Google updates Location History, adds new controls to Maps

Google has just announced plans to introduce new controls to its Maps app, as well as a couple of helpful features for Location History. Many of these upcoming features are meant to provide users with more control over managing location data.

Currently, Maps users with Location History enabled on their devices have their Timeline saved on Google servers, but that’s about to change. Google announced that in order to give users more control over their data, their Timelines will be saved right on their device.

The new change comes with all the benefits that Maps users currently have, including the ability to delete all or part of their information at any time or disable the setting completely.

In addition to saving Timeline on devices, users who turn on Location History for the first time will have the auto-delete control set to three months by default. Previously, this option was set to 18 months, which was a very long time without deleting what many people consider very sensitive data.

The new changes to Location History will be rolled out gradually through the next year on Android and iOS. More importantly, you’ll be notified when this update is available for you.

As far as Maps goes, Google announced that you’ll soon be able to see all your recent activity on the app related to a certain location in one place. It will allow you to delete your searches, directions, visits, and shares very easily. This feature will be rolling out on Android and iOS in the coming weeks.

Finally, Google is adding new blue dot controls to Maps, which will allow users to see whether their Location History or Timeline settings are turned on and if they’ve given Maps access to their device’s location. Just like the previous feature, this one will be rolled out in the coming weeks on Android and iOS.