Google will stop its emergency situation location sharing app Trusted Contacts in December, and has currently pulled it from the Google Play Store. Instead, its directing existing users to attempt comparable however less useful functions in Google Maps. Thats a pity, due to the fact that while Trusted Contacts might let you find a relative even if they dont react (say, if they are unconscious or in threat), Google Maps needs them to proactively relay their place to you.
The announcement was quite abrupt:
Googles email announcementIan Carlos Campbell
Google Maps has actually had the ability to do actual time location sharing because 2017, but once again, you have to opt-in to consistent tracking, sharing your area with other individuals all the time instead of just relaying it to enjoyed ones if you dont react. Relied on Contacts, by comparison, enables you to add individuals to your contacts who you d like to immediately share your locations with in case of emergency. If one develops, your contacts can request a status update to see if youre alright and you can react with your location to reassure them. The app instantly shares your last recognized place so they can send for assistance if you do not respond.
When Google initially introduced Trusted Contacts, it created this GIF to demonstrate how it works:
Google is ending support for the app in December, but youll have the ability to download your contacts from your Trusted Contacts page till the app is closed down. Up until then, you may also get familiar with Google Maps take on location sharing.
Folding other apps and functions into Google Maps has been Googles method for a while, but the Maps function does not feel quite as valuable. And while its possible the Trusted Contacts app didnt have a great deal of users, those who were depending on it will need to discover something else.
