mobile can lead consumers to new Google Maps

One of the benefits of recycling a      at the moment may be the opportunity to get one's hands on the new Google Maps 5.3 for Android   , which was released earlier this week.

Kenneth Leftin, a software engineer on the Google Maps for Mobile team and author of the latest Google Mobile      Blog, said there are several changes from the previous incarnation of the tool.

He noted there is now an enabled Location History function that allows users to check where they have been via a personal dashboard.

Mobile    owners can also use the technology to check in at home and to work out how much time they spend in their own abode.

"I love letting friends and family known when I'm at a cafe or park, but sometimes I want them to know that I'm relaxing at home or made it back safely from a road trip," explained Mr Leftin.

In other mobile phones     news, Three has recently confirmed it is now stocking the Samsung Galaxy Mini and the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc.