Google Maps will soon have a real-time location sharing feature

For example, if you are driving to a new place, you can share your real-time location and trip progress from the navigation data. While in the navigation screen, tap the “More” button on the bottom, and then tap “Share trip”. Sharing ends you arrive at the destination.

Similar features are available on other apps. For example, Apple offers a tracking feature called “Find My Friends” on its iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Those who remember Google Latitude (now-defunct) know that this feature excited even before.

Google says an update to Google Maps will be available for both Android and iOS users, though an exact date wasn’t provided. While the feature is useful at times, it could be a bit controversial as well, as it raises privacy concerns. In December, Facebook decided to stop showing the exact location of users in its Nearby Friends feature. Instead, the app now gives an overview of where you are, indicating the neighbourhood rather than a map.