You can use GPS technology for a lot more than just recovering your missing mobile device these days. Anyone who has ever been in a relationship with an unfaithful partner knows just how painful it is to waste your valuable time and effort on a cheater. Have you ever wondered if the person you’re with is being faithful? Does it seem like your significant other is trying to hide something? Well, now you might be able to use some stealthy technology to uncover the truth! In most cases, if it feels like something is not right, it probably isn't. Instead of just silently wondering if you are in a relationship with a partner you can trust, you can quickly find out for sure.

A company called MobiStealth recently released a mobile spy software package that you can install on Android, iOS (iPhone), or Blackberry devices to expose even the mostly deeply hidden secrets. Not only will this software allow you to track every move and find the device like most phone tracker apps, it opens up a whole new range of revealing options.

Key Features and Benefits

Some of the most popular features include listening to calls and background voices, viewing and reading text messages, and access to call logs. The program installs in under a minute and allows you to access recorded data through an online interface in real-time. The program runs in the background on the target device making it completely invisible.

Need even more information than that? They also have a data package available that will give you access to all photos on the mobile device as well as web browsing history, bookmarks, and video content. Basic subscription packages start as low as $39.99 for three months of service and you can get an enhanced feature package for $79.99. While this may sound like a lot of money, it is much cheaper than hiring a private investigator.

This is one of the most full-featured spy apps on the market. It provides all the tools necessary to find out exactly what your spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend has been hiding. Why wonder when you can know the truth with 100% certainty?

Other Monitoring Services and Software

In addition to their well-known spy package, MobiStealth also offers an employee monitoring and location tracking application for business owners as well as parental control software to monitor children and teens. This is just one of several options for mobile employee tracking available to business owners. Look for a dedicated section on this topic in the near future. For non-commercial uses, this might just be the only cell phone tracker you will ever need!

Potential users should note that some states and countries have laws that pertain to GPS tracking and software installed without the proper consent from the owner of the device. It is the responsibility of the user to understand and abide by any applicable laws governing the use of tracker applications.

Custom settings give users the option to activate location sharing with friends, co-workers, family members and associates without compromising personal privacy. Suggested uses include coordinating meetings with friends or business colleagues, keeping track of children, locating family members, and social media location sharing on popular platforms such as Twitter or Facebook. One thing we liked about this program is that you can customize the settings so you get exactly what you want out of it without disclosing any unnecessary information. Since privacy is a major concern, this is a very attractive feature!

Additional Features and Technology

This app acts as a simple solution for locating children and family members giving you the ability to know exactly where they are at any given time with a quick swipe of your touch screen. One feature we liked about this particular application was the turn by turn directions to meet with a specific person or find a physical location. This really comes in handy at concerts, sporting events, or other crowded locations where it is often difficult to meet up with friends or family.

If you want to get creative and expand the functionality, the LOCiMOBILE technology will allow you to pinpoint a specific spot on a map so you can easily return to it later. Even if you don't need to mark the location of a hidden gold mine or sunken treasure, you can apply this technology to some everyday dilemmas including finding a parked car or remembering exactly which store had that great pair of jeans you wanted to go back for.

Paid vs. Free Version - What Are The Differences?

The iPhone software currently has a paid version and a free download. The free version will let you track up to six different users and includes Facebook and Twitter integration. The paid version gives you unlimited user tracking along with the ability to send direct messages in an ad-free environment. Users have downloaded this application from iTunes close to a million times and it managed to land a spot in the top three on the list of social networking apps.

If you need a GSP cell phone tracking solution for fun or to keep track of your loved ones, this program offers a quick and easy answer. Previous versions were known to have some bugs but the current version carries a five-star rating based on well over 300 user ratings and reviews. It is highly recommended that you have the latest updated version of the iPhone operating system installed to get the most from this application and keep it working properly.

Below are a few screen shots to give you an overview of what the messaging system and user interface looks like:

While there are plenty of legitimate reasons for wanting to track a friend or family member, it can be illegal in some places to install such an application without consent.

