Google Messages has introduced real-time location sharing, a feature long associated with WhatsApp, marking a significant upgrade for Android users. This change allows users to share their live, dynamically updating location with contacts, closing a gap that once forced many to keep WhatsApp installed for this purpose alone.
Previously, Google Messages only supported one-time location sharing, which sends a fixed address that doesn’t update as you move. Now, with the rollout of real-time location sharing on its stable version, Google Messages users can choose how long they want their continuously updating location visible-ranging from an hour to the whole day or a custom duration. The feature is accessible via the plus icon next to the text field, offering a straightforward experience similar to WhatsApp.
Once activated, a banner at the top of the conversation informs both parties of the ongoing location sharing and the remaining time. Users can halt sharing at any moment by tapping this overlay. There’s also a curious persistent dot on the plus icon, speculated to signal the new feature’s presence, which disappears only when live locations are shared mutually.
How Google Messages live location sharing works
This update makes Google Messages much more competitive with WhatsApp, especially since many users already rely on Google’s messaging for SMS and RCS on Pixel and other Android devices. For those embedded in Apple’s ecosystem, iMessage remains a staple, but Android users now have fewer reasons to toggle over to another app just for live location sharing.
Comparing Google Messages to WhatsApp and other apps
While WhatsApp still offers video calling, many users, particularly those juggling multiple apps, might prefer FaceTime on iPhone or Instagram video calls on Android devices. This further reduces WhatsApp’s role as a daily communication hub, especially if location sharing was the only feature prompting its use.
RCS integration and the future of messaging on Android
Google’s gradual enhancement of Messages with features traditionally linked to standalone apps reflects the growing strength of RCS (Rich Communication Services) as a universal standard for messaging beyond SMS. Integrations like live location sharing nudge Google Messages closer toward becoming a one-stop messaging and sharing platform, simplifying the app mix for Android users.