Google recently introduced a new feature on Google Maps that’s similar to what WhatsApp does with sharing real-time locations. This feature is for people using Android phones without any extra stuff added by phone companies.
The good thing is, now you don’t need other apps to share your location.
Before, apps like WhatsApp let you share your location for a limited time, but Google’s version works right inside Android phones without needing extra apps. This is going to help lots of people who use Android phones.
Getting this feature is easy. Both people who want to share their locations need to add each other as friends on Google. Then, a “share location” button shows up when you check your friend’s info. This button lets you share where you are right then or all the time. What’s cool is you can turn it off whenever you want, which is super handy.
You can also set it to share your location for specific times, which means it will stop sharing after that time ends. But if you choose to, you can keep sharing your location for as long as you want, even after that specific time.
How to Use the Feature:
- Launch the Google Maps app on your Android device. Make sure you’re signed in with your Google account.
- Tap on the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) located in the top left or search for a contact’s name in the search bar.
- Choose the contact you want to share your location with. Make sure that person is also added to your Google contacts.
- Once you’re on their contact page, you’ll find a “Share location” option or button. Tap on it.
- You’ll be prompted to choose the duration for which you want to share your real-time location. You can select a specific time or choose to share indefinitely.
- After selecting the duration, confirm your choice. This will begin sharing your real-time location with the chosen contact.
- If you want to stop sharing your location, go back to the contact’s info and select “Stop sharing” or adjust the settings to change the sharing duration.
Apart from this, Google is doing things differently with your privacy too. Before, Google stored your map info in the cloud, but now you get to decide if you want it stored on your phone. This means you have more control over your personal info. It’s all about giving you more freedom with your stuff.
Google’s trying hard to give you more control over your privacy. This new location-sharing thing on Google Maps not only helps you stay connected but also shows that Google cares about keeping your personal info safe and letting you decide how it’s used.
