GPS devices for children and pets

New GPS devices have been released which can help locate children and pets.

Developed by Location Based Technologies, the Pocket Finder can be attached to a key ring or belt or placed in a purse or pocket.

Once activated, the small GPS unit slows parents to find the location of a child or an elderly relative.

The company has also developed the PetFinder location device, which can be attached to an animal’s collar and offers an alternative to having the pet micro chipped.

David Morse, the company’s chief executive, said most location-based technologies are "based on re-packaging existing products".

"We began with the customer and worked backwards. We designed our products, interface and infrastructure from scratch to meet the needs of a mass market by providing products they will actually use and applications they truly desire," he explained.

Meanwhile, TomTom has announced it is to update models in its One and XL GPS navigation series.

Due to be on sale in the US this month, the new TomTom One 130/ONE 130S and the TomTom XL 330/XL 330S will replace the current TomTom ONE 3rd Edition and the TomTom XL, CNet reports.