Google Maps has become the first application to adopt the Live Updates feature from Android 16, allowing users on Android 16 beta 2.1 to see real-time navigation details including the time until their next turn and estimated time of arrival in the status bar, according to Android Authority.
Live Updates feature details
Google introduced the Live Updates feature in the initial beta release of Android 16, describing it as a “new class of notifications that help users monitor and quickly access important ongoing activities.” This feature parallels the Live Activities on iOS, which provides real-time notifications on the lock screen and the Dynamic Island.
With the release of Android 16 Beta 2.1, Google Maps began supporting Live Updates, although this implementation is still partial. There is an option in the Google Maps app to disable “live info,” which will show in the status bar and lock screen.
The notifications from Google Maps were confirmed to be displayed as status bar chips, appearing prominently in the notifications panel, above priority conversations but below the media panel. Users running Android 16 Beta 2.1 can interact with these notifications on compatible devices.
Google Maps status bar chips can show the time remaining until the next turn as well as the estimated time of arrival (ETA). The chips utilize the app’s standard navigation icon and green background to clearly indicate their source. Tapping on the chip reveals a heads-up panel with further navigation details, without requiring users to pull down the full notification panel.
Currently, notifications from both Google Maps and demo applications are collapsed on the always-on display, indicating that the Live Updates feature in Android 16 Beta 2.1 is not fully available. Previously, in a demonstration, Live Updates were shown as full wireframes on the always-on display, distinct from other notifications which appear only as icons. This expanded display capability is anticipated to be included in future beta releases, though no specific details are available at this time.
Live Updates on Android are expected to differ from Apple’s live activities, which can be viewed on an iPhone’s Dynamic Island, lock screen, or a connected Apple Watch. Android’s Live Updates will be integrated as a chip within the notification bar, reflecting the latest status update pulled from compatible applications.
To try the Live Updates feature, users need to run Android 16 beta 2.1 and have the latest version of Google Maps installed. Activation occurs when navigating to a destination, prompting a small chip to display the time until the next turn or ETA. Users can demonstrate the feature by minimizing the mini navigation overlay, which triggers the chip’s appearance.
While Live Updates may appear similar to existing functionalities on other platforms, it represents a significant addition to Android’s capabilities, poised to enhance user experiences for activities such as deliveries or ride-sharing services.
Featured image credit: Priscilla Du Preez/Unsplash
