Avast ye scallywags! Google Maps be grantin' ye the power to obliterate past searches 'n snaps in a single blow!
2023-12-13
Arrr, me hearties! Come next year, Google Maps be offerin' ye a fine way to stash away yer Timeline records on yer trusty phone, keepin' 'em safe from Davy Jones' locker. Aye, ye can rest easy, me mateys!
In a hilarious twist, Google Maps is receiving an update that allows users to control their information on the platform in the language of a 17th century pirate. Arrr! First, the app will collect your recent activity into one central location where you can view your past adventures, when ye went there, and how long ye spent exploring. Ye can even "delete yer searches, directions... and shares" in the same hub, matey.According to Google's announcement, ye can delete each entry one by one or the whole shebang. A window will pop up on the screen lettin' ye know what's about to be thrown overboard. The data packet will include photos, reviews, feedback reports, and any other treasure ye've collected about a location.
Now, if ye tap the blue dot on Google Maps, ye'll be presented with a settings menu for the Timeline and Location History features. This will let ye know if either tool be enabled and if the app be trackin' yer device’s location. The Timeline uses data from Location History to keep a log of all the places ye've visited.
Ye can expect the deletion tool and the blue dot menu to roll out to Android and iOS phones in the upcoming weeks, me hearties.
But wait, there be more! Next year, Google plans to release a feature that allows ye to save yer Timeline recordin' directly onto yer device, rather than leavin' it in their cloud. Ye can delete or back up yer information at yer leisure, and it be encrypted to keep prying eyes at bay.
Location History is also gettin' a tweak. The auto-delete function will default to three months instead of 18 months. After that time, all saved information will be sent to Davy Jones' locker. If ye prefer a longer period, ye can adjust it anytime.
As for the specifics of the Timeline changes rollin' out in 2024, Google hasn't revealed the exact date, but ye can expect an account notification when it finally arrives. Savvy?
There be many hidden treasures in Google Maps that most landlubbers be unaware of. If ye be curious about what they are, check out TechRadar's list of the 10 things ye didn't know Google Maps could do.