Google's Find people feature, now available on Wear OS, is a handy tool for keeping track of your loved ones when your phone isn't within reach. It's not about finding people in the traditional sense, but rather about ensuring that you can locate and stay connected with those important to you.
One of the key features of Find people is its ability to work in tandem with the Find Hub app on Wear OS. When you start sharing your location with someone through the Find Hub on your phone, that person appears on your watch under the "Can see your location" section. This is a convenient way to keep track of your family or friends without the need for constant phone interaction.
What makes Find people particularly useful is its compatibility with LTE watches. If you have an LTE watch and leave your phone behind, the watch can continue sharing your location using its own GPS. This is a game-changer for those who enjoy outdoor activities like running or hiking, as it ensures that your loved ones can still keep tabs on your whereabouts even when you're not carrying your phone.
However, it's important to note that Find people is designed to be a one-way street. You can't use your watch to start sharing your location or pull up a map showing someone else's location. This is because the feature is primarily focused on keeping your own location available to the people you've chosen to share it with. If you want to see someone else's location, you'll need to rely on the traditional methods, such as using the Find My Device app.
The Find people feature also includes a Location Sharing control on the watch. When you turn it on for the first time, you'll be greeted with explanatory screens that help you understand how the system works. Turning it off will prevent your watch from sharing your location across Google apps, giving you more control over your privacy.
In my opinion, Find people is a valuable addition to the Wear OS ecosystem, especially for those who want to stay connected with their loved ones while on the go. It's a simple yet effective solution that leverages the power of Google's existing Location Sharing system. While it may not be the most comprehensive tracking tool, it fills a useful niche and provides a convenient way to keep tabs on your loved ones without the need for constant phone interaction.
