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ZDNET's key takeaways
- Google Messages now lets you share your location in real time.
- You can choose how long you want to share where you are.
- The old location-sharing option was only for a static point.
Finding someone in a busy airport, a crowded arena, or a downtown street is about to get a lot easier for Android users. Google Messages has added a real-time location-sharing feature that lets you share your current location in a text message.
The feature was first spotted by 9to5Google earlier this week, but it appears to be rolling out on a larger scale.
Also: How to schedule a text on Android – it's quick and easy
Google Messages already has a location-sharing feature, but it's more for dropping a static pin on a map. That's fine if you're staying in the same spot, but not much use if you're on the go. The difference here is that the new option updates your location as you move, making it much easier to connect with someone.
The “Find My” app has a similar option, but the new way lets you share your location without leaving Google Messages.
You can share your location with a single contact or with a group.
How to share your real-time location with Google Messages
You can find the feature in the same place as the old one. To get to it, open a message and tap on the attachment icon on the bottom left. Instead of doing away with the current option, Google has split the “Location” feature into “Real-time location” and “One-time location” options. You'll have to grant location permissions if you haven't already, but that's just the first time you share.
Before you share your location, you'll get to choose how long you want to share — one hour, today only (ending at midnight), until you turn it off, or for a custom time period less than 24 hours. You can also stop sharing at any time.
