Bored? Not anymore. Google launches 'Who's Down' tool to find people near you who want to go out

An app that tells you which friends are free and want to meet has been released by Google.

Dubbed 'Who's Down', the app is available for free download - although it is currently invitation-only.

Once you've confirmed you're 'down' for an activity, nearby friends will see your status and be given the option to join you.

You do this by sliding a switch that makes you available for three hours. The app also lets you pick from a list of popular activities or create your own. 

If you manage to find some friends, there are group chatting features included to help organise the logistics of the event.

The app, which was spotted by 9to5 Google, is available for both iOS and Android.

The Verge suggests it is likely directed at teenagers. 

If you attempt to sign up for Who's Down without an invitation, Google asks you to enter your email address and your school.

'We're not down to share more details just yet,' the company said. 

The new app is similar to Apple's Find My Friends tool and Foursquare's Swarm app, with the main difference being the option to say exactly what you're 'down' for. 

Earlier this year, an Apple patent revealed its plans to extend its tool.

It wants to provide more customisable notifications that alert friends when you leave or arrive at a certain location, and lets them track your route more accurately. 

A related filing uses 'nodes' inside buildings to help these users pinpoint your exact location even when you're indoors. 

The patents, first spotted by AppleInsider, build on existing technology known as geofencing that creates a virtual fence or barrier around a specific location.

Friends have to consent to being tracked, but once they accept the invitation the initial user can request to see their location and get location-based alerts that notify them when they arrive at an airport, or when a child leaves school. 

NOW YOU CAN HIDE YOUR EX IN GOOGLE PHOTOS 

Google's latest update to its Photos app on Android lets you hide a specific person under the People tab

We all have an ex we'd rather not see again.

But with social media documenting our every move, it can be harder than ever to simply 'erase' someone from our history.

Now Google says it has a solution. The firm's latest update to its Photos app on Android lets you hide a specific person under the People tab.

According to a recent Google+ post, the new tool will mean that photos with that person will no longer appear under the 'Rediscover this Day' tab.

To use the feature, tap on the search button on your Android app which appears as a magnifying glass in the lower-right corner of the screen.

Press on the face you would prefer not to see. This activates a multi-select interface where you can pick as many people as you like to hide.

Then hit the 'Hide' button at the right side of the action bar. You will then be offered the option to confirm or undo the option.

The process isn't permanent. You can bring people back by making them temporarily by using the 'Hide & Show' people option.

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