Google Rolls Out New Android Features: Live Location Sharing in Messages, Airline Luggage Tracking, and More

Google is rolling out a fresh bundle of new Android features that aim to make daily phone use simpler and more playful. From live location sharing in chats to kid-friendly games on Android Auto, the latest update focuses on helping users stay connected and entertained - all without leaving their favorite apps.

Share Live Location Directly in Google Messages with Find Hub

Meeting friends at a crowded place? Android users can now share their real-time location directly within Google Messages. Powered by Find Hub, this feature allows users to see each other's live location on a map view - right inside the chat. You can choose how long to share your location and stop sharing anytime.

Recover Lost Luggage by Sharing Tracker Tag Links with Airlines

Find Hub also supports lost luggage recovery when people add a tracker tag to bags. Travellers can give a participating airline the tracker’s location link, allowing airline staff to check where the bag is and send updates. Sharing can start or stop at any time, offering another route for misplaced bags to return.

Discover Apps Faster with Shorts in Google Play

Google Play is adding short video clips, called Google Play shorts, to help people find apps. Users will scroll through a feed of quick videos that show how different apps work, from wellness tools to photo editors, shopping services and webtoons. Each clip plays inside Google Play, so people can judge an app before downloading.

Personalise Your Calls with Custom Calling Cards

Phone calls are getting a visual refresh with custom Calling Cards. Users can design a card with a chosen photo, font and colour, so caller ID reflects their style. The card can be shared with everyone or only with saved contacts, and it is easy to change or remove whenever needed.

New Emoji Kitchen Stickers

Gboard’s Emoji Kitchen is gaining more sticker mixes for people who like playful chats. Users can blend the latest emoji combinations into new sticker styles, including extra cheesy themes and quirky skunk designs. These fresh options offer more ways to show mood, joke with friends and add personality to messages.

Teacher-Approved Kids Games Now on Android Auto

Android Auto now includes more Teacher Approved games designed for children aged 3 to 12. These titles aim to be both fun and educational, turning parked breaks into short learning sessions on the dashboard screen. The curated list covers colouring, writing practice, stories and simple adventures suitable for younger players.

Children can learn and play with games like Disney Coloring World, LetraKid: Writing ABC for Kids, Marvel HQ: Kids Super Hero Fun, Draw a Stickman: EPIC 3, Kids Games: For Toddlers 3-5 and more.

Across communication, travel, discovery and in-car time, these new Android features centre on choice and control. People can share more visual detail when calling, message with livelier stickers, get help tracking luggage and keep children engaged in the car, without losing the ability to pause sharing or switch tools off whenever preferred.

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