Google Contemplating Launch of ‘Continuous Notifications’ Functionality for Android, Drawing Influence from Apple

Google Contemplating Launch of 'Continuous Notifications' Functionality for Android, Drawing Influence from Apple

Google Contemplating Launch of ‘Continuous Notifications’ Functionality for Android, Drawing Influence from Apple


# Android’s “Rich Ongoing Notifications”: A Recognizable Yet Innovative Feature

It appears familiar in several respects.

Google is perpetually evolving, and the newest revelation in the **Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3** suggests an exciting feature on the horizon: **”rich ongoing notifications.”** Although this feature might seem recognizable, it adds a novel touch to the Android platform, inspired by comparable implementations from Apple and OnePlus.

## Key Information to Note

– **Rich ongoing notifications** are an emerging feature under development by Google, as disclosed in the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3.
– This feature draws parallels to Apple’s **Dynamic Island** and OnePlus’ notification chip, providing users with live, glanceable information in the status bar.
– Although information is still limited, this feature may be introduced with **Android 16**.

## The Revelation

Google has recently released the **Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3** for testers, and hidden in the code are hints regarding future features. As reported by **Mishaal Rahman** from **Android Authority**, Google is developing a new API for **”rich ongoing notifications.”** While the precise details of the API remain vague, the design and functionality appear to be coming into focus.

The new notification system will likely offer app developers the ability to personalize the look of these ongoing notifications, including color schemes and other visual features. These notifications are expected to manifest as a small chip adjacent to the clock in the status bar, supplying users with real-time updates from multiple applications.

## A Recognizable Idea

If this rings a bell, that’s because it resonates with existing concepts. Apple’s **Dynamic Island**, which debuted with the iPhone 14 Pro, provides a comparable experience by showcasing ongoing notifications and app activities in a dynamic, interactive section surrounding the phone’s notch. OnePlus has also adopted a similar concept in **OxygenOS 14**, where a notification chip conveys glanceable information.

Nevertheless, Google’s iteration is not merely a replica. The **rich ongoing notifications** will sit between the clock and the punch-hole selfie camera, unlike Apple’s Dynamic Island, which merges with the notch. This nuanced distinction may make Google’s version feel more intrinsic to Android’s design ethos.

## Functionality

As the feature is still under development, Rahman managed to activate a few apps in the status bar via the new API. For instance, if you have an order in transit from **Uber Eats**, the notification chip might display the app’s logo alongside an estimated delivery time. Similarly, if you’re on a trip, the chip could showcase the airline’s logo and your boarding time.

The chip’s placement is where users presently observe app notification icons or ongoing phone calls. The aim is to furnish users with quick, glanceable information without necessitating the opening of the app. Tapping the chip might possibly reveal a dialog box with more detailed information, though this remains speculative.

## Supported Applications

It’s yet unclear which applications will incorporate this feature, but the potential reach is enormous. From food delivery platforms to travel applications, the **rich ongoing notifications** could keep users updated in real-time on various activities. This feature could also extend to other applications, including messaging or fitness trackers, promoting a more cohesive and fluid experience.

## Anticipated Launch

Though the feature was unearthed in the **Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3**, it is unlikely to make its appearance in the December feature drop. Rahman posits that the **rich ongoing notifications** could debut with **Android 16**, allowing Google additional time to fine-tune the feature and assure extensive app compatibility.

## A Peek into the Future

Google’s **rich ongoing notifications** represent just one of the myriad enhancements potentially coming to Android soon. The company is also developing a feature termed **”Modes,”** which might replace the conventional **Do Not Disturb (DND)** functionality. These modes would enable users to establish custom behavior profiles for their devices, complete with distinct icons, titles, and activation criteria.

The rollout of **rich ongoing notifications** and **Modes** implies that Google is prioritizing the customization and user-friendliness of Android, granting users greater agency regarding their device interactions.

## In Summary

Google’s **rich ongoing notifications** may evoke familiarity, taking cues from Apple’s **Dynamic Island** and OnePlus’ notification chip. However, this feature aspires to deliver a fresh and distinctly Android experience to users. By supplying real-time, glanceable information in the status bar, **rich ongoing notifications** could serve as an essential tool for staying updated without the necessity of frequently checking your device.

As we look forward to the official launch of **Android 16**, it’s evident that Google is diligently enhancing the Android experience, tailoring it to be more intuitive and user-focused. Whether you’re monitoring a food delivery or preparing for a flight, **rich ongoing notifications** will keep you informed effortlessly.