Google has announced a new date for shutting down the web version of Maps Timeline. What do you think about this change?
I wish they weren’t doing this. Timeline is so useful, especially on mobile.
Joss said:
I wish they weren’t doing this. Timeline is so useful, especially on mobile.
It’s still going to work on mobile, just the web version is going away.
Joss said:
I wish they weren’t doing this. Timeline is so useful, especially on mobile.
It’s still going to work on mobile, just the web version is going away.
But why shut down the web version? I use it there way more often.
@Mason
It seems the data will only stay on your primary phone now. Google doesn’t want to store it anymore, probably for privacy reasons.
Yan said:
@Mason
It seems the data will only stay on your primary phone now. Google doesn’t want to store it anymore, probably for privacy reasons.
Honestly, I think it’s a good thing. Less data in Google’s hands.
@Zaden
Exactly. I turned off the feature before, but now that it’s local, I might turn it back on.
@Zaden
Some people might still want a backup if they lose their phone or need to use it across devices.
@Mason
Probably to avoid being forced to hand over user data to governments. It’s becoming a big issue.
Wyatt said:
@Mason
Probably to avoid being forced to hand over user data to governments. It’s becoming a big issue.
Yeah, but disabling the web version just feels like an extreme move this far into the product’s life.
@Mason
I’m guessing it’s also related to lawsuits about Google collecting location data.
Joss said:
I wish they weren’t doing this. Timeline is so useful, especially on mobile.
It’s still going to work on mobile, just the web version is going away.
What happens if you lose your phone or get a new one?
@Toryn
You can back it up with encryption now, so even Google can’t access it.
@Toryn
If you get a new phone, the data should transfer like other local data. If it’s lost, it’s gone unless you’ve backed it up.
Why does Google pick weird places to care about privacy, like this and Find My Device?
Tan said:
Why does Google pick weird places to care about privacy, like this and Find My Device?
Storing years of location data is risky legally and ethically.
Tan said:
Why does Google pick weird places to care about privacy, like this and Find My Device?
Storing years of location data is risky legally and ethically.
Exactly. It’s a fun feature but a huge privacy concern.
If all my location history is saved on my phone, can it transfer when I upgrade?
Uma said:
If all my location history is saved on my phone, can it transfer when I upgrade?
Yes. There’s an option to save an encrypted backup for device transfers.