Google Maps is set to launch real-time location sharing abilities with friends, similar to Apple’s Find My Friends, and also what appears to be a throwback to the days of Google Latitude, but better:
On both Android and iOS, you’ll be able to share your real-time location with anyone. And the people you share with will be able to see your location on Android, iPhone, mobile web, and even desktop.
Image via TechCrunch
When you share your location, it’ll generate a unique link too for those without Google Maps. Users will be able to set how long sharing is allowed, to limit privacy.
Users following your location will be able to see your trip progress from navigation, plus your estimated time of arrival. Sharing will automatically end when you arrive at a destination.
Google told TechCrunch how it feels about privacy saying “This is about making things simple, accessible and giving people that access to transparency…Anyone with bad intentions can find many other apps and means out there. We are focused on adding on that layer of convenience.”
Check out the video below which demonstrates the Android implementation, and provides an example of how this location sharing may come in handy:
Google says the update is rolling “out soon worldwide” for Google Maps, so stay tuned.
With Apple’s implementation of Find my Friends and location sharing, usually the data has a slight delay. I’m curious to see how ‘real-time’ Google’s implementation is, so I’ll be looking forward to this (#stalkingthegrandparents).
