audio playback Archives

Winsage

May 21, 2026

The 13 biggest Windows 11 changes from early May — and why they matter for 2026

Microsoft has released several preview builds of Windows 11 as part of the Windows Insider Program in early May 2026, focusing on refining existing functionalities. Key updates include: 1. Taskbar position settings: Users can now reposition the Taskbar to the top, left, or right edges of the screen with build 26300.8493. 2. Modern Run dialog: A redesigned Run dialog was introduced in build 26300.8346, featuring a modern aesthetic and support for light and dark modes. 3. Share interface with suggestions: App suggestions for Azure Active Directory users have been added to the Windows Share interface. 4. File Explorer improvements: Enhancements have been made to address loading issues and improve the "Favorites" section and thumbnail displays. 5. Widgets changes: Default settings for Widgets have been adjusted to minimize distractions, including disabling hover opening and Taskbar badges. 6. Windows Search box with improved results: The search interface will prioritize local apps and files over web results starting with build 26300.8493. 7. New spinner design for core experiences: A unified donut-style spinner animation has been introduced for various core experiences. 8. Touchpad gesture controls: New precision touchpad gestures have been added to adjust scroll and zoom speeds. 9. Home to Pro Education free upgrade: Eligible K-12 organizations can upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Pro Education at no cost. 10. Task Manager with new NPU visibility: The Task Manager now includes columns for "NPU" and "NPU Engine" in relevant tabs. 11. Voice Typing on the touch keyboard: The touch keyboard's Voice Typing feature has been updated with a new button and animations. 12. Windows Update overhaul: Users can skip updates during setup and pause updates indefinitely in 35-day blocks starting with build 28020.2134. 13. Shared Audio feature: The new "Shared Audio" feature allows two users to listen to the same audio stream from one computer using Bluetooth LE Audio technology.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Android 17 cracks down on shady apps that play surprise background audio

Google is enhancing the audio experience on its Android 17 platform by implementing "Background Audio Hardening," which introduces stricter regulations for applications that play audio in the background. Under new guidelines, apps must either be actively displayed on the user’s screen or use an approved foreground service for audio functions. Android 17 will restrict apps from initiating audio playback automatically at device startup, and non-compliant apps may have their audio actions prevented without an error message. Mainstream media applications are expected to operate normally if developers follow the recommended playback systems, and alarms and timers will remain unaffected by these restrictions.

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

This is not a drill: All-timer weirdo game Deadly Premonition now playable on Linux as of Valve’s most recent Proton beta, plus 17 others and your EA library (until EA breaks it again)

Proton 11 beta 1 has been released by Valve, enhancing the Steam Deck and Linux desktops, and incorporating features from Wine 11. This update includes an initial Arm64 version of Proton, with plans for implementation in the upcoming Steam Frame. Some Windows games may perform better on Linux with this update. Newly playable games include "Unknown Faces," "Gothic 1 Classic," "X-Plane 12," "Breath of Fire IV," and "Deadly Premonition." The update also fixes various issues, such as video playback in "She Sees Red," rendering problems with the Ukrainian language option in "Chambers," and voice chat issues in "Phasmophobia." Improvements have been made in VR support for "No Man's Sky," and many other gameplay and performance enhancements have been implemented across various titles. Proton 11 beta 1 is based on Wine 11.0 and includes updates to several components, including vkd3d, dxvk, and Wine Mono.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

YouTube now works with Android Auto, but not in the way you’d expect

YouTube now supports audio playback on Android Auto, but video viewing is not available. Google has added playback controls such as play, pause, and skip directly to the car interface, allowing users to manage playback without using their phones. This update is being gradually rolled out, and while it improves the user experience for audio content, it does not include video playback. Users subscribed to YouTube Premium Lite can access these features. Future enhancements for a more comprehensive YouTube experience may be introduced at Google I/O 2026.