How do you know if your smartphone is being tracked without your permission?

The answer to this question is not black and white but there are some pretty reliable ways to detect unusual activity on your mobile device. Start by looking for these telltale signs:

1. Abnormal Battery Drain - Some mobile devices have better battery life than others but once you have owned your phone for a few months, you should have a good idea of how long a single charge should last based on your normal usage. Location tracking software will consume extra power by periodically sending location data back and forth from the device. If you notice that the life span of your battery is unusually low, you may want to do a little digging to find out why.

2. Data Usage - Most wireless data plan service providers offer some form of online statistics on how much data transfer is being used each month. If you log in to your account with your service provider, you can see how much information is being transferred is each billing cycle. Look for any suspicious spikes is data usage that sustain themselves over an extended period. A one day spike is probably nothing to be concerned about but if you see a sudden increase of 25% or more and it does not fit with your online browsing habits, that might be a warning sign.

3. Install a System Monitoring App - These apps are available for Android, Blackberry, and the iPhone and will give you an instant overview of every application and process running on your device, even if it is running in the background. They will allow you to end any process that is using system resources and shut it down by simply clicking the "end task" key.

Watch out for stealth tracking applications that might have a name that does not provide a proper description of what the app actually does. The best way to guard against this is to know what applications normally run on your phone. If you see anything that you did not intentionally install, stop it right away and run a Google search for the name of the program to find out what it is.

These are all good warning signs that might alert you to a problem with your cell phone (or tablet) but the best way to prevent a tracking application from being installed is to keep your device with you at all times. Always make sure that your device is within sight and be sure to password protect your user interface. Change your password at least every thirty days for extra security and be sure to avoid sharing your access information with anyone.

To some people, the idea of having your smartphone monitoring your location may seem a little intrusive at first. Once you fully understand the technology and set your concerns aside, you will quickly discover that these programs are an excellent tool to help keep track of your children or teenagers and can also be extremely useful in locating your own mobile device if it is ever lost or stolen.

For those of you who have ever gone through the ordeal of replacing all of your contact information or downloaded applications after losing your smartphone, you will immediately see the value in being able to find your device in a hurry.

A cell phone tracker application is also a valuable tool for companies and business owners who need to monitor employees to make sure they are staying on schedule or properly using company time. This can quickly add to productivity and result in an improved profitability picture by eliminating wasted time and inappropriate company vehicle or equipment use. They are available for all major mobile platforms for both phones and tablets including the iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, and Android powered devices.

How Do Cell Phone Trackers Work?

If you want to track a particular phone or mobile device (this also works for tablets), it must have GPS capability. Once you download the software and install the app, the phone sends a signal to a satellite which then records the location coordinates on a map. Now, you will need to complete a few more simple steps before you can actively monitor its location.

First, you must make sure that the device is on and has a charged battery. Next, be sure to enable the tracking program so that it can emit the proper signal necessary for the satellite to find the device. The best phone tracker apps have the ability to run in the background while your device is on so if anyone were to steal it, they wouldn't know that it was being actively tracked. As a final requirement, you must also be in an area covered by your network provider to work properly. Considering the massive coverage areas of most major service providers, this is rarely an issue unless you live in a remote area.

Additional Features to Consider

Depending on how much information you need, there are some tracking services that will also give you remote access to call logs, the ability to listen to specific calls, and read text messages. These more detailed trackers are sometimes called cell phone spy apps. There are usually monthly subscription costs or added fees involved after the first purchase or download of the app to get access to these extended services.

For more personal uses such as tracking your own trips, exercise routes, bike rides, and the like, there are several free applications that you can download from either the App Store for iPhone users or on Google Play for Android users. As with many free apps, you can usually eliminate advertising and gain access to more detailed functionality by upgrading to the paid version of the program. The choice should ultimately come down to which version best matches up with your personal needs. There are several good packages out there ranging from the most basic of services to highly detailed interfaces which can track and plot multiple devices at the same time.

