miniplayer Archives

AppWizard

December 17, 2025

You can finally cast your favorite Apple TV shows on Android

Apple TV's version 2.2 update introduces enhanced casting capabilities for Android users, allowing them to use the Google Cast feature to stream content to Android TVs or Google Chromecasts. A new casting button has been added to the app interface, and a miniplayer now appears during casting, providing playback information and navigation options. Popular titles available on Apple TV Plus include Murderbot, Presumed Innocent, and Disclaimer.

AppWizard

December 16, 2025

Google Cast Support Comes to Apple TV App on Android

Apple has integrated Google Cast functionality into its Apple TV app for Android devices, allowing users to stream Apple TV shows and movies to larger screens using Chromecast devices, Cast-enabled televisions, and Nest Hub displays. The update, version 2.2, includes a persistent Cast button on the app's home screen, enabling users to view nearby casting options and control playback from their mobile devices. This update addresses a gap in the app's features since its launch, enhancing the user experience for Android users. The integration of Google Play Billing also facilitates a smoother sign-up process for new users. This move contrasts with Netflix's recent reduction of casting options, highlighting Apple's commitment to cross-platform convenience. Playback quality can reach up to 4K with HDR, depending on hardware and network conditions, and the update is being rolled out through the Google Play Store.

AppWizard

December 16, 2025

Apple TV app update brings Google Cast support on Android

The latest update of the Apple TV app for Android devices has introduced Google Cast support, allowing users to cast content. The Google Cast icon is now located to the left of the profile avatar in the top-right corner and can also be found within the fullscreen player. The update includes a miniplayer with playback information and controls, as well as a fullscreen portrait player with large buttons for navigation. The homescreen icon has been refined to be slightly smaller. Version 2.2 of the app is being distributed via the Play Store.

AppWizard

December 27, 2024

YouTube for Android testing ‘Play something’ FAB

YouTube has introduced a floating action button (FAB) labeled “Play something” in its mobile app, which leads users to content in the Shorts player and regular videos in a portrait interface. The layout includes buttons for liking, disliking, commenting, and sharing, with a timeline scrubber at the bottom. When the miniplayer is activated, the “Play something” button disappears. This feature has been tested since last year and is available in version 19.50 for Android devices.

AppWizard

December 2, 2024

YouTube TV for Android gets resizable PiP-style miniplayer

YouTube TV on Android devices has introduced a revamped miniplayer that now operates as a picture-in-picture window. The previous miniplayer was anchored to the bottom bar and displayed the program name with a progress bar. The new design features play/pause controls, 15-second rewind and skip buttons, and a close option. Users can expand the view with a tap and utilize pinch-to-zoom functionality. This update is part of version 8.47.0 of YouTube TV for Android and aims to enhance usability and align the miniplayer experience across YouTube applications.

AppWizard

October 18, 2024

‘Listen to this page’ in Chrome for Android gets background playback

Google has updated Chrome's "Listen to this page" feature with support for background playback, allowing users to listen to audio content while using other applications. This feature was introduced in Chrome 130, enabling users to exit the browser without interrupting playback. The media player now appears in notifications, offering controls for rewinding, skipping audio, and a scrubber timeline. Users can customize playback speed, choose from ten voices, and enable features like "Highlight text & auto scroll." A new play button can be added for easier access. The rollout of Chrome 130 for Android is currently underway.

AppWizard

August 16, 2024

YouTube for Android testing a blurred bottom bar

YouTube is experimenting with a blurred bottom navigation bar on Android devices, featuring a compact design with text labels and simplified icons for key functions. The circular white outline around the plus button has been removed, and the design has transitioned from solid to translucent, allowing the background feed to show through. The navigation bar has increased in height to accommodate three buttons, enhancing visual impact. The blurred effect is less noticeable in the You tab with its dark background. This update follows a redesign of the miniplayer, and the rollout of the blurred bottom bar is still in early stages, not yet available on all devices.

AppWizard

July 25, 2024

YouTube Miniplayer on Android App Gets Redesign, Similar to Picture-in-Picture?

YouTube for Android is testing a redesigned miniplayer feature that now appears in a bigger video view with controls directly underneath it. The new miniplayer is similar to Picture-in-picture and users can resize it and place it in different areas of the screen by dragging it.