Google Maps is about to get a big privacy boost, but fans of Timeline may
lose their data

Date:
Thu, 06 Jun 2024 01:30:11 +0000

Description:
Google Maps will now store Timeline data onto your phone however you have until Dec. 1 to do so or risk losing data.

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One of Google Maps most popular features, Timeline, is about to become a lot more secure. To give you a quick refresher, Timeline acts as a diary of sorts that keeps track of all the past routes and trips youve taken. Its a fun way to relive memories.

Utilizing this tool requires people to upload their data to company servers for storage. That will change later this year though, as according to a
recent email obtained by Android Police , Google will soon be keeping
Timeline data on your smartphone.

Migrating Maps data over to localized device storage would greatly improve security as you wont be forced to upload sensitive information to public servers anymore. However, due to the upcoming change, Google has decided to kill off Timeline for Web. Users have until December 1, 2024, to move everything from the online resource to their phones storage drive. Failure to take any action could result in losing valuable data, like moments from your timeline.

Google will try moving up to 90 days of Timeline data to the first signed-in device after the cutoff date. However, anything older than 90 days will be deleted and it's important to take note of the wording. Theyll try to save as much as they can, meaning there is no guarantee Google will successfully migrate everything over if you miss the deadline. Its unknown why this is the case, although we did ask. Configuring Timeline

The company is asking people to review their Google Maps settings and choose which device will house their saved visits and routes. Their email offers a link to the apps settings menu, but if you didnt get the message you can navigate to Google Maps on your mobile device to make the changes there. Its how we did it.

First, update Google Maps if you havent done so already, and then go to the Timeline section, where youll be greeted with a notification informing you of forthcoming changes.

Then, click the Next button, and a new window will appear asking you how long you would like to keep your data. You can select to store the information until you get rid of it or set up an auto-delete function. Users can have Google Maps trash their Timeline after three, 18, or 36 months have passed. (Image credit: Future)

Additionally, you can choose to back them up to Google servers. Android
Police explains that this revamped system curates Maps Timelines for each device independently. So, if you buy a new smartphone and want to restore
your data, using the backup tool is the best way.

Whats interesting is that the Timeline transfer is a one-way street. Google states in a Maps Help page that after the data is moved to your smartphone, you cannot revert back to the previous method. We experienced this firsthand because we couldnt find a way to upload data to company servers outside of
the backup function after localizing storage.

Dont worry if you havent received the email or the Google Map patch as of
yet. Android Police says the company is slowly rolling out the changes. Be sure to keep an eye out for either one.

While we have you check out TechRadar's list of the best Android phones for 2024 . You might also like Android phones can now edit text messages, just like the iPhone Google Maps is getting two helpful new features in its latest update Pixel's new satellite feature could show people where you are on
Google Maps



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/software/google-maps-is-about-to-get-a-big -privacy-boost-but-fans-of-timeline-may-lose-their-data


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