Google Maps is in the process or rolling out a location sharing feature that you may actually want to use. Location Sharing is something that has been a bit spotty for both Android and iOS with Apple probably having it figured out best with Find My Friends. But, as is usually the case with Apple, it is only for fellow iOS users. That is why this new feature in Google Maps is so exciting. It works cross platform between Android and iOS.
In a nutshell, here is how it works. When the feature rolls out to you, there will be a Share Location feature in the menu. Tap it then select the contacts you want to see your location in real time. You can set it up to share your location in real time for a set amount of time or until you turn the feature off. Once you start sharing, your selected contacts will get a notification on their phone and when they open up Google Maps, they will be able to see where you are in real time.
The new feature also works for sharing trips. Let’s suppose that I am meeting you for coffee. I can setup directions in Google Maps then using the Share Trip Progress feature, I can select you and
Google Maps Location Sharing
you can see my progress towards the coffee shop. Once I arrive, sharing is automatically ended so I don’t have to remember to turn it off later.
While the feature focuses on the mobile Google Maps app, the feature also works on the desktop via a browser or even a mobile browser. It is truly cross platform.
The feature is rolling out now so it make take a few days before everyone sees it.
It’s like “Latitude” got an attitude adjustment and became friends with longitude.