Introducing Cosmo’s GPS: A Simple and Private Way to Share Your Location
I just built my first public app! It’s called Cosmo’s GPS, and while it’s super simple, I think it solves a real problem. Right now, it’s only available for Android, but I plan to expand it in the future. So why did I make it? What’s the point of it?
What Does Cosmo’s GPS Do?
At its core, Cosmo’s GPS is a one-tap solution for sharing your location via text message. Here’s how it works:
- The app grabs your device’s current GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude).
- It automatically formats them into a Google Maps link for the receiver.
- It pre-loads a text message with your location and a customizable template.
- You choose a contact and send it.
- And by the way, your location data is NEVER stored and ONLY shared with the person you text—unlike Google Maps, Facebook Messenger, or Apple who keep copies for themselves.
That’s it. Quick, easy, and effective.
Why Did I Build This App?
Not every situation requires a full-blown emergency response. Sure, we have 911 or other emergency services, but most of the time, when we’re lost, we don’t need a rescue team—we just need a friend or family member to find us. Maybe you’re hiking in a remote area (like when I was in Death Valley National Park), and you don’t know the name of the trail. Maybe you’re in a new city and struggling to describe your location. Or maybe your phone has limited data access, and sending a text is more reliable than trying to load a map.
Cosmo’s GPS is designed for those moments when you’re lost but not in danger—when you need someone to find you without making it a big deal. Or if you're like my friend Richie, you use the app to text yourself when parking in a new city. The quickly navigate back to the car using google maps. Privacy concious, Richie likes that he doesn't share his live location with any 3rd parties.
Why SMS Instead of an App-Based Solution? Isn't this duplicative of existing services?
A lot of apps let you find and share your location, but they rely on an internet connection. Cosmo’s GPS uses SMS, which works in low-signal areas where apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, or RCS might fail. With satellite connectivity, SMS can be leveraged in more places than ever before, whereas other services will require additional data access. This means that the SMS is more foolproof than other technologies.
Plus, not everyone knows how to collect and read raw GPS coordinates. My wife, for example, wouldn’t know what to do if I just sent her a set of latitude and longitude numbers. But if she gets a Google Maps link, she can simply tap it and see exactly where I am. Conversely, if I was asking my wife to send her coordinates (without using data on her phone) she wouldn't know how to do that either.
How to Use Cosmo's GPS
It's super simple:
- Open the app
- Opt-In to Location Sharing if it pops up
- Press "Send Emergency SMS"
- Pick a contact, or enter a new phone number
- Click "Send"
Getting Back into Development
It had been a long time since I coded anything, probably since the Android Cupcake days. A lot has changed, but thanks to AI coding assistants, I was able to brush up. It was a great way to speed up the process. It's also one of the ways I learned the current process to publish an app that utilizes privacy-related technology including location. Google has more rules around who can publish when using a device's location, along with being able to share the location with someone else. I named it Cosmo's GPS after my dog Cosmo. He is the best poodle in the world and quite the world traveler himself, so I thought it would be fitting to name the app after him.
What’s Next for Cosmo’s GPS?
Right now, the app is Android-only, but I’d love to bring it to iOS in the future. I also want to refine the user experience and maybe add some features like customized templates, auto-reply options, and make it more reliable.
Cosmo’s GPS isn’t about replacing emergency services—it’s about making it easier for everyday people to find each other when they need to. If you’ve ever been lost, stuck, or just needed a quick way to share your location, this app is for you.
Would love to hear your thoughts—what features would you add?
