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Google is tweaking the Android OS to directly embed ‘location sharing’ into the main settings. This will also allow users to share their device’s location right from Android’s settings menu.
Android OS Settings menu to offer ‘location sharing’ without opening Google Maps
Mobile Android devices such as smartphones allow users to share their location. Currently, the most convenient method to share a device’s live location is via Google Maps.
Moving forward, Google may add the ability to share location from within the Android OS itself. Specifically speaking, a new settings page in Android could allow users to share their location information. Moreover, users would also be able to view the list of people with whom they have shared this data.
New Location Sharing controls in Google Play Services will allow you to easily turn off location sharing in Google apps.#Google #Android pic.twitter.com/uHkApoQ7Kl
— AssembleDebug (Shiv) (@AssembleDebug) October 1, 2024
Spotted by X (formerly Twitter) user, AssembleDebug, the latest version of the Google Play Services has a new page in Settings > Google > All Services. Called “Google Location Sharing”, the page has a toggle to turn ‘Use Location Sharing’ on and off.
When the Use Location Sharing toggle is switched on, users will reportedly get an option to copy a link of their live location. Needless to say, users would get a publicly shareable link.
Anyone with access to this link would be able to see the live location of the device, and by extension, the Android device user. The link could also allow live tracking of the device owner on Google Maps.
When will Android smartphone users get the new settings page?
To ensure only the right people have access to this sensitive information, Google has added a list below the Use Location Sharing setting. Android device users who have shared their location will be able to see who has access to this information.
A new notification will alert Android device users that they are sharing their location. Tapping this notification will take users to the new ‘Location’ settings page. Here users can view or remove the users who have access to this information.
Google seems to be releasing this feature in a phased manner. In other words, the Android OS developer may still be testing this feature, presumably to ensure the security and privacy of the users. Google will likely retain the ability to share live locations in Google Maps.