Google Contacts now enables users to view the whereabouts of their loved ones without the need to open Maps.
If you’re a Google Contacts user, you can easily check up on your family and friends now that the search giant has officially rolled out an update that lets you access their real-time location data — all within the app.
As reported by Android Police, this is indeed good news for those users who are constantly worried about their loved ones getting home safely. Previously, the only possible way was to share the location manually using Google Maps. But now this is available directly in the Google Contacts app on Android. This feature requires Google Contacts app version 4.22.37.586680692.
Sharing the location of your Google contacts: how it works
In order for someone to share their location with you, you must first add their Gmail address to the Contacts app. If they share their location with you on Google Maps, you’ll see a Google Maps box below the call and text options. You can get directions to their location if they share it, or even get a notification when they arrive at your location.
So yes, even though this is a simple addition to the app itself, it makes location access easier. This can be especially useful for tech-savvy people like the elderly, giving them access to someone’s location, but of course only if it’s shared in the first place.
In related news, Google has introduced a new feature called Green Routing. It works by showing users fuel or energy efficiency estimates on specific routes, taking into account the vehicle’s engine type. In addition, when this feature is enabled, Google notes that in addition to recommending the best routes that avoid traffic and road conditions, it now also takes into account fuel or energy efficiency.
