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.
Google’s upcoming Android 16 update is bringing better security and some helpful improvements, especially for Pixel phone users. One of the main features in Android 16 is a new way to protect your phone’s data when it’s connected to a computer through USB. Right now, when you plug your phone into a PC or laptop, it can access all your data as long as you approve it.
With Android 16, Google is adding an extra security layer that only allows limited access unless you enter your PIN, password, or use your fingerprint. This will help protect your files if someone tries to access your phone without permission.
At the same time, Google is also working on a fix for a frustrating issue that some Pixel users have been facing for months — delayed notifications. After the April 2024 update, many users noticed that app alerts were not showing up on time, especially from messaging apps. Google has confirmed the problem and says a fix will be included in a future update, though it’s not in the current April patch yet.
Together, these changes show that Google is focusing on both stronger privacy and a smoother experience for Android and Pixel users. Android 16 is expected to roll out later this year, starting with developer previews.
Google is bringing several updates across its apps to make them more useful and easier to use. Google Translate is working on a new feature called “Practice.” It helps users improve their language skills by offering short exercises, like matching words or filling in blanks. Right now, it looks like it will focus on Spanish, but other languages may come later. This tool could be great for people who want to go beyond just translating words and learn the language.
Google Assistant’s Driving Mode in Google Maps is starting to shut down. Many users are noticing that the card-style dashboard is disappearing, and the Assistant voice command shortcut no longer works. Google hasn’t officially said why, but it seems they’re moving away from this feature, possibly to focus on other tools or experiences in Maps.
Google TV’s Freeplay app is now back with a fresh look. It gives users free access to over 100 live TV channels. The redesign makes it easier to browse channels and see what’s playing. The new layout also highlights what’s currently on, making it faster to start watching without having to dig through menus.
Lastly, Google Chrome is testing a new built-in PDF viewer. This upgraded tool makes reading and editing PDFs easier right inside the browser. It includes better zoom controls, a cleaner layout, and a page list view that lets users jump to specific pages more quickly. These updates show Google’s push to improve how we learn, drive, watch TV, and browse the web.
Google has shared the latest Android version usage numbers, showing that Android 15 is still in the early stages of adoption. As of April 2025, only 0.1% of Android devices are using Android 15. This version is currently in its beta phase, mostly available on Pixel and select partner phones. Android 14 leads the way with a 35.2% share, followed by Android 13 at 17.3% and Android 12 at 15.4%. Android 11 still holds 12.4%, showing how long older versions stick around.
Meanwhile, Google is also making changes in its AI efforts. The Gemini AI “prompt bar,” first seen in the Chrome browser, is now being tested in Google Search. This new feature lets users type or click suggestions to ask questions directly using Gemini, making search more interactive. It’s rolling out to more people gradually.
In addition to that, Google introduced Veo, a powerful video generation tool for creators. Veo can make high-quality videos from simple text prompts, using advanced AI to understand scenes, emotions, and cinematic styles. Google is currently letting select creators try Veo through a waitlist.
Together, these updates show how Google is improving both its Android platform and AI services. While Android 15 adoption is just beginning, features like the Gemini prompt bar and Veo highlight the company’s growing focus on AI to enhance user experiences across devices and tools.
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