media playback Archives

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

Pixel phones are now better at multitasking, thanks to Android 17’s Bubbles

The June Pixel Drop has introduced the Bubbles feature, allowing users to open up to five apps in floating bubbles for easy access without switching away from the current app. Users can activate this by long-pressing any app icon, which opens it in a small floating window that minimizes into a bubble when tapped outside. This feature is particularly useful for messaging and media apps. On larger devices like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, app bubbles are organized in a dedicated bubble bar for easier multitasking. The Bubbles feature has officially rolled out to all Pixel devices running Android 17, following its availability in the Android 17 beta. User feedback has been mostly positive despite some minor issues. The June Pixel Drop also introduces other features such as Screen Reactions and new Gemini models.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

Some of the cheapest Android phones are finally joining the Gemini era

Gemini is replacing Assistant Go on Android Go devices, enhancing AI accessibility for budget smartphone users. It is integrated into the Google app, allowing users to summon it easily with a long press of the Home or Power button. Users can now interact with AI without relying on browser-based workarounds. Gemini Go enables users to upload photos, documents, and other files for more accurate responses and interfaces with media playback for easy music requests. The feature will be rolled out gradually, requiring users to update the Google app via the Play Store. This update aims to make advanced AI tools accessible to budget phone owners, aligning with Google's mission to provide modern technology to all users.

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.

Winsage

May 13, 2026

Your laptop has a hidden control panel Windows won’t show you

Your laptop's utility application provides various features that enhance productivity, often overlooked during setup. It typically appears on the desktop or taskbar and offers functionalities that extend beyond basic Windows Settings. Key features include: - A dashboard summarizing essential PC attributes such as battery status, memory availability, CPU performance, serial number, and warranty information. - Diagnostic tools for troubleshooting and a method to check for updates, including Windows Update, Microsoft Store, and the utility application itself. - Performance settings for adjusting fan speed, allowing for higher performance or quieter operation. - Options to adjust the color gamut for professionals in photography or design, with different color profiles available. - Charging mode adjustments to extend battery lifespan by limiting charging to around 80% during regular use. - Sound presets to enhance audio quality for music, movies, or gaming. - OLED management features to mitigate burn-in issues on OLED displays. - Presence detection technology that locks the device when the user is away and can utilize facial recognition or smartphone proximity for unlocking.

Winsage

April 3, 2026

I switched to Linux and got tools that Windows users will never have pre-installed

Transitioning from Windows to Linux reveals a wealth of open-source software that enhances user experience. A key moment was switching from Fedora to openSUSE Tumbleweed, where Snapper, a snapshotting tool, was encountered. Snapper allows users to take snapshots of system files, enabling easy reversion to previous states without data loss. It automatically tracks significant changes, while Timeshift offers similar functionality in distributions like Linux Mint. KDE Plasma provides a fully customizable desktop environment, allowing users to personalize their experience with widgets, themes, and KDE applications. KDE Connect connects phones to Linux, enabling notification mirroring, file sharing, and media control, surpassing Microsoft's Phone Link. Linux package managers offer users significant control over their operating system, providing detailed information about downloads and dependencies. Although the command-line interface may seem intimidating initially, it becomes a preferred method for software management. Additionally, Linux distributions typically come with a wide range of high-quality applications pre-installed, enhancing the overall user experience.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Here’s why your Android Auto music controls look different this morning

Google has introduced a new Media Playback template for Android Auto, enhancing the user experience for music streaming applications like Spotify and YouTube Music. The update features a wavy progress bar and has repositioned the Play/Pause and track control buttons to the left side of the screen. This redesign aims to improve usability and streamline interaction with music apps. The rollout is gradual, with more users beginning to access the updated interface. The new design will be consistently applied across all music player applications using the Media Playback template. Users are encouraged to share their experiences with the new UI.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

Sonos app finally brings back support for Android’s media and volume controls

Sonos has reintroduced support for its built-in media player and lockscreen controls in the latest version of its app for Android users. This update coincides with the launch of new speaker models, including the "Play" portable speaker and the budget-friendly Era 100 SL, priced at . The app now allows users to manage playback from notifications or the lockscreen, displays currently playing media, and indicates which speakers are being used for audio output. Volume controls can also be accessed via the phone's physical buttons when the app is not open. Users are advised to check the Play Store for the latest version of the app.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Exclusive: Android Auto is preparing home screen widgets — here’s your first look

Android Auto is set to introduce home screen widgets, codenamed “Earth,” allowing users to integrate widgets from mobile applications into the Android Auto dashboard. Currently, Android Auto features “Taskbar Widgets” for quick app controls. The new home screen widgets will enable users to select one widget to occupy one side of the home screen, taking up 35-40% of the width. To add widgets in the current beta version, users must navigate to Settings > “Customize Earth,” choose an app, confirm the selection, and manage the widget. Users need to grant permissions for widget creation, after which they can select from compatible apps. Widgets will display on the dashboard, with the Spotify widget showing playback controls but lacking song titles due to layout design limitations. Testing reveals varying performance levels among widgets, with the Pixel Weather widget functioning well when location access is enabled. Key limitations include the ability to display only one widget at a time, no option to add multiple widgets from different apps, limited size adjustment, and some widgets not functioning correctly due to design issues. Widgets that work well typically do not require opening their companion apps. Improvements and better compatibility are expected in future updates.

AppWizard

October 14, 2025

Your next Google Maps navigation could be planned by Gemini

Google is replacing Google Assistant with its Gemini AI in the Maps application, starting with the navigation microphone. Gemini will manage voice commands for route adjustments and inquiries about local weather or attractions while users remain on the navigation screen. The integration of Gemini into Google Maps allows for more conversational queries, such as finding nearby restaurants or parks. This shift follows the discontinuation of Assistant’s Driving Mode and suggests that Gemini will expand its functionalities to include calls, messages, and media playback across Android devices. There are indications that this integration may also extend to Android Auto, enhancing connectivity for users.

Winsage

October 7, 2025

5 Ways to Turn Off Display in Windows Without Putting It to Sleep

Users can turn off their laptop displays without putting the device to sleep using several methods on Windows: 1. PowerShell Command: A specific command can be entered in PowerShell to turn off the display instantly. The command is:


   Add-Type -MemberDefinition '[DllImport("user32.dll")] public static extern int SendMessage(IntPtr hWnd, int Msg, IntPtr wParam, IntPtr lParam);' -Name Monitor -Namespace User32[User32.Monitor]::SendMessage([IntPtr]0xffff, 0x112, [IntPtr]0xF170, [IntPtr]2)

2. Power Button Configuration: Users can set the power button to turn off the display by going to "Choose what the power button does" in the power plan settings and selecting "Turn off the display." 3. Desktop Shortcut: A desktop shortcut can be created to turn off the display using the command:


   powershell.exe -Command "(Add-Type '[DllImport("user32.dll")]public static extern int SendMessage(int hWnd,int hMsg,int wParam,int lParam);' -Name a -Pas)::SendMessage(-1,0x0112,0xF170,2)"

4. Keyboard Shortcut: Users can assign a keyboard shortcut to the previously created desktop shortcut by right-clicking on it, selecting Properties, and designating a key combination in the Shortcut key section. 5. Third-Party Tools: Tools like the ScreenOff App or the Turn Off Monitor tool can also be used to turn off the display. The ScreenOff App is free and open-source, while the Turn Off Monitor tool offers additional features but requires payment for full functionality.