media playback Archives

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.

Winsage

September 30, 2025

Windows 11’s new beta update removes a feature for seemingly no reason

The Windows 11 Beta and Dev builds have removed Emoji 16.0 without explanation. A built-in network speed test has been added to the taskbar, allowing users to assess network performance. A new Microsoft 365 Copilot page has been integrated into the Get Started experience for users with an active Microsoft 365 subscription. Improvements to Windows Search are being rolled out, particularly for Copilot+ PCs. New StorageProvider APIs for cloud providers have been introduced in File Explorer. A new setting in voice access allows for customizable delays before executing commands. Various fixes have been implemented, including issues with screen readers, battery icon syncing, and crashes in Settings. Known issues include problems with Click to Do, taskbar animations, search results, camera previews with Windows Studio Effects, and Xbox Controllers experiencing bugchecks.

AppWizard

September 15, 2025

Readers still love this legendary Files by Google alternative, but why?

Total Commander is a file management application that was launched in 2012 and has a loyal following on Android. It features a straightforward user interface focused on functionality, allowing efficient navigation and direct access to the Android/data folder. The app includes smart shortcuts for quick selection, a home screen that showcases frequently accessed directories, and a plugin system for expanding capabilities with services like Google Drive and FTP. It has a built-in audio and video player with an equalizer, supports various file types, and handles ZIP files like folders. However, it lacks a multi-tab interface, breadcrumb navigation, app locking options, dedicated cleanup tools, and advanced search filters. The app has not been updated in over 17 months, raising concerns about its future viability. Despite its strengths, the reviewer prefers alternatives like Mixplorer and Samsung My Files due to the absence of modern features and an outdated interface.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Spotify and YouTube Music test out their sleek new look on Android Auto (APK teardown)

At the Google I/O 2025 event, Google introduced new media app templates for the Android for Cars App Library, aimed at improving the user experience on Android Auto. Developers can utilize a new Media Playback template for a streamlined "Now Playing" view, currently in closed beta testing with early access provided through Spotify and YouTube Music. The update to Android Auto v15.1.653404 activates the Templated Media UI for these apps, featuring a redesigned seekbar that aligns with the Material 3 Expressive aesthetic. Google has not confirmed a timeline for the public release of these templated media apps, and there are mixed reactions to the new desaturated color palette. An APK teardown can provide insights into potential future features, but not all may be included in public releases.

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

Google Home App Gains Material 3 Media Controller Redesign on Android

Google has rolled out a redesigned media controller in the Google Home app for Android, featuring a Material 3 aesthetic with rounded edges and dynamic color theming. The new interface replaces the previous card-style layout with a streamlined floating panel that activates during media playback on connected devices. Users now see a pill-shaped controller at the bottom of the screen, displaying album artwork, playback controls, and a progress bar, which can be expanded for additional features. The redesign enhances accessibility with larger touch targets and improved contrast ratios. This update is part of a broader initiative to create smarter home experiences, including potential voice-activated media adjustments with upcoming Gemini AI enhancements. The redesign aims to improve user interaction and simplify multi-room audio management, while also positioning Google competitively against Amazon's Alexa and Apple’s HomeKit.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

Saying no to Windows 11 just got easier – Operese automatically transfers your Windows 10 files and settings to Linux

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, affecting over 200 million devices. A student developer, TechnoPorg, has created a free migration tool called Operese to facilitate the transition from Windows 10 to Linux. Operese translates a Windows 10 installation into a Linux setup, preserving data, settings, and applications as much as possible. It uses a customized version of Kubuntu to provide a user-friendly experience. While the tool is still in development and may not support all applications, it aims to offer a smooth migration process. Linux distributions, such as Kubuntu, are compatible with older hardware and provide enhanced privacy and security compared to Windows. TechnoPorg plans to open-source Operese once it is more stable and documented.

Winsage

July 1, 2025

Fix Error 0xc00d36c4 in Windows 10/11: 5 Working Methods

Error code 0xc00d36c4 is a common media playback issue in Windows 10 and 11, occurring when the operating system cannot open certain video or audio files. This error can appear in applications like Windows Media Player, Groove Music, and the Movies & TV app, and is often associated with file corruption, unsupported formats, external storage issues, DRM restrictions, or outdated software. Five solutions to fix the error include using 4DDiG Video Repair for corrupted files, converting files to supported formats with a converter, trying a different media player like VLC, updating media components, and checking external storage devices. 4DDiG Video Repair supports various formats such as MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, M4V, FLV, 3GP, and MP3 and WAV.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

5 Windows XP features I miss dearly on Windows 11

Microsoft's Windows operating system has evolved significantly, with Windows 11 featuring enhanced multitasking and modern functionalities. However, nostalgic elements from older versions, particularly Windows XP, are missed. 1. The Disk Defragmenter in Windows XP had a visually appealing interface that represented data on the disk, which has been replaced by a text-based interface in later versions. 2. Built-in games like Solitaire, Hearts, and 3D Pinball in Windows XP provided straightforward enjoyment, while their modern counterparts have become cluttered and commercialized. 3. Windows Media Player in XP allowed users to customize with quirky skins, which added personality, a feature that is lacking in today's streamlined media players. 4. Windows Movie Maker was a user-friendly video editing tool that has been replaced by Clipchamp, which many find less intuitive and more patronizing. 5. Windows Messenger and Windows Live Messenger offered a personalized messaging experience with group organization and unique emoticons, which is not matched by current platforms like Skype and Microsoft Teams.