If you own a Pixel phone, you’ve likely encountered the Now Playing feature, a convenient tool that identifies songs playing in your vicinity, whether from the radio or other sources. While it may not be flawless, it generally performs admirably, providing users with a seamless experience.
Currently, the Now Playing feature is exclusive to Pixel devices, though similar functionalities can be found in various apps on the Play Store. However, these alternatives often require users to manually open the app and initiate the song recognition process, which detracts from the convenience that Now Playing offers. In contrast, Google’s search bar on Android also includes a song identification feature, but it necessitates user interaction to activate.
The Now Playing feature on Pixel phones is getting its own app
Recent reports from 9To5Google indicate that Google is developing a dedicated application for the Now Playing feature. This new app is expected to enhance user experience by providing additional functionalities. Although the development status remains somewhat unclear, evidence of the app’s existence has surfaced in the B.21 version of Android System Intelligence, which underpins the Now Playing feature.
When the app launches, it is anticipated that it will not replace the existing background functionality of Now Playing. Instead, it will likely serve as a platform for users to access their song history recognized by the feature. While details about other potential functions remain vague, it is reasonable to assume that Google has plans for further enhancements, ensuring that the app will offer more than just song recognition history.
