albums Archives

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

Android Auto’s media apps may soon offer an upgraded UI

Google announced updates at the Google I/O 2025 event to enhance media app layouts on Android Auto, introducing two new templates: SectionedItemTemplate and MediaPlaybackTemplate. The SectionedItemTemplate allows for a more organized browsing experience with multiple sections, while the MediaPlaybackTemplate offers greater control over the Now Playing screen layout. These changes enable developers to create more personalized and innovative app experiences. Additionally, Google is working on expanding Android Auto's capabilities to support browser and video applications, as well as a new light theme for the platform.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

Google teases media app updates for Android Auto, and they look good

Google has announced updates for Android Auto aimed at improving media applications, revealed at the I/O 2025 event. Key updates include the introduction of the “SectionedItemTemplate,” which organizes content into distinct sections for better usability, and a revamped “MediaPlaybackTemplate” that allows developers to customize the “Now Playing” screen layout. Google is also enhancing the “Car App Library” to enable richer experiences for media apps. Popular platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music will be among the first to implement these changes, although a timeline for the updates is not yet confirmed.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

Gemini on Android Can Now Answer Queries About Google Photos

Google Photos has integrated with the Gemini app on Android, allowing users to interact with their photo libraries more effectively. This feature, known as Ask Photos, enables users to ask questions about their images and retrieve specific information. The rollout is gradual, and users can access it by navigating to the Gemini app, selecting Google Photos in the Apps menu, and toggling the switch to connect the AI chatbot with their photo library. Users can search for images using natural language prompts and ask questions about the content of the images. Gemini can identify images or albums and allow users to open them in Google Photos or drag and drop images into other applications, though it currently does not support photo editing or album management.

Winsage

April 10, 2025

Albums from Miles Davis, Mary J. Blige, Elton John and ‘Minecraft’ enter National Recording Registry

The National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress has announced its latest inductees for the class of 2025, which includes 25 recordings that reflect America's cultural heritage. Notable albums recognized include: - "Bitches Brew" (1970) by Miles Davis - "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" (1973) by Elton John - "Tracy Chapman" (1988) featuring "Fast Car" - "My Life" (1994) by Mary J. Blige - The original Broadway cast album of "Hamilton" (2015) Significant singles added include: - "I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar" (1972) by Helen Reddy - "My Heart Will Go On" (1997) by Celine Dion Other unique selections include the original music for the video game Minecraft (2011) and the Windows 95 reboot sound by Brian Eno. The radio broadcast of the 1960 World Series narrated by Chuck Thompson is also included. The oldest recording in this year's class is the 1913 rendition of "Aloha ’Oe" by the Hawaiian Quintette, while the most recent is the 2015 "Hamilton" album. Additional albums making their debut include: - "Hello Dummy" (1968) by Don Rickles - "Chicago Transit Authority" (1969) by Chicago - "I've Got the Music in Me" (1975) by Thelma Houston & Pressure Cooker - "Fly Like an Eagle" (1976) by the Steve Miller Band - "Back to Black" (2006) by Amy Winehouse Career-defining singles also joining the registry include: - "Happy Trails" (1952) by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans - "Before the Next Teardrop Falls" (1975) by Freddy Fender - "Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’" (1971) by Charley Pride.