Photo credit: www.androidauthority.com
Google Maps Integrates Now Bar Feature on One UI 7
As part of its ongoing enhancements, Google Maps has adopted the Now Bar functionality within One UI 7, enhancing navigation experiences on Samsung’s latest devices. This feature is accessible on the newly launched Galaxy S25 series and also available for those using the Galaxy S24 series where the One UI 7 beta is installed.
Background on Live Activities
The introduction of Live Activities with iOS 16 in 2022 marked a shift towards dynamic and interactive notifications. In the years following, several Android manufacturers began integrating similarly active notification formats. Google introduced Live Updates for Android 16, but Samsung has managed to provide a head start with its Now Bar feature on One UI 7, which is built on Android 15. This innovation has paved the way for third-party apps to adopt ongoing notifications, with Google Maps being the latest app to join this trend.
Implementation of Now Bar in Google Maps
Recent reports from users on X revealed that Google Maps version 25.05.01.719889437 now supports the Now Bar feature. However, some users, like Tarun Vats, have noted success with live navigation in the Now Bar using an earlier version, 25.04.01.717254420. This indicates a potential variance in feature rollout and availability across different app versions.
Compatibility and Functionality
The Now Bar feature isn’t limited to just the Galaxy S25 series; users of the Galaxy S24 series in the One UI 7 beta can also experience its advantages, as the stable update for these earlier models has not yet been released by Samsung.
One of the most notable aspects of the Now Bar is its capability to display notifications on the Always On Display. This allows users to view essential information without needing to activate the full display, offering convenience for those seeking quick updates while minimizing battery usage.
Future of Ongoing Notifications
As the Galaxy S25 series makes its entrance into the hands of eager customers, it is anticipated that many more applications will begin to integrate the Now Bar functionality, contributing to a richer notification experience on mobile devices.
Source
www.androidauthority.com