This Google Messages location sharing upgrade would make it worth using

Date:
Tue, 20 Oct 2026 11:52:24 +0000

Description:
Google Messages looks to be getting more location sharing options though we don't know when they'll turn up.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter A new location-sharing upgrade for Google Messages has been spotted You'll be able to add different map layers, including live traffic It's not clear how long it will be before the feature is enabled for everyone While Google has added plenty of new features and refinements to its Google Messages app in recent months and years, it still lags behind competitors such as WhatsApp when it comes to certain
facets of the app like sharing your location with other people.

This is something that's essential for social meet-ups, keeping tabs on the kids, planning journey times, and more besides, and hidden code spotted by Android Authority suggests that location sharing in Google Messages is about to get a significant upgrade. This is code that's present but not yet enabled in the latest beta version of Google Messages for Android, but the Android Authority team was able to get it working. It adds several map types and a
map details option, when you choose to share your location. Latest Videos
From TechRadar Watch full video here:

Currently, you can only show a map in the default Google Maps style when location sharing in Google Messages, but the new options would let you switch to satellite or terrain views instead, as well as overlaying live traffic information on top. Benefits to users Sharing your location in Google
Messages (Image credit: Future) The satellite view would make it easier to find someone in relation to a landmark or a feature or the landscape, for example, while the terrain view would give you a better idea of how simple
(or otherwise) it might be to reach someone in a remote area. You may like Google Messages adds chat themes and custom wallpaper support 5 new features coming to Android from Motion Assist to Guided Vision Google Messages bug that's driving users crazy is finally on Google's radar

Then there's the traffic view say if the roads were blocked up around a person you're trying to pick up in a car, you could get them to walk and come and meet you, rather than getting stuck in a traffic jam unnecessarily.

Most of the time I do tend to default to WhatsApp when it comes to letting people know where I am, because everyone's got the app and it's straightforward to use. You can also set time limits on location sharing, something which Google Messages doesn't have. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

If improvements like this continue, I might switch to Google Messages for locations instead at least for those people on Android. There's still work
to do, but the feature only arrived earlier this year , so it's encouraging
to see upgrades on the way already. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add
us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Today's best phone deals Contract Deals Sim Free voucher gift Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 48 months Unlimited mins 30GB data 30 upfront 44.95 /mth
View at EE See all prices voucher gift Google Pixel 11 36 months Unlimited mins 5GB data 30 upfront 49.17 /mth View at O2 Mobiles See all prices voucher gift Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max 48 months Unlimited mins 25GB data 30 upfront 57.73 /mth View at EE See all prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/phones/android/this-leaked-google-messages-location- sharing-upgrade-might-actually-make-it-worth-using-over-whatsapp


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)