Wearable GPS is proliferating, just because it can, it seems. We now have a GPS sneaker from Quantum Satellite Technology that promises to locate the wearer with press of a button. And there’s the indisposable SkyKap Advisor: golf claps for GPS golf caps.What’s the burning desire to be able to locate someone? Here in Maryland, the technology is discussed as a solution to school children skipping class. However, there is vocal opposition, such as that expressed in the recent Washington Post article GPS Tagging Is for Wild Animals, Not Truants.OK, golf GPS I guess is no worse than other luxuries.

And I’m all for safety, but $20/month plus $350 for the GPS shoes is extremely costly; most people won’t buy these - especially not for their children (what’s the company’s shoe marketing pitch - “Just Find It”?). There are some niche possibilities. Hikers, for example; except they already are heavy users of GPS devices so it’s unclear why they would want one in their shoes. There are certainly viable business uses for GPS in shoes - military and emergency personel could benefit. However, GPS in sneakers is unlikely to find its way into many school locker rooms.

Speaking of schools … as for tagging truants using GPS, it fails the litmus test too. Knowing where the kids are when they are not in school solves nothing. The objective should be to make them want to stay in school, which has nothing to do with tracking their whereabouts. GPS here is as worthless as an electronic fence. In school, careabouts trump whereabouts.All of this wearable GPS is cool - the business uses will become interesting, but only, it seems, after every last consumer possibility is explored.