playback controls

Winsage
July 18, 2026
Windows 11 includes a suite of audio and video recording applications: Sound Recorder, Camera, and Windows Studio Effects. The Sound Recorder app allows audio capture using PC microphones, featuring a navigation pane, recording area, and playback controls. Users can customize audio input in the Settings app under System > Sound, selecting microphones and adjusting quality formats like “CD quality” or “Studio quality.” Within the Sound Recorder app, users can change the recording format (default is AAC) to MP3, WMA, FLAC, or WAV and set audio quality to Best, High, or Medium. To record audio, users click the red “Start recording” button, with options to stop, pause, or mark significant moments using keyboard shortcuts. Recordings can be played back, managed, shared, renamed, or deleted through the app's interface. Users can also import compatible audio files into Sound Recorder. The Camera app allows users to take photos, record videos, and scan items using the PC's webcam, with an interface similar to smartphone camera apps. Users can customize camera settings in the Settings app under Bluetooth > Cameras, adjusting brightness, contrast, and resolution. Photos are taken in Photo mode, while videos are recorded in Video mode, with options for pausing without creating new files. Windows Studio Effects offers AI-driven enhancements for audio and video calls, requiring a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for some features. Enhancements include automatic framing, background effects, creative filters, eye contact simulation, portrait lighting adjustments, and voice focus. Compatibility can be checked in Quick settings or the Settings app under Bluetooth & devices > Cameras. Each effect can be configured individually through the Settings app or supported applications.
AppWizard
July 15, 2026
Google is testing a redesigned Android Auto media card that focuses on more accessible playback controls instead of large album art. The new layout includes quick-access buttons like Like, Shuffle, and Repeat, but this functionality is limited to vehicles with larger infotainment displays, while smaller screens will have a simplified version. The upgrade features a compact design with blurred album art in the background and track details below. It may also include app-specific shortcuts for different audio applications. The redesign aims to improve user experience by reducing the need to navigate through the full app for frequently used features. The new media player is part of recent Android Auto builds, but an official release date is not confirmed, and its launch is uncertain.
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