playlists Archives

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

Google I/O 2025: Android Auto’s Massive Update Gets Spotify Jam, Video App Support

Google I/O 2025 showcased a significant update for Android Auto, featuring deep integration with Spotify, including the new Spotify Jam for shared audio control. Google is also expanding support for video applications and enhancing the platform with Gemini AI for a more intuitive interface. Users will be able to enjoy a broader range of entertainment options, including collaborative playlists and video streaming, though video use will be limited to when the vehicle is stationary for safety reasons.

AppWizard

May 25, 2025

Android Auto will get Spotify Jam and support for video apps and web browsers

Google introduced enhancements for Android Auto, including the Gemini assistant and a revamped Spotify app featuring Spotify Jam, which allows users to collaboratively control playlists. Users can join by tapping a "Jam" icon and scanning a QR code. Quick Share integration will enable adding stops to Google Maps routes, and passkey support is forthcoming. A new light mode theme is in development, and web browsers and video apps will soon be available, limited to use when parked. The browser feature is in beta for vehicles with Google built-in, while weather app support has transitioned out of beta.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Xbox Launches Retro Classics Collection With 50+ Activision Titles; PC App Adds Game Assist, GeForce Now Support

Xbox and Antstream Arcade have launched Retro Classics, a collection of over 50 Activision titles from the ’80s and ’90s, available to Xbox Game Pass members worldwide. Notable games in the collection include Commando, Grand Prix, Kaboom!, Mech Warrior 2: 31st Century Combat, and Pitfall!, accessible on consoles, PCs, and cloud gaming devices. The collection features modern enhancements like cloud saves, achievement support, and gameplay pause/resume options, with plans to expand to over 100 titles from Activision and Blizzard in the future. Additionally, Xbox has introduced updates for PC gaming, including a revamped Game Bar with Quick Settings, an upcoming Microsoft Edge Game Assist for in-game browsing, and GeForce Now streaming integration for the Xbox app. The Xbox Rewards program has also been updated, allowing players to redeem points for customizable gift cards for various purchases.

BetaBeacon

May 21, 2025

Google I/O 2025: Android Auto and Automotive OS Get Smarter

Google introduced major updates to Android Auto and Android Automotive OS at Google I/O 2025, signaling a push into the connected car space. Gemini AI is making its in-car debut, offering natural voice controls and contextual awareness. Navigation apps can integrate Gemini for voice-driven navigation and search. App categories are expanding across platforms, with weather apps out of beta, games entering beta, and video apps on the roadmap. Google is providing new tools and templates for developers to streamline car app development. The roadmap includes features like audio-only playback for video apps while driving and Quick Share between phone and car. The Android-powered car is becoming a standard, inviting developers to build innovative experiences beyond navigation and playlists.

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

April 11, 2025

I really wish these 7 apps worked on Android Auto

Google's Android Auto has the potential to enhance the driving experience through the integration of various apps, which are currently limited due to safety concerns. Anticipated additions include: - Google Tasks: Allows access to to-do lists and checklists directly from the car dashboard, facilitating pre-trip preparations and reminders. - Google Keep: Provides quick access to stored information like road trip plans and addresses, improving efficiency for passengers. - Airbnb: Enables reading host messages aloud and accessing check-in procedures and contact information while driving. - Google Drive: Offers quick access to important documents and reservation confirmations on the Android Auto screen. - Slack: Could allow users to manage workplace communication and respond to messages safely while on the road. - Fitbit: May provide insights into health metrics like heart rate during driving, potentially suggesting optimal driving times and rest breaks. - YouTube: Could allow access to audio content while driving, with video playback available when parked. These apps could significantly enrich the Android Auto experience, making it safer, more enjoyable, and efficient.

AppWizard

April 2, 2025

Call of Duty will finally let console players turn off crossplay to dodge PC cheaters, which is potentially terrible news for all the legit PC players

Activision will allow players to disable crossplay in regular unranked matches with the launch of Black Ops 6 Season 3 on April 2. Previously, crossplay limitations were only available in ranked modes. The new options will include enabling matchmaking with all platforms, with consoles only, or restricting to the current platform. This decision addresses concerns about cheating, which predominantly affects PC players, but 60% of reported cheaters are on console. Reactions to the change are mixed, with some players worried about potential impacts on queue times for PC gamers, while others suggest it may not significantly affect matchmaking. Some players also expressed a desire for more tailored matchmaking options.

AppWizard

March 31, 2025

Download TubeMate YouTube Downloader for Windows and Android, APK

TubeMate is a tool for curating a library of video files, allowing users to add video URLs via drag-and-drop or by pasting links. It features a user-friendly interface with three tabs: Download, Convert, and Tasks, enabling users to manage downloads and convert files. TubeMate can download entire playlists with a single link and uses multi-threaded connections for efficient downloading, supporting various video qualities up to 8K and formats including MP4, MP3, AVI, WAV, and WMV. Users can extract audio, trim videos, and preview quality during downloads with its built-in media player. The software includes organizational tools for managing content and is regularly updated for compatibility with evolving streaming technologies. TubeMate is available for Windows and Android devices.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Skype is dying, but this niche messaging app once bought by Skype just integrated with Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft has integrated a new Copilot feature into GroupMe, allowing users to interact with AI for generating responses and enhancing group chat communication. Users can summon Copilot with a long press on messages, enabling functionalities such as brainstorming ideas, curating playlists, and simplifying complex concepts. GroupMe, acquired by Microsoft after its launch in 2010, has become popular among students due to its user-friendly features. The 2024 update represents a significant overhaul, emphasizing adaptability and user engagement. Future enhancements may include AI that understands group dynamics for more interactive experiences.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

I tried Android Auto’s latest global radio streaming app, but it’s not quite ready for drive time

Non Stop Radio is an app that launched in November 2024, providing access to international radio stations, including those from the US. It features a straightforward interface on Android and Android Auto, with two main screens for current stations and favorited stations. Users can manage favorite stations easily and explore content by genre or country, although sorting can be inconsistent. The app has a colorful interface but suffers from navigation challenges, a lack of a master search function, and UI issues like light gray text on a white background. Some stations may not work, which can be disappointing for users. Non Stop Radio is ad-free and is actively being developed, with plans for future updates to improve functionality and add more stations.