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

8 Genius Android Apps That Will Change How You Use Your Phone

Your Android device can be customized to enhance lifestyle and productivity through various applications. 1. ScreenCraft: Offers high-quality wallpapers, customizable clocks, and home screen setups for personalization. 2. AkiFlow: A productivity assistant that integrates with platforms like Gmail and Google Calendar, featuring task management and smart scheduling. 3. Typy AI: An AI-powered keyboard assistant providing grammar correction, sentence rephrasing, language translation, and tone adjustment. 4. Yin Yang Launcher: A minimalist launcher that prioritizes essential apps and includes a digital well-being tracker for screen time monitoring. 5. Adaptive Theme: Automatically adjusts display settings between light and dark modes based on the environment to reduce eye strain. 6. Volume Scroll: Allows navigation through the volume buttons for easier one-handed use, customizable for specific apps. 7. Weblo: A privacy-centric browser that blocks ads and trackers, supports background audio playback, and enables quick access to web apps. 8. OmniTools: An all-in-one utility app that includes calculators, unit converters, focus timers, and health trackers for everyday needs.

AppWizard

November 28, 2025

Google could have another killer app for Samsung’s smart glasses

Samsung is collaborating with Google and eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker to develop smart glasses, expected to be released in 2026. Google is enhancing its Translate app for these glasses, introducing a new 'Glasses' audio playback option in version 9.26.46.833192481.11, which will allow language translation directly on the device. The Live Translate feature will now function in the background, improving usability. A subsequent generation of Samsung's smart glasses with augmented reality (AR) is anticipated for 2027, competing with offerings from Apple and Meta.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

Google is getting Translate ready to be the killer app for smart glasses

The Google Translate app is set to receive enhancements to its Live Translate feature, which allows real-time conversations with on-screen translations and audio playback. Upcoming features include the ability to control audio playback for each language, a persistent notification for seamless use while switching apps, and integration with XR glasses. The interface will also see a drop-down audio control menu with options for mute, speaker, and headphones. Additionally, the persistent notification will enable Live Translate to function in the background, allowing users to pause or resume translations directly from the notification.

AppWizard

November 16, 2025

Google to flag Android apps with excessive battery use on the Play Store

Google is implementing measures to enhance battery performance on Android devices by monitoring apps in the Google Play Store for high background activity and excessive battery drain. Applications that exceed a defined "bad behavior threshold" may be flagged, affecting their visibility. Developers must adapt their apps to a new metric called "excessive partial wake locks" by March 1, 2026. This metric tracks the duration apps maintain background activity while the screen is off and will measure non-exempt wake locks over a 28-day period. An app is considered excessive if it accumulates over two hours of non-exempt wake locks in a 24-hour period, with the threshold set at 5% of user sessions. Developers exceeding this threshold will be notified. The initiative aims to improve user experience by addressing excessive resource consumption, though it is not specifically targeting malware.

AppWizard

November 12, 2025

Android phones to warn users about apps draining battery from March 2026

Google will implement a new system on 1 March 2026 to help Android users identify apps that drain battery life. Developers will be required to label apps that consume high amounts of power due to background activity. Apps categorized as heavy battery consumers will be removed from Play Store recommendations. Certain apps, such as those for audio playback or ride-hailing, may be exempt from these restrictions. Google will set metrics to define acceptable background activity levels and limit how often apps can use "wake locks." Developers exceeding this limit will be notified and may face reduced visibility or removal from the Play Store.

AppWizard

November 11, 2025

Google is clamping down on Android apps that cause excessive battery drain

Google has introduced a new metric for app developers to monitor battery usage, focusing on the use of "wake locks" that prevent smartphones from entering sleep mode. An app is deemed to excessively use wake locks if it accumulates more than two cumulative hours of non-exempt wake locks within a 24-hour period, with exceptions for processes that provide clear user benefits. Developers who do not address wake lock issues will receive warnings in the Play Store, indicating that "this app may use more battery than expected due to high background activity." Additionally, certain offending apps may become ineligible for specific discovery sections in the Play Store starting March 1.