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Samsung’s Adaptation of iPhone Live Activities Will Feature Compatibility with Google Maps and More Functions [Gallery]

# Samsung’s One UI 7: Live Notifications and the Now Bar

Samsung has officially launched its One UI 7 update in conjunction with the Galaxy S25 series release, introducing thrilling new features aimed at enhancing the user experience. Among these enhancements are “Live Notifications” and the “Now Bar,” designed to mirror Apple’s “Live Activities,” which have been accessible on iPhones for a while. This article explores these new features and their impact on Samsung device functionality.

## What Are Live Notifications and the Now Bar?

### Live Notifications

Live Notifications are crafted to deliver real-time updates on active tasks directly to users’ lock screens. This functionality enables users to stay updated without unlocking their devices. For instance, when using a navigation app like Google Maps, Live Notifications will present directions and updates as you journey, facilitating easy route-following without interruptions.

### The Now Bar

The Now Bar is a fresh component of Samsung’s lock screen, displaying information from compatible apps before the phone is completely unlocked. It acts as a quick-glance feature, providing users with essential information at a glance. Certain functionalities, such as media playback, even allow for extended controls prior to unlocking the device, improving convenience and accessibility.

## Supported Apps

Initially, Samsung has launched support for eight apps that will utilize Live Notifications and the Now Bar:

1. **Sports from Google**
2. **Google Maps**
3. **Samsung Health**
4. **Interpreter**
5. **Clock**
6. **Voice Recorder**
7. **Samsung Notes**
8. **Emergency Sharing**

In a hands-on session, Google Maps was evaluated and showed outstanding performance. While navigation is active, directions are visible on the Now Bar and in the notification tray, delivering a smooth experience for users who are on the move.

## Comparison with Apple’s Live Activities

Apple’s Live Activities feature, which was introduced a few years back, aimed to offer ongoing task updates on the lock screen and within the “Dynamic Island” interface. Although it took time for third-party apps to integrate this feature, it has become a vital asset for iPhone users. Samsung’s launch of Live Notifications and the Now Bar responds directly to this demand, bridging a gap that Android users have faced.

Interestingly, despite Google Maps being available on iPhones for years, it has not yet added support for Live Activities, rendering Samsung’s implementation a significant improvement in Android’s offerings.

## Media Playback and Now Brief Feature

Beyond navigation updates, the Now Bar will also showcase current media playback information, mirroring Apple’s user interface. This feature enables users to manage their media without unlocking their devices, enhancing user experience.

Another feature, known as “Now Brief,” will utilize the Now Bar but will not make use of Live Notifications. This upcoming feature is anticipated to provide succinct updates and notifications, further improving the lock screen functionality.

## Future Developments

Speculation indicates that Google is developing a similar feature for Android 16, which could eventually introduce comparable functionality to Pixel and other Android devices. For the time being, however, Samsung devices equipped with One UI 7 will be the first to harness these new features.

## Conclusion

The One UI 7 update represents a major advancement for Samsung, offering features that enhance user experience and functionality. With Live Notifications and the Now Bar, Samsung is not only addressing a void in Android’s capabilities but also providing users with a more convenient means to engage with their devices. As the Galaxy S25 series becomes available for pre-order, users can anticipate these groundbreaking features that promise to simplify everyday tasks and boost efficiency.

For those keen on exploring the Galaxy S25 series, pre-orders are currently accessible on Samsung’s website, featuring significant savings and incentives for early adopters.