Samsung unveiled its One UI 7 operating system at the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event, introducing a new feature that promises to enhance user experience by incorporating Google Maps integration into the Now Bar. This new component, part of the Galaxy AI suite, was designed to deliver comprehensive information directly to users on their lock screens.
Google Maps
According to tipster Tarun Vats, who posted the information on X (formerly Twitter), the Now Bar will include live navigation capabilities from Google Maps. Vats noted the integration was detected in the One UI 7 operating system alongside Google Maps version 25.04.01.717254420. While the compatibility seems to have been planned for the OS’s launch, Google has only recently activated the feature.
Google Maps v25.04.01.717254420 is rolling out live navigation in the Now Bar and Live Activities for devices on One UI 7. Works on S24 too!
Repost pic.twitter.com/6XKVABfoOH
— Tarun Vats (@tarunvats33) January 30, 2025
Various screenshots provided by Vats illustrate how users can initiate navigation via Google Maps on compatible devices, with live updates visible on their lock screens through the Now Bar. The integration is also expected to support Live Activities.
One notable screenshot revealed Google Maps sending live notifications related to ongoing navigation tasks. This functionality aligns with Android 16 features, yet it can be utilized on the current One UI 7 build, which is based on Android 15, suggesting that Google may have facilitated its availability for Samsung devices.
The Now Bar itself acts as a quick access view, housing insights from Now Brief. Visually, it is characterized as a horizontal strip featuring multiple cards that users can scroll through in a card deck style.
In contrast, Now Brief serves as a new AI-driven feature that compiles summaries of a user’s device interactions and daily patterns. This ecosystem feature relies on data collected from devices such as the Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Ring. Users can access a variety of insights through Now Brief, including weather forecasts, energy assessments, music recommendations, and navigation options, among others.
