It will not only pinpoint your position but allow them to listen in to conversations and monitor the situation as it develops.

A GPS phone can be used to locate your car if you misplace it in a car park, track if it's stolen and can be used in conjunction with a tracking device to keep an eye on pets and kids. It can even be used as an exercise monitor and earthquake predictor, and there are a multitude of other uses, a number of of which are only just starting to be explored.

HTC Wildfire
Some of the hottest GPS phones to hit the market this year include HTC Wildfire, which is particularly good when it comes to integrating social networking sites and can be fully customised with apps and widgets. It runs on the Google Android OS and incorporates multiple home screens. There's a widget you can use to share information about cool new apps with your mates, and the device also includes a camera and Wi-Fi as well as the built-in GPS.

Sony Ericsson Elm
Sony Ericsson Elm is the ultimate environmentally friendly GPS phone, made from recycled materials and free of toxic chemicals. Its camera incorporates autofocus and face detection software, and it comes with full Facebook integration. With a multimedia player and music recognition software this is the perfect piece of kit to keep in touch and connected when you're out and about.

Samsung Galaxy S
Samsung's Galaxy S has a 4-inch touch screen with a cutting edge and highly sensitive display. Its multi-tasking capabilities are phenomenal, and it comes with HD video as well as the standard camera, is Wi-Fi connected and uses Google SatNav for GPS capability.
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