GPS Will Now Tell You You're In A 'Bad' Neighborhood

from the now-that's-a-point-of-interest dept

While various GPS systems are competing to provide better, more interesting or more detailed "points of interest," it appears that Honda is going even further. Its new GPS system will also warn drivers when they're in a "bad neighborhood" where there's a high crime rate, and where their cars may be more likely to be vandalized or stolen. Right now, the product is only targeted at the Japanese market, but it's likely to eventually make it to the US. What will be worth watching is how communities respond if they're listed in GPS systems as being bad neighborhoods. These days, such designations are usually made by random people -- but having it in a GPS system (especially given how slavishly some listen to what their GPS tells them) may make it seem more "official." While I can imagine some communities getting angry about the designation, some might try to improve their reputations, which could have a very positive end result. Of course, when talking about American communities, that's probably not the case. They'll probably just sue, claiming defamation.

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