music streaming Archives

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

Take my money: These are the 7 apps I gladly pay for every month

The subscription model for digital services is becoming more common, eliciting mixed feelings among users. Many are willing to invest in apps that enhance their daily lives. A recent poll showed varied monthly spending on app subscriptions, with most users balancing free and premium options. Balance is a popular meditation app with a yearly subscription cost of around , appreciated for its guided sessions. Todoist, a task management app, faces scrutiny due to recent price hikes, leading users to reconsider its value. YNAB (You Need A Budget) costs monthly or annually and is valued for its financial planning capabilities. Gemini, a versatile tool for content creation, has a monthly subscription price of , which users find justified by its features. Spotify, a leading music streaming service, costs .99 per month and is favored for its extensive library. Netflix is a preferred video streaming service, though users often switch between platforms like HBO and Prime Video based on content preferences. Niagara Launcher, a minimalist smartphone customization app, costs annually and is valued for its clean interface and accessibility features.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

Google bans popular apps as Android users told to check their phones

Android users are advised to examine their devices due to Google's decision to blacklist several applications infected with GhostAd malware, which drains battery life and mobile data. The malware has infiltrated at least 15 popular applications, including utility and emoji-editing tools, leading to significant resource drainage and disruption of normal device functionality. Many of these compromised apps were available on Google's Play Store, with one app, GenMoji Studio, reaching the number two spot in the 'Top Free Tools' category. Users have reported issues such as disappearing app icons, incessant pop-up ads, and decreased device performance. Google has removed the compromised apps from its Play Store, but users must still delete them from their devices. Millions of Android users have unknowingly become part of a hidden ad network due to this malware. Users are encouraged to review app feedback, verify app developers' credibility, and exercise caution with permissions to protect their devices from future threats.

AppWizard

November 27, 2025

Qobuz: I tested the Android TV app and I was impressed! – Son-Vidéo.com: blog

Qobuz has launched its app on Android Smart TVs, providing high-quality music streaming with lossless sound and high-definition masters. The app features a user-friendly interface optimized for larger screens, allowing easy navigation and access to curated playlists, personalized recommendations, and synchronized library data across devices. It supports Hi-Res audio streaming and includes Qobuz Connect, enabling users to control playback from smartphones or tablets. The app is compatible with Qobuz's Studio and Sublime subscription packages, offering access to over one hundred million titles in Hi-Res quality. Qobuz emphasizes editorial content, including album reviews and artist interviews, enhancing the listening experience with a human touch.

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

5 Android Auto Settings You’ll Want To Change (And Why)

Android Auto allows customization of the dashboard to display only essential apps, minimizing distractions. Users can force set Day or Night mode for maps by adjusting app settings or unlocking developer options for a consistent theme. To stop automatic music playback, users can disable the "Start music automatically" option in the Android Auto settings and check individual app settings. Notifications can be managed by disabling chimes and customizing their display, or using the "Play Aloud" feature for hands-free alerts. Android Auto can be set to operate while the phone is locked by enabling the relevant setting in Connection Preferences, and users may need to restart their vehicle for changes to take effect.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

Is Spotify down? Spotify app not opening as users report issues

The Spotify app is facing significant disruptions, with over 300 issues reported on DownDetector. 94 percent of complaints are related to the Spotify app, while five percent involve audio streaming issues, and one percent concern the Spotify website. Users have expressed frustration on social media, and Spotify has acknowledged the situation, stating they are investigating the problems.

Winsage

November 6, 2025

Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 October Update Triggers BitLocker Recovery

Microsoft is addressing an issue affecting users of Intel-based PCs running Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, as well as some Windows 10 users, who are unexpectedly entering BitLocker recovery mode without changes to their system configurations. This problem is linked to a newly identified bug that prompts the recovery key request. The issue has been associated with Windows Updates released on or after October 14, 2025, specifically update KB5066835 for Windows 11 and KB5066791 for Windows 10 version 22H2. The Connected Standby feature may be related to the problem, which primarily affects Intel systems. Microsoft is rolling out a fix for this issue, and users are advised to back up their recovery keys and apply the latest updates to mitigate risks.

AppWizard

November 5, 2025

Qobuz Launches Its Much-Anticipated Android TV App

Qobuz has launched its Android TV app, available on the Google Play Store, compatible with all TVs and devices running Google TV or older Android TV systems. The app allows users to browse a library of albums, playlists, and recommendations, streaming tracks in CD-quality or hi-res audio based on user setup. Qobuz Connect, launched in March, enables high-resolution music streaming to compatible hi-fi devices, controlled via smartphone or tablet. Qobuz, founded in 2007, offers over 100 million tracks in lossless quality and is available in 26 countries.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Google eases U.S. Android app billing and distribution rules

Google is implementing changes to Android app distribution and billing in the U.S. following a federal court injunction related to the Epic Games antitrust case. This allows Android users to see links within apps directing them to external websites, alternative app stores, or merchant purchase pages, enabling various payment methods beyond Google Play Billing, such as credit cards, PayPal, and direct merchant checkouts. Developers can now promote their own stores and route transactions through any payment processor, potentially offering lower prices or promotional offers. This policy shift applies only to U.S. app users, with existing policies remaining in place for other regions. Historically, Play Store fees were as high as 30%, but the new ability to transact outside the Play Store may lead to cost savings for consumers and increased investment in user acquisition and content development by companies. Developers are expected to experiment with pricing strategies, including web-only introductory rates and loyalty discounts. Google must now compete for developer loyalty based on service quality rather than just platform policies. User trust and safety remain priorities for Google, which will continue to enforce measures to deter scams and harmful applications. Developers will need to implement secure transaction flows and recognizable domains to maintain user confidence. Key questions for the future of the U.S. Android app ecosystem include whether consumer prices will decrease, if major brands will adopt external checkout strategies, and how Google will enhance discovery and compliance tools for developers.

AppWizard

October 29, 2025

Android Auto Preps for the Easiest Music App Switching

The latest beta version of Android Auto (v15.6.154404) suggests the introduction of a multi-card media interface that allows users to navigate audio apps more easily. This feature will enable a horizontal swipeable carousel of media cards, letting users switch between streaming services, podcasts, and audiobooks without needing to re-enter apps. Currently, Android Auto only displays a single "now playing" media card, requiring users to access the app picker to switch applications. The new interface aims to minimize interaction and enhance safety by allowing drivers to switch audio sources with fewer taps and distractions. The update is expected to retain cards for multiple recent or active audio sessions, organized by recency, and will provide controls for the next app without returning to the app itself. This development aligns with Google's initiative to simplify in-car tasks and improve user experience. The feature is still in beta and may take weeks or months before public rollout.

AppWizard

October 22, 2025

‘It just freezes’: Spotify users fume over app crashes on Android devices, company responds

Spotify users on Android are experiencing persistent issues with the app, which frequently crashes and freezes when connected to stable Wi-Fi networks. Users report that the app becomes unresponsive upon logging in, particularly on Samsung and Google Pixel devices. Many have noted that the app works fine when using mobile data but is unusable with Wi-Fi. Spotify has acknowledged the issue but has not provided a timeline for a fix. Users may notice the app freezing upon launch or displaying a "Spotify isn't responding" message when affected.