Google has updated their Google Maps Mobile application to include a new feature called Latitude.

Latitude is a new feature of Google Maps for mobile, as well as an iGoogle gadget, that allows you to share your location with your friends and to see their approximate locations, if they choose to share them with you.

Check out the features:

• Share locations - Location sharing starts only when both you and a friend agree. Invite friends via email or easily add them from your Gmail contacts.
• Control privacy – You can share, set, or hide your location – or turn off Google Latitude – from the privacy menu. You can also hide your location or share only a city-level location with certain friends.
• Share status – Create a status message and upload your photo within Latitude. It also syncs directly with Google Talk. Check your friends’ status messages to see what your friends are up to.
• Contact your friends – Quickly contact your friends with an SMS, IM, or phone call. You can also get directions to lead you to your friends.

I’ve been using Google Maps Mobile since the day I put BIS on my BlackBerry, and it always comes in handy for those times the printout directions are wrong. This is a great tool to have, especially if you are with a group and get separated or just want to check where your friend is in the world right now.

Google Maps Mobile with Latitude is available in 27 countries and 42 languages.

• Download: google.com/gmm
• Info: http://www.google.com/mobile/default/latitude.html
• Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-Oq-9enE-k