Google Adds New Family Sharing Features to Calendar, Keep, and Photos

[MacRumors]

Google expanded the range of family sharing features across a handful of its digital services on Tuesday. The new additions rolled out to Google Calendar, Google Keep, and Google Photos.

Setting up a family group in Google Calendar now automatically generates a "Family Calendar" for users to keep track of group activities like picnics, movie nights, and reunions, all in one place.

The new feature in Google Keep works similarly. Users add a family group as a collaborator for any note, which allows everyone to edit and make changes to shopping lists, to-dos, and the like. A family group icon (a house with a heart at its center) appears next to any note that is shared in this way.

Lastly, in Google Photos, a new "Family Group" option in the Share menu lets users share selected photos with family members.

To use the new family sharing features, a Google Play Family Library needs to be set up. This can be done at https://families.google.com/families or via the Android Play Store app: tap the top-left menu icon and select Account -> Family -> Sign up for Family Library.

Users can share apps, games, movies, TV shows, and books purchased from Google Play with up to 5 family members using Google Play Family Library. Each member of the family has to follow the same steps to activate their membership in the group.

Article Link: Google Adds New Family Sharing Features to Calendar, Keep, and Photos

 

[theheadguy]

This definitely makes the switch to Android more intriguing. iOS 11 better be really good. It's time.

 

[odditie]

This definitely makes the switch to Android more intriguing. iOS 11 better be really good. It's time.

I agree Apple needs to get better family integration, but why does this make Android more compelling when the features are available on both iOS and Android?

 

[iMerik]

I agree Apple needs to get better family integration, but why does this make Android more compelling when the features are available on both iOS and Android?

I think the simple answer is integration with the OS and being able to use Google services as your defaults. For example, why mess around with Apple/iCloud Photos if you really intend to just live in Google Photos. At some point it just feels simpler to move to Android if you find yourself loving what Google is doing with their services, because you've already taken the leap away from Apple's benefit of privacy.

 

[rvinny]

I think the simple answer is integration with the OS and being able to use Google services as your defaults. For example, why mess around with Apple/iCloud Photos if you really intend to just live in Google Photos. At some point it just feels simpler to move to Android if you find yourself loving what Google is doing with their services, because you've already taken the leap away from Apple's benefit of privacy.

great comment.

 

[FritzMeister]

Unfortunately accounts on GSuite are not supported. I've had my family emails hosted on it for almost 10 years and have employed other workarounds to achieve family sharing functionality. Too bad GSuite users can't take advantage of the new features.

 

[Jeaz]

I agree Apple needs to get better family integration, but why does this make Android more compelling when the features are available on both iOS and Android?

iCloud has these features for years, Google's playing catchup here. Although I'll admit that the family sharing for photos could be better.

 

[samcan]

I'd be more excited if Google didn't spontaneously remove features and abandon services. Never fall in love with a Google feature or service as it may be gone the next time you try to use it.

Speaking of which, isn't it almost time for Google to release another messenger app to compliment GChat, Google, Google Talk, Google Wave, Huddle/Google+ Messenger, Hangouts, Voice, Allo, and Duo?

I dream of switching to Google, the Galaxy S8 is an amazing phone... then I realize Google lacks follow-through and polish. Their OS just got app notification tags!?! Their user experience testing is also lacking. For example, Google Home can only follow one calendar per user, so you need to have one giant messy calendar. I don't know anyone with one calendar. These gaping holes exist for all of their products. Sadly, with a few exceptions, Google abandons apps and services before they evolve to be reliable for daily use.

I would switch in a second, but I fear google products would turn my digital life into a time sucking management hobbie... I don't need any more hobbies.