Enhancements in Chrome 131 on Android: Improved autofill and a cleaner Google Maps interface
Google is rolling out several updates with the upcoming release of Chrome 131 for Android. This update brings significant improvements, particularly for users who rely on third-party password managers, along with a more streamlined Google Maps interface.
Chrome 131: Better Autofill with Third-Party Password Managers
Chrome 131, scheduled for a stable release on November 12, introduces native support for third-party autofill services on Android. Previously, users experienced issues with autofill, such as glitchy page scrolling and duplicate suggestions when using password managers other than Google’s built-in service. This was because Chrome operated in a “compatibility mode” for autofill, which sometimes caused a disjointed user experience.
With Chrome 131, third-party services can now seamlessly autofill passwords, passkeys, addresses, payment details, and other stored information. This makes the autofill process smoother and faster, offering a better experience for users who prefer alternatives like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden.
To activate this feature, Android 14+ users can navigate to their device’s settings through Settings > Passwords, passkeys & accounts. From there, they can choose a third-party service for autofill. In Chrome, under Settings > Autofill Services, selecting “Autofill using another service” enables this feature. Users need to restart the browser for the changes to take effect.
If you’re using Chrome 131 in beta, you can further enhance your autofill experience by enabling the following flag:
chrome://flags#enable-autofill-virtual-view-structure
Google has announced that Chrome will discontinue the older compatibility mode for autofill by early 2025. Therefore, users should switch to third-party autofill in Chrome settings to avoid any disruption in their experience once this mode is deprecated. Encouraging users to toggle the autofill option ensures that they enjoy seamless functionality with third-party services.
Google Maps: Relocating the Weather Widget for a Cleaner View
Along with Chrome updates, Google Maps on Android is also seeing a minor but important interface change. Earlier this year, the app introduced a weather display on the top-left corner, providing real-time information on temperature, weather conditions, and air quality index (AQI). However, Google is now relocating this weather widget to declutter the main map view.
The weather information will no longer overlay the map but will instead be housed in the “Latest in the area” section, located at the bottom of the screen. This section displays relevant updates for the user’s current city, neighborhood, or nearby attractions. When expanded, the weather will appear in the top-right corner, and in the bottom-right corner when the information panel is minimized. To access this panel, users simply need to interact with the map or swipe up from the bottom.
This repositioning helps make the map more visually clean and less crowded with elements. The bottom panel’s collapsible feature also allows users to explore the map with fewer distractions. Although this change might slightly reduce the ease of checking weather conditions while navigating, the overall map view gains clarity.
The revamped interface is currently being tested in the beta version of Google Maps (version 11.151.x), with an expected stable release in the coming updates. However, users who prefer quick access to weather information may find this change less convenient, as the display area is slightly reduced when the bottom panel is expanded.
Final Thoughts
With Chrome 131 and the updated Google Maps, Android users can expect improved functionality and a cleaner, more efficient experience. The autofill improvements in Chrome ensure that third-party password managers integrate more naturally, while the changes in Google Maps make navigation more visually appealing by decluttering the interface. These updates highlight Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance usability and streamline the overall experience for Android users.
Both features are currently in beta but are expected to reach all users soon, making Android even more user-friendly with optimized browsing and navigation.
YouTube Music is rolling out a new feature called “Stable volume” to make your listening experience better. This option helps keep the sound level the same across all songs, so you won’t have to turn the volume up or down when switching tracks.
Sometimes, songs are louder or softer depending on how they were made. This new feature fixes that by adjusting each track so that all music plays at a similar volume. It’s especially useful when you’re using headphones or listening in the car.
You can find this option in the YouTube Music app by going to Settings > Playback & restrictions, where you’ll see a switch for “Stable volume.” It works for both free and Premium users, and it’s now appearing on Android devices (version 7.07 or later). iOS support may come soon, but it’s not available yet.
This is a welcome update, as many streaming apps like Spotify and Apple Music already have similar volume balancing tools. It helps make playlists and albums sound smoother and more enjoyable without constant volume changes.
So far, the feature is being released in stages, so you might not see it right away, but it should show up soon for everyone.
Android
Android 16 beta adds battery health info, Pixel Fold gets better at detecting opens and closes
Google has released the Android 16 Beta 1 update for Pixel phones, and it brings some helpful new features. One of the key additions is battery health information, which is now available in the settings. Pixel users can now see the battery’s manufacturing date, charge cycles, and overall health score. This can help people understand how well their battery is holding up over time. While this feature is currently hidden under developer options, it might be fully added in a future update.
At the same time, Google is also working to improve the Pixel Fold. With Android 16 Beta 1, there’s a new system that better detects when the phone is opened or closed. This new method uses the hinge angle to more accurately understand the device’s position. Unlike older systems that could be affected by software bugs or slow response times, this new one seems to be more reliable and faster.
These changes are important for people who use foldable phones like the Pixel Fold, as better hinge detection can lead to smoother app transitions and fewer bugs. And for all Pixel users, having detailed battery info can help with managing phone performance and deciding when it’s time for a battery replacement.
Overall, Android 16 Beta 1 focuses on giving users more control and smoother experiences, especially for those with foldables.
Google is working on Android 16, and it looks like the update could bring more color to the always-on display (AOD) feature on Pixel phones. Right now, the AOD mostly shows white text on a black screen. But a new setting found in the Android 16 Developer Preview hints at the ability to add colors to this display.
The new feature is called “AOD Preview,” and it includes a switch labeled “Color AOD.” While this setting doesn’t work yet, it suggests that Google might be planning to show colorful content even when the screen is in low-power mode.
This change could make AOD look more lively, maybe by adding color to the clock, notifications, or wallpaper. So far, it’s not clear exactly what will change or how customizable it will be, but the feature seems to be in early testing.
Samsung already has more colorful AOD options on its Galaxy devices, so this update could help Pixel phones catch up. Google often introduces new features first on Pixel devices before making them available to other Android phones.
Android 16 is still being developed, and many features are not ready yet. But if Color AOD becomes part of the final release, Pixel users could get a more vibrant and useful always-on display in the near future.
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