If you need to keep track of someone (or maybe need someone to keep track of you!) a couple of possibilities have come to my attention.

First, a device called the BlueTrack Prime 1300 has just been released. It is a simple GPS tracker (designed for hill walkers and the like) but it has an SOS button that will text and email an alert - which even contains a link to Google StreetView showing your exact current permission - to persons of your choice. Useful if you are likely to fall or collapse somewhere and need to summon assistance. The device cost about £85 and the text/email emergency service costs £149 per annum.

More info at http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/components/386062/bluetrack-prime-13...

Now ... not many people know this ... if you have an Android device (phone or tablet) and you tick the box that lets Google know your position (so, for example, it can show you the closest Costa / police station / Michelin starred restaurant ...) you may not know that the device sends back a minute-by-minute report of your location to Google. Big Brother? No (as you have to opt-in to the service and it's very easy to opt out if you change your mind) but for FREE (subject to the usual ad pestering that comes with all Google's services) Google will replay your data to you - not only letting you see where you were at 4:15pm last Thursday (quite useful if your mind has lost as many marbles as mine) but allows you to play your movements back-and-forth. There's quite a bit more that can be done but perhaps the most useful function is to show your position in real-time (or at least up to a minute ago).

Why would you want to know that? You obviously know where you are (unless hopelessly lost).

Shared with someone else - a loved one or a carer - it lets them see where you are.

All in all, a very useful free add-on which anyone who needs to track or be kept track of will find invaluable.

More info at http://techcrunch.com/2013/12/18/google-location-history/?%3Fncid=fb

If you are new to "tracking and emergency SOS" technology, you might like to read my earlier thread on devices and phone apps that can help.