Just a single traffic ticket or accident can cause insurance premiums to go up for your entire business so you can hardly afford to take any chances with an irresponsible operator. In addition to managing business risk, you want to make sure your business is as profitable as possible. Have you ever wondered what goes on while you are working hard to manage expenses and attract new clients? Wasting fuel by idling or taking an unexpected detour can cost you a lot of money, especially over time.

Monitoring Your Entire Fleet With GPS

One way to make your fleet more efficient is to install a GPS vehicle tracking system that will allow you to monitor your entire fleet from a remote location. These systems record every detail including speed, direction, route, and number of stops so you know you are getting exactly what you are paying for and not letting money slip through the cracks.

One program you may want to consider is called Geomoto. The system is integrated directly with Google maps to give you detailed information across a number of familiar views. This can include a traditional map format that will allow your fleet manager to actively route drivers and assist with providing directions or re-routes in real-time as well as satellite views that enable you to view surrounding buildings.

This is one of the easiest vehicle tracking systems currently available, offering a 30 second installation that does not require any tools. Simply place the GPS tracking device in the vehicle and you have access to you data around the clock. Once the program is up and running, tasks such as auditing mileage records are as simple as pulling up a tracking history record for the employee of interest.

Are These Systems Affordable?

Most business owners avoid installing a GPS tracking system because they assume a commercial grade fleet tracking solution will be costly. Surprisingly enough, these systems are actually very affordable and you can usually roll them out with a small to medium-sized fleet at a cost of less than $20 per month. When you consider the labor and fuel costs you are already incurring, eliminating just an hour or two of wasted time in your business will pay for the system in just a few days. The question then becomes, can you afford not to monitor your fleet?

Statistics say that a child goes missing on average of once every 40 seconds with over 800,000 missing children reported annually in the United States alone. Yes, you read that correctly! Nearly one million kids turn up missing in a single year. Most parents will openly admit that one of their biggest fears is having a child abducted.

The AmberWatch GPS Child Locator

One way some parents have used technology to help reduce the risk of their family becoming a statistic is by making use of GPS technology in cell phones and mobile devices to monitor their children's location. This system was developed through a partnership between Omnilink Systems and the AmberWatch Foundation and designed specifically for parents. It comes with a full set of features that help you protect the safety of your child without taking significant time away from your busy schedule.

The AmberWatch GPS software works by picking up a signal from either a Sprint based phone or a small dedicated tracking device that you can attach to an item of clothing or inside or a bag or backpack. The device reports back to the software program which you can reach from any computer with an Internet connection and plots your child's location on a map. One unique feature that makes the AmberWatch GPS system stand out above other tracking solutions is the ability to monitor location both indoors and out.

The system is perfect for families with several children and it allows you to track each one independently. As a parent, you can check in at any time to make sure your child has arrived on time for school, been picked up at the bus stop, or arrived safely at a friend's house. The system even allows you to set up custom notifications to alert you when certain events occur.

How Much Does it Cost?

The service does carry a small monthly subscription fee but pays easily pays for itself in peace of mind. If you need a solution to keep track of your family and protect them from harm, this is one of the most affordable and convenient ways to achieve that goal. For about the price of a latte from Starbucks, you can have instant access to some of the most robust and sophisticated cell phone tracking technology available.

This app works with iPhone 4, the iPad, and 4th generation iPod Touch devices and it will display the current location of your phone on a map along with the exact time the device was located. There are even rumors that this application may soon be included with all new Apple devices.

As an emergency measure, Find My Phone will also allow you to remotely lock your device and even delete all of your data if it becomes clear that your phone or iPad cannot be recovered. So far, the app has received mixed reviews from users with the biggest complaint so far being the lack of 3GS support. Fourth generation device owners for the most part seem to give it fairly high marks. The interface is clean and easy to use while providing the level of detail you would need to recover a missing device.

How does it compare to other GPS phone tracking security applications?

