Google starts rolling out real-time location sharing for contacts in ‘Find My Device’ app

Google starts rolling out real-time location sharing for contacts in ‘Find My Device’ app

  • 16.03.2025 16:44
  • thetechportal.com
  • Keywords: AI, Security

Google updated its Find My Device app to include a 'People' feature that allows users to view real-time locations of approved contacts on a map. This update enhances the app's functionality by integrating with Google’s existing location-sharing services, enabling users to track others who share their location.

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Estimated market influence

Google

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Google introduced an AI-powered feature in Android 15 to enhance security by analyzing messages for scams.

Apple

Apple

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Analyst rating: Buy

Apple's Find My app serves as a benchmark, influencing Google's update strategy.

Context

Analysis of Google's Real-Time Location Sharing Update in Find My Device App

Key Facts and Data Points

  • Feature Launch: Google has introduced real-time location sharing for contacts within its Find My Device app as part of the March Pixel Drop.
  • Availability: The update began rolling out in early March 2025 and is now available on Android phones.
  • App Downloads: As of March 2025, the app has reached 740 million downloads on the Google Play Store.
  • Integration: The feature integrates with Google’s existing location-sharing services, providing a unified map view within the Find My Device app.
  • Privacy Controls: Users can decide who can see their location and for how long. Google also sends regular reminders about sharing settings to ensure privacy.

Market Implications and Business Insights

  • Enhanced App Functionality: The update positions Google’s Find My Device app more closely with Apple’s Find My app, which offers a similar split-screen interface. This feature enhances the app’s utility beyond locating devices, allowing users to track contacts’ locations in real-time.
  • Competitive Dynamics: While both Google and Apple offer location-sharing features, Google’s integration within its ecosystem (e.g., Android 15’s AI-powered security) strengthens its competitive position in device management and user safety.
  • User Engagement: The feature could increase user engagement by enabling users to track family, friends, or contacts, potentially leading to higher retention rates.
  • Regulatory Considerations: As location-sharing features become more prevalent, regulatory scrutiny on privacy and data security may intensify, impacting how companies like Google operate these services.

Strategic Considerations

  • Differentiation: By offering real-time location sharing, Google aims to differentiate itself from competitors while enhancing its device management ecosystem.
  • Long-Term Effects: This update could lead to increased adoption of Google’s services and potentially attract new users who value such features.

Conclusion

Google’s real-time location-sharing feature in Find My Device represents a strategic move to enhance user safety, engagement, and competition with Apple. With 740 million downloads and ongoing updates, the app is well-positioned to maintain its dominance in device management while addressing evolving user needs for privacy and security.