media controls Archives

AppWizard

June 26, 2026

Razer gaming gear up to 76% off for Prime Day at Woot: Minecraft Edition accessories, mice, headsets, more from just $13

Woot has launched a sale for Prime Day featuring discounts on Razer peripherals, with savings up to 76% and prices starting at .99 for Prime members. Customers can use the promo code RAZERWOOT for additional discounts, particularly for new customers. The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog Gaming Keyboard is highlighted in the sale, priced at .99 with Prime shipping, and can be reduced to .99 with the promo code. This keyboard typically retails for 0 on Amazon, representing a significant savings opportunity. It includes features such as rapid trigger mode, doubleshot PBT keycaps, Razer Chroma RGB lighting, and an ergonomic magnetic wrist rest.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

This free app puts Microsoft to shame by bringing widgets to the Windows 11 taskbar

WidBar is a beta application for Windows 11 that allows users to integrate widgets into the taskbar, currently offering two widgets: "Now Playing" and "System Metrics." Users can drag and drop these widgets into a live preview of their taskbar and place them across multiple monitors. The native Widgets Panel in Windows 11 has 56 widgets but lacks a dedicated Now Playing widget, as media controls are only available in the Action Center. WidBar is gaining attention for its potential to enhance user experience and is being discussed in the tech community on platforms like Reddit.

AppWizard

May 29, 2026

Android Auto Just Got A New Feature That Will Make Media Switching Way Easier

Google is rolling out an update for Android Auto that introduces swipeable media cards, allowing users to navigate between media and streaming applications more easily. This feature, currently in beta, enables users to manage media controls on the dashboard without losing access to the controls of previously used apps. Users can swipe between media cards, which display essential information such as media controls and metadata about the currently playing content. There is no official timeline for the public rollout of this feature, and Google is also enhancing Android Auto with updates, including a more active role for its AI agent, Gemini.

AppWizard

May 29, 2026

Camera events in Google Home can be your next automation in this late May patch

Google has released a late May update for Gemini for Home and its Home app, introducing a "visual insights" feature that allows connected cameras to automate responses based on detected events. The update includes refined media controls, improved speed for common commands, and the ability to execute multiple tasks from a single command. Apple Music support has been reinstated, and Bluetooth pairing has been simplified. The user interface for the Familiar Faces feature has been refreshed, and smart home widgets have improved responsiveness. Google has also expanded Gemini for Home to carriers and hardware manufacturers, enabling easier integration of its features into devices. Additionally, a Home Premium plan is being introduced to Internet Service Providers, carriers, and security companies.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Wear OS 7: 5 New Features Coming To Your Android Smartwatch In 2026

Google has unveiled Wear OS 7, set to roll out in late 2026, featuring new enhancements for smartwatch users. Key updates include: 1. Real-time tracking with Live Updates, allowing users to monitor data and notifications directly from their wrist. 2. Integration of Gemini Intelligence for AI automation, enabling voice-activated tasks and direct actions from smartwatches. 3. More customizable widgets, offering "Small" and "Large" sizes for a personalized interface while maintaining visual consistency with Android devices. 4. Improved media controls for apps like Spotify and YouTube, allowing users to customize playback triggers and switch audio sources more easily. 5. A 10% improvement in battery life and the introduction of the Wear Workout Tracker kit to enhance fitness app development without draining battery life.

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 1, 2026

Google Home’s camera feed, media controls get upgraded in all the right ways

Google Home is rolling out a significant update for its app and Gemini for Home. All users will receive an enhanced media control interface, while Premium users on the Advanced plan will gain access to new "AI descriptors" for smart cameras. The update includes a modernized camera interface with dynamic theming and improved contextual logic for Gemini, reducing errors and enhancing response times for commands in English, French, and Spanish. The Continued Conversations feature allows Gemini to remain attentive longer, enabling users to complete their thoughts or ask follow-up questions without interruption.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

YouTube adds Android Auto support for background play controls

YouTube has rolled out support for Android Auto, allowing limited interaction with the platform. Users can access basic features like play/pause and skip to the next video through the dashboard media widget, but cannot play videos or use comprehensive media controls. A YouTube Premium subscription is required for background play, with a new Premium Lite plan available starting February 2026 for .99 per month, which will also include background play.

AppWizard

December 23, 2025

Android Auto may finally let you cast media from your phone

Google is developing Google Cast support for Android Auto, as indicated by code strings in version 15.9 that reference Cast integration. This feature will allow audio and video casting from smartphones to cars. Android Auto is also adopting Material 3 Expressive design, with updated media controls in the latest build. While the casting feature is not yet publicly available, it is expected to enhance in-car entertainment experiences. Additionally, Google is testing video support for Android Auto, and the media player in version 15.9 is transitioning to a new design with a refreshed progress bar and button styles, although these features are not enabled by default.

Winsage

November 26, 2025

5 Linux desktop environments that make ditching Windows 10 easy – including my top pick

KDE Plasma is a Linux desktop environment that resembles the Windows desktop and offers extensive customization options. It serves as the default desktop for distributions such as KDE Neon, Kubuntu, openSUSE, and Fedora KDE. Cinnamon is the default desktop environment for Linux Mint, designed for user-friendliness and closely resembling Windows in aesthetics and functionality. It is included in distributions like Linux Mint, Ubuntu Cinnamon, and Fedora Cinnamon. MATE is a continuation of GNOME 2, retaining familiar Windows features while being lightweight for older hardware. It can be found in distributions such as Debian, Fedora, Gentoo, and Ubuntu MATE. Budgie features an elegant design that mimics Windows and offers a customizable experience with a notification system called Raven. It is available in distributions like Ubuntu Budgie and Fedora. Xfce resembles Windows and includes essential features, but its high level of customization may overwhelm new users. It is the default desktop for distributions like Xubuntu and MX Linux.