Khaberni - After months of testing it in beta versions, Google has gradually launched the real-time location sharing feature in the Google Messages app on Android devices.
This feature allows users to send their current location to others directly within message conversations, without the need to leave the app or use external services.
Once the feature is activated, a live map appears in the conversation, which the recipient can expand to see the sender's location in real-time, facilitating coordination during meetings or sharing location with family and friends.
How the Feature Works
Users can access the real-time location sharing feature by tapping the "+" button inside a Google Messages conversation, then selecting Real‑time location or real-time location sharing.
Then, options for setting the duration of the share are displayed, such as one hour, the rest of the day, until manual stop, or a custom duration according to the user's preference.
When the location is sent, the other party receives a notification in the conversation with a live map that they can use to directly track the sending user’s location, and the feature uses location data from Google Maps to update the location while on the move.
Feature That Matches Competitors
This addition places Google Messages in a more competitive position with other messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, which have supported live location sharing for years. With this feature integrated into the RCS protocol used in Messages, the app becomes a more practical option in the modern communications environment.
This feature is part of a broader set of updates that includes other features like support for "@" mentions to tag friends in group chats, and also a trash folder to retrieve conversations, reflecting Google's efforts in updating the chatting experience.
Full Control
Despite its practical advantages, Google assures that users retain full control over location sharing, as they can stop sharing at any time and choose the duration they wish to share their location, reducing privacy-related concerns.
This feature is particularly useful when coordinating meetings with friends or informing family members of your location while traveling or moving in new areas, without the need to send static location links or use other apps.
Gradual Rollout
The live location sharing feature is currently available to both stable and beta users of Google Messages on Android, and it may gradually become available to more users in the upcoming weeks, while some other features are still being tested at different stages before full launch.
