Google has today announced that it will be closing down their Google Latitude location-aware mobile app service on August 9th, 2013. The Google Latitude service was originally created by Google to provide users with access to selected friends’ locations on Google Maps.
But don’t worry too much if you enjoy using the service as Google has explained that their Google+ location sharing will continue to function as normal.
Details of the Service Shutdown
The service Google will be retiring on August 9th includes Google Latitude in Google Maps for Android, Latitude for iPhone, the Latitude API, the public badge, the iGoogle Gadget, and the Latitude website at maps.google.com/latitude. This means that users who have been relying on these platforms to share their location with friends and family will need to transition to alternative services or features.
Google explains that they will delete your list of friends on Latitude, and users will no longer be able to see or manage friends. Existing friends will no longer see your location. This move is part of Google’s broader strategy to streamline its services and integrate location-sharing features into Google+.
Transition to Google+ Location Sharing
Google+ location sharing offers a robust alternative to Google Latitude. It allows users to share their location with specific circles or individual friends, providing a more controlled and private way to manage who can see your whereabouts. This feature is integrated into the Google+ app, making it easier for users to manage all their social interactions and location sharing in one place.
For those who are unfamiliar with Google+ location sharing, it offers several advantages over the old Latitude service. For instance, users can share their location in real-time, set location-based notifications, and even see the location history. This can be particularly useful for families wanting to keep track of each other or friends planning to meet up.
Moreover, Google+ location sharing is designed with privacy in mind. Users have full control over who can see their location and can easily turn off location sharing at any time. This addresses some of the privacy concerns that were raised with Google Latitude, where users sometimes felt that their location data was too accessible.
For more information and frequently asked questions about the closure of the Google Latitude service, jump over to the Google official announcement.
Impact on Users and Alternatives
The shutdown of Google Latitude will undoubtedly impact users who have grown accustomed to its features. However, there are several alternatives available that offer similar functionalities. Apart from Google+ location sharing, users can explore other apps like Find My Friends for iOS, Life360, and even Facebook’s location-sharing features.
Find My Friends is a popular app among iOS users that allows you to share your location with friends and family. It offers real-time location tracking and notifications, making it a suitable replacement for Google Latitude. Life360 is another excellent option, providing comprehensive family location tracking, driving safety features, and emergency assistance.
In conclusion, while the shutdown of Google Latitude marks the end of an era, it also opens up opportunities for users to explore new and improved location-sharing services. Google’s focus on integrating these features into Google+ ensures that users can continue to enjoy seamless and secure location sharing. For more details, visit the Google official announcement.
Source: Google
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