Google Maps is the first app to use the new real-time updates feature in Android 16, according to Android Authority. Users of Android 16 beta 2.1 can now see the time to the next turn and estimated time of arrival in the status bar of their device.
Google introduced the Live Updates feature in the first beta of Android 16, describing it as “a new class of notifications that help users track and quickly access important ongoing activities.” The feature is similar to Live Activity in iOS, which shows real-time notifications on the lock screen and Dynamic Island, but we haven’t seen it in a real Android app yet.
According to Android Authority, the Google Maps app has a new option that allows you to turn off the “live information” that appears in the status bar and on the lock screen. In Android 16 beta 2.1, real-time updates are only partially supported, as, according to Android Authority, Google Maps notifications are still “minimized” on the always-on display.
Although the use of Google Maps is still limited, Google and other developers have plenty of time to add full support for Live Updates, as Android 16 is not expected to launch until June.
