music apps Archives

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.

BetaBeacon

March 15, 2026

This game-changing Galaxy S26 feature just transformed my Netflix binge sessions

- Audio Eraser in the Gallery app allows users to adjust audio categories in videos - The feature was upgraded in the Galaxy S26 series to support third-party apps - Users can adjust audio categories such as voices, music, noise, and crowd for desired effect - The feature can help in hearing dialogue clearly in TV shows and may be helpful for people who are hard of hearing - Audio Eraser is becoming a favorite feature on Samsung's latest flagships

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

Now Playing is my favorite Pixel feature — and the new app just made it perfect

Google celebrates nearly a decade since the introduction of its Now Playing feature, which identifies songs automatically. The recent launch of the new Now Playing app is its most significant update yet. In a poll, 53% of users view it as a significant improvement, while 35% find it satisfactory, and 12% are indifferent. The app retains its core functionality but features aesthetic enhancements, such as larger text on the lock screen and always-on display, and allows easier access to song history and preferred music apps. The transition to a standalone application improves accessibility and user experience. Users can manually identify songs by tapping a prominent button in the app. The updated Now Playing app is available for download in the Google Play Store.

AppWizard

October 19, 2025

SharePlay Makes Google Live Sharing Seem Beta

Apple's SharePlay is a system-level feature integrated into its operating system, allowing synchronized playback and control across various media platforms like Disney+, Max, Prime Video, and Apple Music. It offers low latency, reliable controls, and seamless transitions, enabling participants to engage effortlessly during FaceTime calls. In contrast, Google's Live Sharing in Meet is cumbersome, requiring multiple steps and often leading to uncertainty about audio consistency and user experience. SharePlay supports a wide range of applications and fosters natural group dynamics, while Google’s offerings are limited and fragmented across different platforms. Apple’s approach emphasizes a polished, cohesive experience, while Google needs to enhance integration and simplify access to improve its Live Sharing feature.

AppWizard

October 4, 2025

My favorite Spotify feature makes other music apps completely useless in the car

Spotify Jam is a collaborative feature that allows multiple users to contribute to a shared listening queue, launched two years ago. Its integration into Android Auto enhances the in-car music experience, allowing users to make real-time adjustments to the queue without distractions. However, joining a Jam can be complicated due to the need to scan a QR code, which can be challenging in certain lighting conditions. Additionally, the Jam session is not automatically recognized by other users' Spotify apps, and users must rejoin the Jam each time the car is turned off. Despite these minor issues, Spotify Jam significantly improves the music experience for passengers in the car.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

What’s The Best Alternative To Shazam For Android Users?

Shazam was launched in the UK in 2002 as a service where users could call a number to identify songs for a fee. Acquired by Apple in 2018, it remains available for Android users and integrates with various music platforms while being free to use. Shazam struggles with identifying earworms. SoundHound, Shazam's main competitor, has around 100 million users and can identify songs quickly, providing detailed information and lyrics. It allows users to hum or sing songs for identification, though this feature is not always accurate. SoundHound's free version includes ads, while SoundHound Infinity offers an ad-free experience for .99. Musixmatch is another alternative that identifies songs and focuses on lyrics, allowing users to create "lyrics cards" and offering a translation feature. It requires the actual song for identification. The Google app also provides quick song identification, including for hummed or sung versions, but gives candid feedback on user performance.

AppWizard

March 10, 2025

Android Auto users are running into a pesky scrolling bug in certain apps

A bug affecting Android Auto users disrupts scrolling through music apps like Amazon Music, BBC Sounds, and SoundCloud when music is playing. This issue, first reported in February, limits scrolling to a few rows and can unexpectedly return users to the top of their playlists. The problem has gained attention on Google’s support forums, with developers also experiencing it. The Android Team is aware of the bug and is working on a fix, while inquiries have been made to Google about a timeline for resolution. Additionally, there are indications that Google may be considering adding climate control features to Android Auto, though details are unclear.