What is Glympse?

Glympse is a free mobile app available for iOS and Android that enables users to easily share their real-time location data with friends, family members, or anyone else they choose. With Glympse, users can create timed location sharing events called Glympses that recipients can view on a map through the Glympse app or website.

To use Glympse, first you download the app and create an account. Then when you want to share your location, you simply open the app and create a new Glympse event, specifying who you want to share with and how long you want the sharing to last (up to 4 hours). The recipient(s) will receive an invitation to view your real-time location on a map during that time. They don't need to have the Glympse app installed - they can also view it via SMS/text message or on the Glympse website.

Once created, Glympses can be extended if needed but automatically expire when the time period ends. The service uses GPS, cellular and WiFi data to track device location accurately and updates the recipient's view in real-time as you move. Some key use cases for Glympse include sharing your commute so someone knows when you'll arrive, coordinating meetups, events, letting family track you on a long drive, etc.

An important privacy feature of Glympse is that it only shares temporary approximate location data, not persistent tracking. Recipients can only view the user's current approximate location while a Glympse is active. Once a Glympse expires, the location sharing ends which prevents continuous location tracking over longer periods.

Official Links