While Android 16 is coming earlier than anticipated, feature-wise, it looks as if will probably be an incremental replace — with a heavy focus, not surprisingly, on Gemini, Google’s AI mannequin. However, one characteristic that ought to get folks excited is the introduction of Live Updates, which is now displaying up for Google Maps within the Android 16 beta 2.1, in keeping with Android Authority.
Live Updates are Google’s reply to Apple’s Live Activities characteristic, which was launched in iOS 16 a few years again. The characteristic pulls related and well timed data from an app, like a supply service, to trace one thing you’ve got purchased because it progresses from order to supply.
Android 16 is anticipated to launch within the second quarter of this 12 months, just a few months sooner than its typical third-quarter launch. Google’s transfer is to get options out at an accelerated tempo, which is why it plans to drop two SDK releases a 12 months now: one main launch within the second quarter and a smaller one within the fourth quarter. Android 16 ought to arrive round June.
You can take a look at the characteristic for your self, given you personal a supported Pixel machine.
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Here’s what the Live Updates chip appears like when utilizing flip by flip navigation in Google Maps.
Apple’s stay actions might be seen through an iPhone’s Dynamic Island, the lockscreen or a related Apple Watch. Android’s Live Updates will likely be added as a chip to your notification bar with the most recent standing replace pulled from the app. Given the infancy of the Android characteristic, we do not anticipate it to be practically as sturdy as the present iOS providing, however it’s a step in the best path.
If you are operating the most recent Android 16 beta (2.1) and have the most recent model of Google Maps put in, this must be all wanted to take a look at the characteristic. You can strive it out by navigating someplace utilizing turn-by-turn instructions, which is able to convey up a small chip displaying you the time till your subsequent flip or your ETA to your vacation spot.
I put in the most recent beta on my Pixel Tablet to see if I might get the characteristic to set off, and as soon as I minimized the mini navigation overlay, the chip appeared. Tapping the chip will convey a pop-up with the present navigation step.
While Live Updates aren’t something we have not seen earlier than, it’s a significant new characteristic for Android that ought to make your subsequent supply or Lyft experience simpler to maintain observe of.
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