Google Maps Unveils Real-Time Location Sharing Feature: A Guide to Enable and Utilize the Enhanced Capability
Notable enhancements to this feature include the ability to view the device's battery power and charging status when sharing location. Additionally, users can share their estimated time of arrival (ETA) if they are navigating to a specific destination.
Even with Location History turned off in Maps, the Location Sharing feature continues to function, providing users with flexibility in managing their location privacy. The process is consistent across Android and iOS devices. To initiate location sharing, users can open the Google Maps app, tap the profile icon in the top right corner, and select Location Sharing. Users can then choose the duration of sharing (up to one full day) and select contacts from their Google contacts list with whom to share their location. Sharing with contacts outside the Google ecosystem is possible by selecting "More options" in the Location Sharing menu and sharing the real-time location link via messaging apps like WhatsApp and iMessage. To stop sharing, users can tap the profile of the person with whom they are sharing their location and select "Stop."
Moreover, users can share their ETA while navigating to a destination on Google Maps. After setting a destination and starting navigation, users can tap "More" and select "Share trip progress" to keep contacts informed about their route. Location sharing automatically ceases upon reaching the destination or when navigation is stopped.
Along with this update, during its Building for India event in New Delhi, Google Maps unveiled features tailored specifically for India, including Live View walking, Lens in Maps, fuel-efficient routing, address descriptors, and support for local trains. It is anticipated that Live View walking guidance will be available in three thousand Indian cities. The Where Is My Train feature, which tracks trains, will soon support local trains in Mumbai and will shortly serve local trains in Kolkata.