Google Maps seems to be developing a much easier way for users to share their current location with friends and family. Although the app has long supported location sharing, multiple taps currently bury the feature. According to Android Authority, Google is testing a dedicated floating action (FAB) button right on the main screen of the Maps app, which will make location sharing much easier.
Google Maps for Android will soon make location sharing much easier
Currently, sharing your location in Google Maps is a tedious process, but the company will soon make it much easier via a software update. For now, you first have to tap the compass icon to center the map, then hit the blue dot icon that represents your device. From there, you have to select the sharing option from the menu that slides up.
However, a newly discovered interface changes this sequence entirely. The folks over at the Android Authority have dug through the version 26.12.03.884026066 of the Google Maps app. Inside the code, they’ve found a new button that sits prominently just above the compass icon.
This new circular icon has a hybrid design combining a location pin with a regular share symbol. Tapping this button immediately launches the location sharing menu, skipping the usual intermediate steps completely.
Google is also redesigning the active navigation menu
Additionally, Google is also experimenting with how the app appears while you are actively driving a vehicle. The bottom menu sheet that shows up during active navigation is getting an overhaul. Currently, swiping up on the bottom bar during driving mode shows a dense list of options. However, the new experimental layout replaces this list with five large, easy-to-tap icons.
This update aims to make interacting with the Maps application much safer and less distracting while driving. The source has discovered these features by manually enabling hidden flags in the app’s code, and Google is yet to announce anything officially. However, since the features are working properly, we can expect an official update rollout soon.
The post Google Maps Tests Dedicated Location Sharing Button on Android appeared first on Android Headlines.
​Â
