Google’s Live Updates notification class is now fully operational in the latest Android 16 QPR1 beta. This feature serves as Google’s equivalent to Apple’s Live Activities. Live Updates provides notifications with enhanced permissions, which allows them to occupy more space on the screen, including key areas such as the Pixel’s status bar, lock screen, and Always on Display (AOD).
The feature is expected to launch with the first stable quarterly update for Android 16, anticipated in September. While it won’t support music or audio applications, it is ideal for food delivery, ride-hailing, and navigation apps. Google has identified these categories as perfect candidates for dynamic notifications on the lock screen, AOD, and status bar.
Recently, Google released a developer resource, detailing the technical requirements for utilizing Live Updates. To qualify for the Live Updates status, notifications must adhere to specific guidelines. They need to utilize templates like Standard/No Style, BigTextStyle, CallStyle, or ProgressStyle.
Additionally, developers must request the POST_PROMOTED_NOTIFICATIONS permission and call the requestPromotedOngoing API. Each notification must also be marked as an ongoing activity and include a brief summary for display in the status bar chip. Google emphasizes appropriate use cases for Live Updates, including ongoing navigation, active phone calls, rideshare tracking, and food delivery monitoring.
Conversely, unsuitable applications include ads, promotions, chat messages, and non-time-sensitive alerts. Developers are encouraged to trigger Live Updates for scheduled events only when they are nearing, allowing users to manage notifications effectively. The Live Updates feature is slated to expand to Wear OS devices next year, although it remains unclear if the requirements will differ for smaller screens.
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