An update to Google’s Android app for finding things now shows contacts who are sharing their location with you.
Google is enhancing its Find My Device app with a significant update that allows users to locate not only their lost gadgets but also their friends and family members who have opted to share their location. According to a report from 9to5Google, this new feature was part of the Android March feature update and is now rolling out to more users.
A Unified Solution for Finding People and Devices
Previously, Google Maps was the primary tool for users who wanted to keep track of their loved ones’ locations in real time. Now, with this update, the Find My Device app consolidates everything in one place, making it easier to locate both your belongings and the people who matter most to you.
The new update introduces a People tab within the Find My Device app on Android, where users can view the real-time locations of contacts who have chosen to share their whereabouts. This move makes the app more versatile, offering a seamless experience similar to Apple’s Find My app, which provides a split-screen interface showing either people or devices depending on the user’s selection.
Enhanced Features for Better Location Sharing
The revamped Find My Device app now integrates with Google Maps’ existing location-sharing capabilities, allowing Android users to see friends and family members on the same map. This also means that individuals using Google Maps on iOS can have their shared locations displayed within the Find My Device app, making cross-platform tracking more streamlined.
In addition to viewing shared locations, users can also manage their own sharing preferences within the app. The new People tab enables users to see whom they are sharing their location with and adjust settings accordingly, such as modifying the duration of location sharing. This provides greater control and flexibility over personal privacy and security.
A Familiar Yet Improved Experience
Google’s redesign makes the Find My Device interface more intuitive and user-friendly. The updated UI features a map at the top and a list of either devices or people at the bottom, depending on what the user wants to track. This enhancement brings the Android experience closer to Apple’s Find My app, making it more efficient for those accustomed to a similar layout on iOS.
What This Means for Users
With this update, Android users can enjoy a more integrated and convenient way of keeping track of their loved ones while still being able to locate misplaced or lost devices. By combining people and device tracking in a single application, Google has streamlined its ecosystem, reducing the need to switch between multiple apps to access different functionalities.
This rollout represents another step forward in Google’s commitment to improving user experience and security. Whether you’re trying to find a lost smartphone or ensuring your family members arrive safely at their destination, the Find My Device app is now an all-in-one solution.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of this feature solidifies Google’s effort to enhance location tracking across its ecosystem. As the update continues rolling out to more users, it is expected to become an indispensable tool for those who rely on real-time location sharing. If you haven’t updated your Find My Device app yet, now might be a great time to check out these new capabilities and see how they can simplify your daily life.
