Microsoft patents GPS feature dubbed 'Avoid the Ghetto'

Microsoft has patented a GPS feature that helps users avoid dangerous places. It's been dubbed "Avoid the Ghetto".

The feature develops a route that takes into account unsafe neighborhoods, bad weather and dangerous terrain. It has been created especially for mobile phones with GPS technology, but there are fears that "Avoid the Ghetto" could penalize poor neighborhoods.

"People really don't want to get shot or car jacked. It really has nothing to do with dissing poor people. It has to do with staying alive and you know a lot of what's going on with cars these days has an awful lot to do with staying alive. It's certainly what makes a lot of this technology work and what allows people to justify paying for it," said Rob Enderle from the Enderle Group.

It works in real time so it gives users up-to-the-minute information. Microsoft will likely implement the new settings into its Windows phones developed by HTC, Samsung, LG and Nokia's new Lumia 800.

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microsoft, smartphones, technology

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