For the most part, this app provides all the basic features you would want if your phone were ever lost or stolen. It provides an easy way to both locate the device and communicate directly with anyone who might come across it without giving away any access to private information.

There are other apps out there with more in the way of features but if you're looking for a solution that offers a free download, this should do the trick. You should note that this app fits soundly into the category of utility phone tracker app options and does not offer any location-sharing social networking features or data that could be used to track workouts or other route details over time. We give Apple's Find My Phone app 4 stars out of a possible five while acknowledging that the drop in support for 3GS users is frustrating.

It should go without saying but sometimes we all need a friendly reminder, the only way this program is useful is if it's properly set up before you run into a problem. Whenever you upgrade your phone or tablet, be sure to set up and test your tracking software right away. Hopefully you never unintentionally part ways with your device but if you do, this will allow you to make a serious recovery effort and protect your personal information if necessary.

This quick video will guide you through an intro to Google's handy location-sharing app. It will answer some of the most common questions and concerns while giving you an overview of just how easy it is to set up and use.

This is a great tool for running, walking, hiking, or cycling clubs. You can even embed the Google maps you create on a website if you wish to share your information online on a blog, website or social network.

One of the features I really liked about this app was the ability to generate a visual elevation profile. I live in a mountainous state and do a lot of hiking and mountain biking so being able to generate an elevation profile by time or by distance really comes in handy.

Another creative way to use this application is for tracking driving routes. If you need to keep track of your mileage for business reimbursement or tax purposes, this is a great way to create and organize a log without worrying about paperwork! In fact, you set up the program to send your information directly to a spreadsheet.

I get a lot of questions from people asking which GPS cell phone tracker app is best for recording workouts and outdoor adventures; Google My Tracks is definitely a great place to start. The user interface is clean and crisp making it ideal for rapidly accessing data, it doesn't take much in the way of effort to get it set up and best of all, it's free!

This workout tracking app is currently only available for Android phones so for now, you are out of luck if you are using an iPhone or a Blackberry device.

For all the Apple junkies out there, have no fear, there are plenty of free iPhone tracking apps to choose from on iTunes. Google My Tracks gets an enthusiastic four and a half stars out of five. When you need to monitor your workouts with precision, this program gets the job done with ease.

Why would anyone ever want to track their own phone? With cell phones and mobile devices becoming more and more advanced, they are also getting up there in price. One simple slip up and a lost phone could send you back to your local service provider to shell out hundreds of dollars for a replacement. On top of the financial hit you are likely to take over a missing phone, the chance that your private information could fall into the wrong hands is very real.

Most of us don't think twice about downloading applications that connect to our bank accounts, social networking profiles, Twitter accounts, and business contact list. Any one of these could potentially create a serious problem for you if accessed by a thief.

What can you do to protect your device?

Mobile device security is quickly becoming a hot topic and several companies have responded to consumer demand with a solution that comes in the form of an app. This was one of the first mobile anti-theft device tracking apps and continues as one of the most popular. It's called GadgetTrack and iPhone users can download it free in the app store.

The manufacturer has also released versions of the software that are compatible with laptops,  iPads, Android phones, and Blackberry devices. The app works on all versions of the iPhone and iPod Touch as well. This app is jam-packed with great features that will allow you to quickly recover your device from a thief and even have a little fun with him if you so desire! Here are just a few of the cool features:

1. Remote secure backup of personal data to another device.

2. Remote wipe of all personal data from the device.

3. Remotely lock the device and trigger an alarm that cannot be disabled. (use this one with discretion if you want your phone back as it could lead your phone to rapidly become a pavement pancake)

4. Send a command to have the device report back its current location.

5. Remotely send a custom message to the thief to display on your home screen.

This app is one of the best uses of GPS technology to secure and recover a phone we've seen yet. They offer a full year of service for just $19.95 and a free trail is available for those who want to take it for a test drive. Our only advice is to use caution with a few of the features as your top priority should always be to get your phone back without any damage if possible. We give this cell phone tracker 4 stars out of a possible 5.