Google launches a very practical function in case of delay or return safely

Google has rolled out a new feature for Google Contacts. It is now possible to share your real-time location with your loved ones.

Whether you’re running late for an appointment or want to reassure your loved ones when they return home, location sharing can be a very practical feature. Moreover, we now find this function in a number of applications, whether Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or even Google Maps. For Google’s part, the company decided to go one step further by integrating this functionality directly into its address book app, Google Contacts.

According to the website Android Centralthe latest version of the app now lets you share your location directly with one of your contacts using a dedicated button: “ Share location“. It is located at the same level as the three classic buttons for making a call, sending a message or making a video call.

Location sharing is limited to one hour

Furthermore, within the contact file itself, you will be able to find your contact’s real-time location if she chooses to share it with you. Because of confidentiality reasons and respect for your privacy, it is not possible to access the localization of contact if you choose to share and do not fail, by default. , in every moment. Furthermore, as is already the case with most apps that offer identical functionality, location sharing can only last a maximum of 60 minutes. A good way to avoid confidentiality concerns if the person forgets to end sharing, but it also conserves smartphone battery.

Concretely, when you share your location, the person you’re sending it to will have direct access to a small Google map displayed in your contact card. It will then be possible to follow your geographical location in real time. The function is different from that of Google Messages, as describedAndroid Centralwhich simply displays your location at a given time.

This function could find many uses in the future, whether it is when you return from the evening in complete safety, sharing your location with your partner before going for a run, meeting in a crowded place or warning relatives that we, as we promise, are not far from the meeting place.