playback Archives

Winsage

May 22, 2026

Finally, a Great Free Radio App for Windows

Many music enthusiasts still prefer traditional radio for its human touch and curated playlists, which introduce hidden gems that algorithm-driven platforms may miss. Stations like KEXP, Indie XFM, and SomaFM offer commercial-free experiences for exploring new sounds. Trdo is a free, open-source application for Windows that enhances the online radio listening experience. Users can download it from the Microsoft Store and add their favorite stations through a search tool or by manually entering PLS file links. The app features an intuitive interface for playback control from the system tray, tracks recently played songs, and allows users to tag favorites. It also provides links to popular music services like Spotify and YouTube Music, facilitating transitions from radio to curated playlists.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Wear OS 7: 5 New Features Coming To Your Android Smartwatch In 2026

Google has unveiled Wear OS 7, set to roll out in late 2026, featuring new enhancements for smartwatch users. Key updates include: 1. Real-time tracking with Live Updates, allowing users to monitor data and notifications directly from their wrist. 2. Integration of Gemini Intelligence for AI automation, enabling voice-activated tasks and direct actions from smartwatches. 3. More customizable widgets, offering "Small" and "Large" sizes for a personalized interface while maintaining visual consistency with Android devices. 4. Improved media controls for apps like Spotify and YouTube, allowing users to customize playback triggers and switch audio sources more easily. 5. A 10% improvement in battery life and the introduction of the Wear Workout Tracker kit to enhance fitness app development without draining battery life.

Winsage

May 21, 2026

The 13 biggest Windows 11 changes from early May — and why they matter for 2026

Microsoft has released several preview builds of Windows 11 as part of the Windows Insider Program in early May 2026, focusing on refining existing functionalities. Key updates include: 1. Taskbar position settings: Users can now reposition the Taskbar to the top, left, or right edges of the screen with build 26300.8493. 2. Modern Run dialog: A redesigned Run dialog was introduced in build 26300.8346, featuring a modern aesthetic and support for light and dark modes. 3. Share interface with suggestions: App suggestions for Azure Active Directory users have been added to the Windows Share interface. 4. File Explorer improvements: Enhancements have been made to address loading issues and improve the "Favorites" section and thumbnail displays. 5. Widgets changes: Default settings for Widgets have been adjusted to minimize distractions, including disabling hover opening and Taskbar badges. 6. Windows Search box with improved results: The search interface will prioritize local apps and files over web results starting with build 26300.8493. 7. New spinner design for core experiences: A unified donut-style spinner animation has been introduced for various core experiences. 8. Touchpad gesture controls: New precision touchpad gestures have been added to adjust scroll and zoom speeds. 9. Home to Pro Education free upgrade: Eligible K-12 organizations can upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Pro Education at no cost. 10. Task Manager with new NPU visibility: The Task Manager now includes columns for "NPU" and "NPU Engine" in relevant tabs. 11. Voice Typing on the touch keyboard: The touch keyboard's Voice Typing feature has been updated with a new button and animations. 12. Windows Update overhaul: Users can skip updates during setup and pause updates indefinitely in 35-day blocks starting with build 28020.2134. 13. Shared Audio feature: The new "Shared Audio" feature allows two users to listen to the same audio stream from one computer using Bluetooth LE Audio technology.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Big changes are coming to Android Auto — these are the music apps in line for a major redesign

Google has announced design enhancements for music applications in Android Auto as part of the Android Auto 17.0 beta, revealed at the I/O 2026 developer event. The update will benefit apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Gaana, PocketFM, and TuneIn. The Car App Library updates provide developers with more flexibility in app interface design, allowing for user-friendly experiences that reduce distractions. New features include an adaptive mini-player for media apps and additional component types like Chip and CondensedItem. Developers are encouraged to join the early-access beta program to utilize the new Car Library App templates.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Android 17 cracks down on shady apps that play surprise background audio

Google is enhancing the audio experience on its Android 17 platform by implementing "Background Audio Hardening," which introduces stricter regulations for applications that play audio in the background. Under new guidelines, apps must either be actively displayed on the user’s screen or use an approved foreground service for audio functions. Android 17 will restrict apps from initiating audio playback automatically at device startup, and non-compliant apps may have their audio actions prevented without an error message. Mainstream media applications are expected to operate normally if developers follow the recommended playback systems, and alarms and timers will remain unaffected by these restrictions.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Media apps in Android Auto are about to get a big design boost

Google is enhancing the Car App Library with new features for developers, including expanded headers, spotlight sections, new progress bars, grid item variations, chips, compact items, interactive headers, and a mini-player component for easier playback control. The updates are available in versions 1.8.0-beta01 and 1.9.0-alpha01, with early access encouraged for developers. Popular media apps like Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music are integrating these features. Upcoming support for video playback in vehicles will roll out later this year for devices on Android 17 or higher. Future updates will allow for a templated experience that transitions into the full app interface when parked, along with agentic and voice-based interactions. Additionally, Maps SDK support for Cars with Google Built-in will enable seamless rendering of map-based content in applications.

AppWizard

May 19, 2026

Android Auto is getting massive music app redesigns, starting with these apps [Gallery]

At Google I/O 2026, Google announced updates for Android Auto, focusing on media applications with a redesign, widgets, and video application support. The Car App Library will upgrade to version 1.9.0-alpha01, allowing for more customizable media app designs. New components for developers include expanded headers, spotlight sections, new progress bars, chip shortcuts, and an adaptive mini-player. Developers can apply for a beta program for early access, with initial changes appearing in apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Gaana, PocketFM, and TuneIn. Custom user interfaces for Spotify and YouTube were also showcased.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

Android’s Google Photos App Finally Has An Update Users Have Been Waiting For

Google Photos has introduced the ability to change video playback speed for Android users, a feature that has been highly requested. Users can access this feature by ensuring they have the latest version of the app, selecting a video, and tapping the three-dot icon on the playback screen to choose from five playback speed options: 0.25X, 0.5X, 1X, 1.5X, and 2X. This update began rolling out in early April 2026.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

The Best Android Auto Apps You’re Probably Not Using

Getting started with Android Auto requires a compatible vehicle and a smartphone running Android 9.0 or newer. Users can connect their phones via data cable or Bluetooth. Android Auto is primarily used for navigation and music playback, but it also supports various apps. SpotHero helps users find available parking locations, allows reservations and payments via Google Pay, and operates in major U.S. cities with a 4.4-star rating on the Google Play Store. Audible offers audiobook access through Android Auto and has an "Automatic Car Mode" for easier navigation when connected via Bluetooth. Vivaldi Browser enables web browsing through the car's infotainment system, featuring an ad blocker and customization options, and is intended for use when parked. GameSnacks provides simple games for entertainment while parked, including Solitaire and match-three games, designed for use only when stationary.

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

5 New Features Coming To Android Auto In 2026

Android Auto will undergo a significant redesign in 2026, featuring a comprehensive visual overhaul that includes personal design elements, glanceable widgets, and edge-to-edge Google Maps integration using the Material 3 Expressive Google design system. The update aims to enhance the GPS experience across various screen types and introduce widget support for interactive applications on dashboard displays, promoting safer driving. Immersive navigation will shift from 2-D to 3-D views, providing clearer terrain understanding and displaying critical information for urban driving. Users will also be able to watch videos from platforms like YouTube on their car screens, with safety measures in place for when the vehicle is in motion. Popular media apps will receive visual updates, and Android Auto will integrate Gemini AI features, allowing context recognition, suggested responses, and access to vehicle information. The Magic Cue system will offer intelligent message interpretation and lane guidance using the car's cameras.