media apps Archives

AppWizard

May 29, 2026

Google is implementing a media app switcher on Android Auto

Android Auto beta users on version 17.0.162144 can now switch between active media applications with a swipe, using an interface that displays cards for available media apps. This feature follows an update to the media app switcher in Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 and improves user experience while driving. The stable version of Android Auto currently does not support this media app switching, requiring manual navigation to different apps. The new feature is currently limited to the beta channel but is expected to be available in the stable version soon.

AppWizard

May 28, 2026

Android Auto just made switching media apps way less annoying

Google is updating Android Auto to support multiple swipeable media cards on the dashboard, allowing users to easily switch between active media applications. The latest beta version (17.0.162144-release.daily) enables users to swipe through various media options like Spotify, YouTube Music, Pocket Casts, and Audible, improving the user experience compared to the previous single-card limitation. This feature is currently available to beta testers, indicating a potential broader rollout in the future.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Android 17 comes with a more convenient media app switcher

Google has released Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3, featuring a redesigned media app switcher that replaces the previous carousel format. The new switcher condenses media apps into compact cards that expand when tapped, improving user convenience and clarity. However, this design reduces the size of the active music app tab and player controls. Further modifications to the media player switcher are expected before the stable launch of Android 17.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Android 17 gets a smarter media switcher, and it already feels better than the old carousel

Google's Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 introduces a new media app switching interface that replaces the traditional carousel layout with a streamlined card layout. This design features compact cards for minimized media applications on either side of the main media player, allowing users to switch between apps by tapping on these cards. Media apps are organized by importance, showing the currently playing media first, followed by content from remote devices and past sessions. While the new layout has received positive feedback for its clarity, some users have raised concerns about the size of the media controls and requested options for customization to enhance accessibility.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Big changes are coming to Android Auto — these are the music apps in line for a major redesign

Google has announced design enhancements for music applications in Android Auto as part of the Android Auto 17.0 beta, revealed at the I/O 2026 developer event. The update will benefit apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Gaana, PocketFM, and TuneIn. The Car App Library updates provide developers with more flexibility in app interface design, allowing for user-friendly experiences that reduce distractions. New features include an adaptive mini-player for media apps and additional component types like Chip and CondensedItem. Developers are encouraged to join the early-access beta program to utilize the new Car Library App templates.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Media apps in Android Auto are about to get a big design boost

Google is enhancing the Car App Library with new features for developers, including expanded headers, spotlight sections, new progress bars, grid item variations, chips, compact items, interactive headers, and a mini-player component for easier playback control. The updates are available in versions 1.8.0-beta01 and 1.9.0-alpha01, with early access encouraged for developers. Popular media apps like Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music are integrating these features. Upcoming support for video playback in vehicles will roll out later this year for devices on Android 17 or higher. Future updates will allow for a templated experience that transitions into the full app interface when parked, along with agentic and voice-based interactions. Additionally, Maps SDK support for Cars with Google Built-in will enable seamless rendering of map-based content in applications.

AppWizard

May 19, 2026

Android Auto is getting massive music app redesigns, starting with these apps [Gallery]

At Google I/O 2026, Google announced updates for Android Auto, focusing on media applications with a redesign, widgets, and video application support. The Car App Library will upgrade to version 1.9.0-alpha01, allowing for more customizable media app designs. New components for developers include expanded headers, spotlight sections, new progress bars, chip shortcuts, and an adaptive mini-player. Developers can apply for a beta program for early access, with initial changes appearing in apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Gaana, PocketFM, and TuneIn. Custom user interfaces for Spotify and YouTube were also showcased.

AppWizard

May 19, 2026

The Common Mistake That’s Filling Your Android Phone’s Storage

The accumulation of app bloat and cache buildup on digital devices can significantly impact storage and performance. As users install more applications, valuable space for photos, videos, and new apps is consumed, leading to a decline in device performance. Low storage levels hinder the management of temporary files, system updates, and background processes, resulting in sluggish app responses. Social media applications like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are particularly demanding on storage due to their continuous preloading of content and caching of images and videos. Older games and seldom-used apps also contribute to storage issues by pulling updates and cache files. Currently, Android users have limited automated solutions for storage management, requiring them to take proactive measures such as streamlining their app inventory or expanding storage with SD cards. Effective strategies include assessing and deleting unused applications, consolidating workflows to a single platform, and regularly clearing caches from social media apps, streaming services, and web browsers to free up storage and improve device performance.

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

5 Android App Permissions You Should Never Allow

Users should be cautious when granting permissions to applications on Android devices, as extensive access can lead to security vulnerabilities. Apps with accessibility permissions can perform actions like hacking passwords and altering device settings without user consent. Overlay permissions allow apps to display content over others, which can be exploited by malicious apps to trick users into providing sensitive information. Installing apps from unknown sources poses risks to device security and privacy. Usage data access enables apps to monitor user activity, which can be sold to advertisers. Granting access to contacts and SMS can lead to privacy concerns, as this information can be exploited by malicious entities. Users are advised to regularly review and manage app permissions to mitigate potential threats.

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

Social Media Apps Tech Pros Warn Are Draining Your Storage & Slowing Down Your Phone

Social media applications, particularly messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger, can accumulate significant data over time due to retaining all sent and received messages without user notification. This issue is magnified in group chats, where files shared by participants are stored regardless of whether they have been viewed. Additionally, Snapchat has evolved into a complex platform with features that increase its storage needs and battery drain. It is known for consuming battery life due to its use of location services, camera functionality, and background processes, often going unnoticed by users until they uninstall the app and experience improved battery performance.