Google has launched a new personal safety app called Trusted Contacts, which lets users share their location with trusted people in everyday situations and emergencies.

The app, which is currently available only for Android users, is very easy-to-use. After installing the app, a user can assign "trusted" status to any contact which he/she feels is close enough to share personal details to like current location and request for help in case of an emergency. The trusted contacts need to have the app installed on their devices too so that they can track activity status of the user.

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The activity status sends details about one's location in real time - whether one has moved around recently and is online. If a person is an unsafe situation, he/she can share his/her actual location with the trusted contacts.

The app works the other way as well. If one's trusted contacts are worried about him/her, they can send a request to ask his/her location. If everything's fine, the user can simply deny the request, meaning that there is nothing to worry about. But if the user is unable to respond within a reasonable timeframe, his/her location is shared automatically, and subsequent action can be taken further by the trusted contact that asked for the location. Additionally, the trusted contacts can be edited, and location sharing can be stopped by a user any time.

An important feature that makes the aforementioned features of the app possible is that the app works even when the user is offline.

Google came up with two scenarios on its blog, explaining how the app can be used effectively, with the help of two imaginary friends, Elliot and Thelma.

Stuck in the middle of nowhere?

Elliot goes hiking before meeting Thelma for a coffee. But after sometime, Elliot realizes he has lost and has no internet access. When Elliot doesn't show up at the coffee shop, Thelma starts to worry. Thelma requests Elliot's location, and since Elliot cannot respond, Thelma is sent Elliot's location, which says that he is in the middle of the canyon. Thelma calls the nearest ranger station, they send out a rescue party and find Elliot in a few hours.

Feeling unsafe on a dark, lonely road?

Elliot worked overtime at his office and notices that it's too dark outside. He opens Trusted Contacts and shares his location with Thelma. Now Thelma can walk him home - virtually. When Elliot gets home, he simply taps the banner at the top of the screen or from the lock screen and stops sharing his location.

With Trusted Contacts, Google could change how people conduct their day-to-day activities, adding more safely and securely.

Trusted Contacts can now be downloaded from the Play Store. Visit the help center for more info. For iOS users, click here to get notified when the iOS app is available.