A new feature with a great idea in Google Maps will become universal on Android
Google is making changes to Android to integrate the option to share location on Maps directly into the main menu of the said operating system. This will allow users to send their geographic location from their devices without having to open the Google Maps application in question, making it easier for users to use this possibility.
Android mobile devices, such as smartphones, already allow users to share their locations. Currently, the most convenient way to do this is through Google Maps, where they can send this data in real time. However, Google is working on an update to make this option universal on Android.
With this change, Android’s settings menu will have a new ability that will allow users to share their locations without having to open Google Maps. Additionally, they will be able to see a list of people they have shared this information with, adding more control and transparency over access to their data.
The information was discovered in the latest version of Google Play Services, which includes a new page in Android settings, specifically in the section Settings > Google > All services. This new section is called Google Location Sharing and contains an item to activate or deactivate the function in question.
New Location Sharing controls in Google Play Services will allow you to easily turn off location sharing in Google apps.#Google #Android pic.twitter.com/uHkApoQ7Kl
— AssembleDebug (Shiv) (@AssembleDebug) October 1, 2024
When users enable this feature, they will be able to copy a link to their real-time location. This link will be public, meaning that anyone who has access to it will be able to see the device’s live location. Additionally, it will allow the device to be tracked through Google Maps, making it easy and hassle-free to track the location.
To ensure that only the right people have access to this sensitive information, Google has added a menu just below the new settings option. Users will be able to see who they have shared their location with and will have the option to manage or remove people who no longer have access to this information.
Additionally, every time users share their location, they will receive a notification reminding them that this information is being shared. By clicking on the received message, you will be taken to the new location configuration page, where you can review or revoke people’s access to their location in real time.
Google seems to be rolling out this new feature gradually. This suggests that the company is still testing the feature to ensure user security and privacy. Typically, the North American company continues to allow users to share their real-time locations using the Google Maps app, but the option to do so directly from the operating system adds an extra layer of convenience.