You can now use Live View with Location Sharing in Google Maps, starting with Pixel phones on Android 11

As part of today’s release of Android 11, Google on Tuesday detailed a slew of features that are exclusive to Pixel devices, including a new feature that wasn’t found in an earlier beta or developer preview. Starting with Pixel owners on Android 11, Google is introducing Location Sharing support to Live View in Google Maps. If friends or family have shared their location with you, the updated Live View mode will allow you to see where they’re located in relation to you. The same view will also show their distance from you.

“Tapping on start will then show you arrows and directions placed right on top of your world so you can see exactly which way to go,” Google said. For friends planning to meet up for a social distance hangout, this new feature could really come in handy, especially if it works as seamlessly as Google demonstrates. It sure beats calling someone and trying to explain exactly where you’re standing.

The new feature arrives with the Android 11 update, which is available now in stable for Google Pixel phones and is also in beta for some devices made by OnePlus, Xiaomi, Realme, and OPPO. It’s not clear if this feature actually requires the Android 11 update as it mixes two of Google Maps’ existing features: its ARCore-powered, augmented reality Live View mode and real-time Location Sharing feature. It’s likely that Google is simply taking advantage of today’s big Android 11 launch event to roll out this new feature in Google Maps. After all, it’s been a while since the last Pixel Feature Drop was released.

Some of the other new features found in Android 11 for all devices include a built-in screen recorder, floating bubble notifications, a conversations section in the notification shade, and much more. If you own a Google Pixel smartphone, you can download Android 11 now. If you own a device from another OEM, check out our list of major phones getting Android 11 or stay tuned to the XDA forums for custom ROMs once the full source code gets uploaded.

Maps - Navigate & Explore (Free, Google Play) →

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