Google Maps on Android will soon provide better turn-by-turn navigation.

Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 users on some Pixel and Samsung devices are seeing Google Maps Live Updates in their notification bars and on their phone's lock screens. Similar to iPhone's Live Activities, Android Live Updates tracks the progress of food orders, ride-sharing services, and sports scores. These notifications are displayed at the top of the phone, across the status bar, which also shows the time, app and message icons, and system icons such as 5G/LTE, Wi-Fi, and battery level.

The Android Live Update will display small icons or progress indicators on the status bar. When the notification shade is pulled down, the full Live Update notification is visible. With the newest Android 16 QPR 2 Beta version, Google Maps notifications appear as Live Updates in the notification bar, as cards at the top of the navigation drawer, and on the lock screen. The status bar notifications appear as a small pill shape on the left, including a small arrow indicating direction.

The lock screen notification and the notifications at the top of the navigation drawer display the direction of travel and the estimated time of arrival. The Google Maps icon is on the left side of the notification. The notifications are useful for users who may have accidentally switched away from the app during navigation. The notifications also allow a quick return to the Maps app with a tap. In addition, there is a link to end the navigation session.

This feature has not yet been widely released by Google. Its release is not guaranteed, and the timing is unknown. Currently, Google appears to be testing this feature, as evidenced by the small number of Android users who have seen a Google Maps Live Updates notification while using a device running Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2. The feature is not yet available on a Pixel 6 Pro running Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2.

Because it appeared in the Quarterly Platform Release (QPR) beta, the feature may be officially released during the December Pixel Feature Drop. Google will release the stable Android 16 QPR1 update, also known as the September Pixel Feature Drop, this month. Those using the Android 16 QPR1 Beta will then be able to exit the Beta program without data loss. However, users who have already updated to an Android 16 QPR2 Beta release must remain in the Beta program until the December Pixel Feature Drop to avoid a forced factory reset.