Google has announced a new set of Android features focused on location sharing, baggage tracking, app discovery and personalization.
The update adds live location sharing in Google Messages, airline luggage tracking through Find Hub, short-form app videos in Google Play, custom Calling Cards, Teacher Approved games on Android Auto and new Emoji Kitchen combinations in Gboard.
Live location sharing in Google Messages
Android users can now share real-time location directly within Google Messages, powered by Find Hub.
Users can:
- Share live location inside an active chat
- View each other’s position on a real-time map
- Choose how long to share
- Stop sharing at any time within the conversation
The feature works entirely inside the Messages app.
Find Hub: Share item location with airlines
Google is rolling out a “share item location” feature in Find Hub. It allows users to generate a secure link to the real-time location of a compatible tracker tag or network accessory.
If luggage goes missing, users can:
- Open the Find Hub app
- Select the lost item
- Tap “Share item location”
- Generate a unique, secure URL
- Paste the link into a participating airline’s app or website
The airline can then view the item’s updated location to assist with recovery. Users can stop sharing at any time directly from the app.
Find Hub is also available on compatible Pixel Watch models, extending tracking access across devices.
Privacy and security controls
Google states that privacy was central to the design of the Find Hub network.
Safeguards include:
- Encrypted device location data
- User control over when sharing starts and stops
- Automatic link expiration after seven days
- Automatic disabling of sharing when the phone detects the item has returned
Airline integrations and travel industry partnerships
More than 10 global airlines now accept Find Hub location links as part of their baggage recovery processes. These include:
- Ajet
- Air India
- China Airlines
- Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines)
- Saudia
- Scandinavian Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
Additional airlines, including Qantas, are expected to support the feature in the near future.
Google has also collaborated with:
- SITA to integrate with the WorldTracer system
- Reunitus to integrate with NetTracer
WorldTracer and NetTracer power baggage-tracing operations for hundreds of airlines across thousands of airports worldwide.
Google is also working with Samsonite to embed Find Hub technology directly into select new suitcase models. Compatible Samsonite luggage can pair with the Find Hub network.
Google Play adds short-form app videos
Google is introducing short-form videos inside Google Play. Users will be able to scroll through a feed of short videos featuring apps across categories such as wellness, photography, shopping and webtoons. The videos provide a preview of how an app works without leaving the Play Store.
Custom Calling Card for outgoing calls
Android users can now create a custom Calling Card that appears when placing a call.
The Calling Card can include:
- A selected photo
- Custom font
- A chosen color theme
Users can share it with all contacts or only saved contacts, and can edit or remove it at any time.
Teacher Approved games on Android Auto
New Teacher Approved games are being added to Android Auto for use while parked. The lineup is designed for children aged 3 to 12.
Available titles include:
- 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
New Emoji Kitchen combinations
Android is adding new Emoji Kitchen mashups in Gboard. Users can combine emoji pairs to create sticker-style images. Examples include 🧀 + 🌹 and 🎷 + 🦨. These creations can be shared directly in chats.
Availability
The features are rolling out starting today. Availability may vary depending on region, device compatibility and participating partners.