Google has rolled out a significant update to its Find My Device app, introducing a redesigned interface, enhanced location sharing capabilities, and live tracking features that aim to provide a more seamless and user-friendly experience.
Why it matters: The update positions Google’s Find My Device app as a more direct competitor to Apple’s Find My app, offering Android users a centralized hub for tracking both their devices and loved ones.
Key Features and Improvements: The latest update, part of the Android March feature drop, brings several notable enhancements:
- Unified Tracking: Integrates device tracking and people tracking into a single interface.
- New “People” Tab: Dedicated tab for viewing the real-time locations of contacts who have shared their location.
- Live Location Sharing: Allows users to share their live location with others via a link or through the Find My Device app using a Google account.
- Improved Interface: Redesigned layout with a split-screen view, similar to Apple’s Find My app, for enhanced usability.
This integration makes location sharing more convenient for families and close contacts. Users no longer need to switch between Google Maps and Find My Device, as all tracking functionalities are now centralized within the Find My Device app.
Privacy and Security Measures: Google has implemented several measures to ensure safe and responsible use of location sharing:
- User Consent: Users must grant the app location permissions to display their location and calculate distances from friends.
- Control Over Sharing: Users can manage who sees their location and for how long, with regular reminders about the people they are sharing with.
These measures align with Google’s commitment to user privacy and data protection.
Comparison to Apple’s Find My App: The updated Find My Device app draws clear inspiration from Apple’s Find My app, particularly in its interface design. The split-screen view and the integration of device and people tracking make it more user-friendly and comparable to Apple’s offering.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: The updated app allows users to view the locations of friends using Google Maps on iOS, making it easier for Android and iPhone users to share their locations without any compatibility issues.
Enabling and Managing Location Sharing: To enable location sharing, users need to:
- Open the Find My Device app and navigate to the “People” tab.
- Share their location via a link or through the app using their Google account.
- Manage the duration of location sharing using the provided options.
While the update improves the accuracy of location tracking by showing the current device’s live location when viewing another device or tracker, there is still no option to change the order of devices in the list.
Looking ahead, this update aligns with Google’s overall strategy to enhance location-based services and personal safety features. It reflects Google’s commitment to providing users with convenient and secure tools to stay connected and safe. As the update rolls out to more users, it is expected to receive further refinement and improvements based on user feedback.
