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.