By Google Contacts users can now effortlessly keep tabs on their loved ones’ whereabouts without diving into Maps. The tech giant has launched an update enabling access to real-time location data right within the app, a move lauded for its convenience by Android Police.
This update is a relief for individuals anxious about the safety of their family and friends. Previously, sharing location via Google Maps was the sole option, but now, within the Google Contacts app on Android, users can access this feature seamlessly with version 4.22.37.586680692 of the app.
How does it work? To view someone’s location, their Gmail address needs to be in your Contacts. Once they share their location via Google Maps, you’ll spot a dedicated box in Contacts, alongside options to call or text. From there, you can access directions to their location if shared or receive notifications upon their arrival at your spot.
Though a seemingly straightforward addition, it’s a game-changer for ease of location access. Particularly beneficial for less tech-savvy individuals like the elderly, it serves as a user-friendly hub for locating someone—provided they’ve shared their location initially.
In other updates, Google introduces eco-friendly routing, estimating fuel or energy efficiency for specific routes based on vehicle engine type. This feature, when activated, not only suggests optimal routes considering traffic and road conditions but also factors in fuel or energy efficiency—a noteworthy step towards sustainable navigation.
