Google has introduced Live Updates notifications with Android 16 Beta 2.1, and Google Maps is the first app to support it. For starters, it adds a floating, pill-shaped notification that stays on the screen even when you switch apps. If that rings a bell, it’s because Samsung already offers something similar with the Now Bar with Galaxy S25 running One UI 7.0.
Google Maps fastest to support Android 16’s Live Updates notifications
With Google Maps v25.09.02 or later on Android 16 Beta 2.1, navigation details now appear in a pill-shaped notification at the top of the screen. Tapping it expands the pill into a floating window, showing additional info without having to reopen the app. This floating notification stays visible for a few seconds even when switching apps. Thankfully, 9to5Google has shared some screenshots so we can have a look.
Though there’s a catch, which is that the Live Updates appear only on one condition. The Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode should be disabled for Google Maps. Plus, a new toggle called “Show Live Info” has been added to the app’s info screen. Hence, you can enable or disable this.
One UI 7.0’s Now Bar on the Galaxy S25 and A56 is a bit different here. Now Bar keeps ongoing activities, like navigation, music playback, or calls, accessible via a floating bar in the status area. While Live Updates and Now Bar look similar, they function independently and require different implementations by app developers. According to 9to5Google, “the implementation here is nearly identical.” But in all fairness, it’s even closer to the one on iOS.
Interestingly, Google Maps needed an extra update to enable Live Updates on Android 16, despite Now Bar already offering similar functionality on Samsung’s One UI 7 (Android 15). This suggests Samsung’s system is separate from Google’s and not directly tied to Android’s new notification system. With Android 16’s official release in June, more apps will likely adopt Live Updates. Meanwhile, Samsung may integrate Now Bar more deeply with Android 16 in One UI 8.0.
