audio streaming Archives

AppWizard

November 27, 2025

Qobuz: I tested the Android TV app and I was impressed! – Son-Vidéo.com: blog

Qobuz has launched its app on Android Smart TVs, providing high-quality music streaming with lossless sound and high-definition masters. The app features a user-friendly interface optimized for larger screens, allowing easy navigation and access to curated playlists, personalized recommendations, and synchronized library data across devices. It supports Hi-Res audio streaming and includes Qobuz Connect, enabling users to control playback from smartphones or tablets. The app is compatible with Qobuz's Studio and Sublime subscription packages, offering access to over one hundred million titles in Hi-Res quality. Qobuz emphasizes editorial content, including album reviews and artist interviews, enhancing the listening experience with a human touch.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

Is Spotify down? Spotify app not opening as users report issues

The Spotify app is facing significant disruptions, with over 300 issues reported on DownDetector. 94 percent of complaints are related to the Spotify app, while five percent involve audio streaming issues, and one percent concern the Spotify website. Users have expressed frustration on social media, and Spotify has acknowledged the situation, stating they are investigating the problems.

Winsage

November 1, 2025

Windows 11 tests shared Bluetooth audio support, but only for AI PCs

Microsoft is testing a "shared audio" feature on Copilot+ PCs that utilizes Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast technology, allowing simultaneous audio streaming to two Bluetooth devices. This feature is part of Windows 11 Build 26220.7051 (KB5067115) and can be activated through quick settings. Currently, it is compatible with select PCs, including various models of Surface laptops and Surface Pro devices, and will expand to additional devices in the future, such as Samsung Galaxy Book models. Users will need compatible audio accessories to utilize the feature, which is being rolled out to Windows Insider Program participants in the Dev and Beta channels.

Winsage

October 31, 2025

Windows 11 tests Bluetooth audio sharing that connects two headsets at once

Microsoft is enhancing the audio experience for Windows 11 users with a new feature that enables shared audio streaming across multiple wireless devices using the Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) audio codec. This feature is currently in preview mode for Windows 11 Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels. Users can connect Bluetooth LE-supported devices to their Windows 11 PC and select the “Shared audio (preview)” option from the quick settings menu. The shared audio feature is available on select Copilot Plus PCs, including the 13.8 and 15-inch Surface Laptops and the 13-inch Surface Pro, with plans for additional devices like the Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 and Galaxy Book5 Pro to support it soon. Compatible devices include Bluetooth LE models such as the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Buds 3, Buds 3 Pro, and Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones.

AppWizard

October 11, 2025

14 unusual Android apps I always install on my phone

whoBIRD is a free, open-source app that helps birdwatchers identify birds by their calls using the BirdNET call database. Noice provides ambient sounds for relaxation and sleep, requiring a data connection. The Survival Manual is a comprehensive app offering essential survival skills and knowledge. RunPee identifies the best moments in films for bathroom breaks and provides information about post-credit scenes. Drinkable is an open-source app that helps users craft cocktails based on available ingredients. Tomato is a Pomodoro technique app that manages work sessions with structured intervals. Golden Hour helps photographers plan outings based on optimal lighting conditions. Historical Calendar chronicles significant historical events that occurred on any given day and includes a quiz feature. Marine Traffic provides real-time data on vessels at sea, allowing users to track ships and monitor their movements. Unit Lab is a unit conversion app that works offline for various measurements. PlantNet identifies plants through image recognition by allowing users to upload pictures. PeakFinder uses augmented reality to identify mountain peaks and their elevations. SkyMap helps users locate stars, planets, and constellations using GPS. WiFiAnalyzer optimizes home networks by identifying the best channels for Wi-Fi signals and providing insights into network strength.

AppWizard

October 9, 2025

This underrated app is better than YouTube Music, but I’m still not switching

YouTube Music and Deezer are both music streaming platforms, with Deezer offering a cleaner interface, organized sections, and a visually appealing design. Deezer features a personalized Flow mix, music quizzes, lossless audio streaming, and integrated concert information, while YouTube Music excels in video content and has a more robust podcast feature. The primary barrier to switching from YouTube Music to Deezer is cost, with YouTube Music being cheaper in many regions. However, in the U.S., Deezer's pricing is more competitive, making it a more appealing option for some users.

AppWizard

September 30, 2025

5 apps you should use instead of Spotify

The author explored alternatives to Spotify after using its premium version for a long time. They identified five noteworthy music streaming applications: 1. YouTube Music: User-friendly design, impressive music discovery features, vast library of music videos, and ad-free experience with YouTube Premium. The free version has limitations like not being able to turn off the phone's display while streaming. 2. Deezer: A French streaming service with a comprehensive library and an intuitive interface. It features a personalized music discovery option called "Flow" and offers a free plan and a month-long trial. 3. SoundCloud: Focuses on emerging talent and allows users to discover new musicians. It has commendable music discovery capabilities and competitive pricing, starting at .99 per month. 4. Tidal: Known for superior audio quality with lossless streaming, offering high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192 kHz FLAC. It has an extensive library of exclusive content and a user-friendly app design. 5. Bandcamp: Functions as an online marketplace for independent artists, allowing users to purchase songs and albums individually. It promotes direct support for musicians and offers the ability to stream purchased music.

Winsage

September 4, 2025

Windows updates cause unexpected user account control prompts

Microsoft's August updates have introduced a User Account Control (UAC) prompt for Windows users with standard user rights when they attempt to initiate certain programs or use the repair function of MSI installers. This change, aimed at addressing a security vulnerability (CVE-2025-50173), can lead to installation failures. Scenarios where UAC prompts may appear include invoking MSI repair operations, launching Autodesk applications, installing MSI files after initial login, and distributing packages via Configuration Manager. Installations may fail with error messages, such as Error 1730 during the configuration of Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2010. Users are advised to run applications as an administrator, and Microsoft is working on a solution to allow administrators to configure MSI operations without triggering UAC prompts. The issue affects all currently supported Windows versions. Additionally, the updates have caused distribution failures via WSUS, problems with built-in system tools, and disruptions in professional video and audio streaming software.

Winsage

August 28, 2025

Microsoft announces super wideband stereo mode for Bluetooth LE devices — audio no longer downgrades to mono when microphone is used

Microsoft has improved Bluetooth audio quality in Windows 11 24H2 by introducing super wideband stereo audio streaming. This feature allows compatible Bluetooth devices to provide stereo sound while using the internal microphone, enhancing voice and video communication. Previously, users had to switch to mono mode when activating the microphone, which limited audio quality. The new mode maintains stereo sound during conversations, improving the overall experience. Users need a Bluetooth audio device that supports LE Audio and must update to Windows 11 24H2 or newer to access this feature. Additionally, Microsoft is implementing spatial audio capabilities in Microsoft Teams, offering 3D audio to enhance user engagement during calls.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Spotify adds messaging feature to strengthen social experience on app

Spotify has introduced a direct messaging feature to enhance social connectivity within its platform, allowing users to share music and podcasts without using external applications. The messaging function supports one-to-one interactions with individuals who have previously exchanged content, such as collaborators on playlists or users in Family and Duo plans. To initiate a conversation, users must send a request that the recipient must approve. Users can also enter chats via links shared on social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp. The feature retains a history of shared content and users can organize conversations under a 'Messages' section. Users can react to messages with emojis, and Spotify ensures that messages are encrypted, though not with end-to-end encryption. The company will review messages for violations and users can report concerning content.