Apple Music Archives

AppWizard

May 25, 2025

Android Auto will get Spotify Jam and support for video apps and web browsers

Google introduced enhancements for Android Auto, including the Gemini assistant and a revamped Spotify app featuring Spotify Jam, which allows users to collaboratively control playlists. Users can join by tapping a "Jam" icon and scanning a QR code. Quick Share integration will enable adding stops to Google Maps routes, and passkey support is forthcoming. A new light mode theme is in development, and web browsers and video apps will soon be available, limited to use when parked. The browser feature is in beta for vehicles with Google built-in, while weather app support has transitioned out of beta.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

What’s The Best Alternative To Shazam For Android Users?

Shazam was launched in the UK in 2002 as a service where users could call a number to identify songs for a fee. Acquired by Apple in 2018, it remains available for Android users and integrates with various music platforms while being free to use. Shazam struggles with identifying earworms. SoundHound, Shazam's main competitor, has around 100 million users and can identify songs quickly, providing detailed information and lyrics. It allows users to hum or sing songs for identification, though this feature is not always accurate. SoundHound's free version includes ads, while SoundHound Infinity offers an ad-free experience for .99. Musixmatch is another alternative that identifies songs and focuses on lyrics, allowing users to create "lyrics cards" and offering a translation feature. It requires the actual song for identification. The Google app also provides quick song identification, including for hummed or sung versions, but gives candid feedback on user performance.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

Is using Google’s apps better than using the ones already on my phone?

Jerry, a tech professional with over 15 years of experience, addresses questions about Android and technology. He emphasizes the dual nature of preinstalled apps on Android phones, which can provide functionality but also clutter the user experience. He suggests that manufacturers should improve backup processes similar to Apple’s. Key apps recommended for Android users include Google Chrome, Google Messages, Google Photos, and Google Assistant. Alternatives to consider are Samsung's web browser, WhatsApp for messaging, Samsung's file browser, and music services like Spotify and Apple Music. Users are encouraged to explore app recommendations and experiment with different applications to enhance their smartphone experience.

AppWizard

April 13, 2025

Apple Maps web app is now available on all devices, including Android

Apple has expanded access to its Maps application by introducing a web version that can be accessed from various mobile devices, including Android. The web app, which is no longer in beta, functions more like a standard website and lacks several features found in Google Maps, such as user logins, transit maps, and 3D building visuals. Users can access Apple Maps via "maps.apple.com," which includes basic search and navigation functionalities, as well as the Look Around feature. The web app can also be added to a mobile device's home screen for easier access.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Windows Weekly 927: Up to Stuff

Leo, Richard, and Paul discussed Microsoft's recent innovations, including the Windows 11 Feature Tracker, insights from Microsoft Build, advancements in consumer AI, and updates from the gaming sector, particularly Xbox. A new free newsletter offers three time-saving tips every Friday, and subscribers receive complimentary copies of Paul Thurrott's Windows 11 and Windows 10 Field Guides. The Windows 11 Feature Tracker aims to be a comprehensive resource and may evolve into a web app or wiki. The Windows Insider Program's Beta build for 23H2 introduces changes to file new tabs and new windows, while a nostalgic taskbar icon scaling feature is returning in the Dev and Beta (24H2) versions. Intel has discontinued its Unison app and service. The Build session catalog emphasizes AI developments, with sessions covering Windows Copilot Runtime and productivity enhancements. Microsoft unveiled new Copilot features at a consumer AI event, including web actions and memory personalization, and integrated Copilot Search into Bing. Concerns about AI's impact on human intelligence were discussed, particularly in relation to a Twitter debate on Microsoft's AI demo of Quake II. Microsoft announced an Xbox Games Showcase for June, with updates to the Edge Game Assist feature and GTA V available on Game Pass starting April 15. The Nintendo Switch 2 will support ray tracing and DLSS, though its release is delayed due to tariff challenges. Apple Music for Windows now supports Dolby Atmos, and notable software includes Notion, Typora/iA Writer, and Proton Pass. This week's RunAs Radio episode focuses on Application Risk in Security Copilot. The Heart Cut #02 from the East London Liquor Company is recommended for a unique tasting experience.

AppWizard

March 1, 2025

Other Browsers Need to Steal Opera’s Multitasking Sidebar

The Opera sidebar is a feature designed to streamline communication by serving as a hub for essential social media platforms and messaging services, allowing users to maintain focus while managing multiple applications. It has a minimalist design that can be expanded into popover tabs for easier access to messaging services without navigating away from primary tasks. Users can customize the sidebar by selecting from a variety of services, including AI tools, messaging apps like WhatsApp and Slack, and social media platforms such as Instagram and Bluesky. The sidebar helps prevent confusion from having too many tabs open, allowing for quick message replies and the option to pin apps for a split-screen view. Unlike other browsers, Opera allows browser extensions to operate within the sidebar, enhancing usability.

AppWizard

February 13, 2025

Apple TV Plus is reportedly about to debut on Android

Apple has begun rolling out its Apple TV Plus app for Android phones and tablets, allowing users to access shows like Severance. The app is available on the Google Play Store, with features such as offline downloads and saved watchlists. Users can subscribe to Apple TV Plus and MLS Season Pass through Google Play billing, but the app does not support movie rentals or purchases. It has been optimized for foldable devices. Previously, an Apple TV Plus app was available for Android TV. Other Apple apps available on Android include Apple Music and a Beats management app. An Apple TV Plus subscription costs .99 per month. The rollout of the app started on February 12th.

AppWizard

February 13, 2025

Hands-on: Apple TV finally comes to Android phones, tablets

Users of Android devices can now access a dedicated Apple TV app available in the Google Play Store, improving the experience compared to previous web and PWA access. The app features a user-friendly interface with a bottom navigation bar for Apple TV+, MLS, Downloads, and Search. It incorporates Material 3 design elements and offers a hamburger menu for tablet users. The app allows streaming options over cellular and Wi-Fi with high quality and data saver modes, and it includes download options for offline viewing. It features content carousels and a "Continue Watching" section that syncs across devices. The video player supports portrait mode and picture-in-picture functionality. However, the app currently lacks Casting support, notifications for new episodes, and requires users already signed into Apple Music to log in again. It supports Google Play Billing for subscriptions.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Apple TV app launches for Android with TV+, MLS, and no iTunes content

Apple is launching the Apple TV app for Android users with devices running Android version 10 or newer, allowing access to Apple TV+ content, live MLB and MLS games. The app features a design that aligns with Google's Material design and is organized into four categories: Apple TV+, MLS, Downloads, and Search. Users will receive personalized recommendations in the Apple TV+ section and can access Major League Soccer streams in the MLS section. The app allows subscriptions to Apple TV+ or MLS through the Google Play billing system, but lacks integration with other streaming services and does not include iTunes content or a "Continue Watching" feature for other platforms.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Apple TV+ crosses enemy lines, will be available as an Android app starting today

Apple has integrated its Apple TV+ subscription service within the Android and Google TV applications, allowing users to subscribe through Google’s payment system. Apple TV+ is priced at .99 per month, with a bundled Apple One subscription available for .95 per month, which includes 2TB of iCloud storage, Apple Music, and Apple Arcade. New users can access a seven-day free trial of Apple TV+. The MLS Season Pass is available as a standalone subscription for .99 per month or for the entire season, with discounts for subscribers who opt for both Apple TV+ and the MLS Season Pass. Apple TV+ features original programming like Ted Lasso, Slow Horses, and Severance but has struggled to match subscriber numbers with competitors, reportedly having invested approximately billion in original content while holding only about 10 percent of Netflix's subscriber base.