Spotify Archives

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

Android Auto more widely rolling out updates for Spotify and YouTube Music apps

Android Auto is rolling out updates for its media applications, including a redesigned Spotify music player that features a visually appealing layout with blurred album art, a Material 3 Expressive tracking bar, and a more intuitive button arrangement. This redesign, which started appearing in January, is now more widely available. Other apps like YouTube Music and Pocket Casts are also expected to receive similar design enhancements. YouTube Music has introduced a more prominent “Thumbs Down” icon for easier management of listening preferences, but some users have reported an issue with the “Library” tab disappearing, which can be resolved by resetting the app.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

GM is adding 200 new apps to its cars with Google built-in

General Motors is enhancing the digital experience in its vehicles by introducing support for over 200 new applications on its "Cars with Google built-in" platform, moving away from Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The new apps will be available on select 2024 and newer models of Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicles equipped with Google built-in. Driver-focused apps will be accessible only when the vehicle is parked, while passengers can enjoy games and streaming services during travel. The new offerings include games like basketball, chess, and solitaire for drivers, and streaming services such as Disney Plus, Hulu, Tubi, and YouTube for passengers. Music and podcast platforms like Spotify, SiriusXM, iHeartRadio, and Amazon Music will also be supported. The passenger and rear displays will support these apps in select 2025 and newer GM models, including the Chevy Tahoe, Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and GMC Yukon. Users can find these applications under a “car compatible apps” section in Google Play. GM vehicle owners are encouraged to monitor their infotainment systems for the new apps.

AppWizard

June 24, 2026

GM just ‘unlocked’ over 200 Android Automotive apps, including YouTube, for its Google built-in vehicles

General Motors (GM) is expanding its Google built-in vehicles to support over 200 additional Android Automotive apps, enhancing the entertainment experience for passengers with access to applications on backseat screens. GM is phasing out support for Android Auto and CarPlay in newer models, relying instead on an integrated infotainment system that utilizes Android Automotive apps. The latest software updates allow vehicles with Google built-in to access a wide range of apps from the center display and on front and rear passenger screens. Streaming apps available include YouTube, Disney+, and Hulu, with support for these apps on backseat displays in select vehicles. Models from the 2025 lineup that will support these applications include the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, Cadillac Escalade and CELESTIQ, and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL. Additional streaming services expected to be available include AMC+, Tubi, TuneIn, ViX, and more.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

Commodore Callback 8020 retro-styled flip phone launches with support for Android apps

The Commodore Callback 8020 flip phone features essential tools like WhatsApp, Google Maps, Spotify, and a camera app, but lacks a web browser and social media applications. It has a 1,550 mAh removable battery, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a 3.25-inch display with touch input disabled by default, a MediaTek Helio G81 processor, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of expandable internal storage. The main camera is 48 megapixels, and it includes an LTE modem. Pre-orders start on June 30, with prices set at for classic models, 9 for the blue or Starlight Edition, and 9 for the gold Founders Edition. Prices may incur additional fees, and delivery is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Spotify cares so little about Windows 11 the controversial disco ball icon came and went without ever touching a PC

Spotify is retiring its disco ball logo, which was part of the "20: Your Party of the Year(s)" feature that highlighted users' experiences on the platform. The logo was not visible to PC users and was only available to some Android users. The decision to remove the logo is temporary, influenced by user feedback.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

6 Android Auto apps that are essential when I’m off-roading

Android Auto is expanding its functionality for outdoor activities with a variety of apps designed for off-road navigation and exploration. These applications cater to different vehicle types, including RVs and ATVs, and many off-road vehicles now come with built-in Android Auto systems. Aftermarket multimedia units are also available for those without factory-installed screens. Key apps include: - onX Offroad/Hunt: Provides access to verified off-road trails, difficulty ratings, and land boundaries, with features for hunters including landowner information and offline maps. - National Park Service: Offers interactive trail maps, self-guided tours, and downloadable park information, enhancing the experience of exploring U.S. national parks. - RV Life: Assists RV owners in planning safe routes based on their vehicle's dimensions, avoiding low bridges and restricted roads, though it requires a subscription for Android Auto integration. - Gaia GPS: A navigation tool for areas with limited cell service, featuring various map layers and the ability to track position and access downloaded maps on the vehicle's display. - Spotify: Allows users to download music and podcasts for offline listening through Android Auto, requiring a premium subscription and a brief online connection every 30 days.

Winsage

June 11, 2026

“Not only viable but quite enjoyable”: I used Windows 11 with 8GB of RAM to see if it’s as bad as everyone says

Dell unveiled the XPS 13 at Computex, starting at 9 for students and ,199 for the general public. The device features a baseline configuration of 8GB of RAM and an Intel Core Series 3 chip with integrated LPDDR5x memory. The XPS 13 offers a memory bandwidth of 60GB/s, significantly higher than the 10.6GB/s of an older Windows 11 desktop with 8GB of single-channel DDR4 RAM. During testing, the XPS 13 handled multitasking well, with memory usage peaking at 7.2GB while running multiple applications and a 4K video stream. The laptop is set to launch on June 16, 2026.

AppWizard

May 29, 2026

Android Auto Just Got A New Feature That Will Make Media Switching Way Easier

Google is rolling out an update for Android Auto that introduces swipeable media cards, allowing users to navigate between media and streaming applications more easily. This feature, currently in beta, enables users to manage media controls on the dashboard without losing access to the controls of previously used apps. Users can swipe between media cards, which display essential information such as media controls and metadata about the currently playing content. There is no official timeline for the public rollout of this feature, and Google is also enhancing Android Auto with updates, including a more active role for its AI agent, Gemini.

AppWizard

May 28, 2026

4 Android Auto apps I highly recommend for your next road trip – beyond Maps and Spotify

Android Auto enhances road trips by integrating various apps that improve navigation and entertainment. Key apps include: - MyRadar: Provides real-time weather radar updates to help monitor storms. - Fuelio: Tracks fuel costs and mileage, locates nearby gas stations, and logs maintenance. - Scanner Radio: Connects to live local dispatch feeds for emergency services to help navigate traffic. - PlugShare: A directory of global charging stations for electric vehicles, allowing users to filter by plug type and read reviews. - A Better Routeplanner: Assists EV owners in planning routes based on charger availability. Bonus app: - iExit: Offers information about amenities at upcoming exits, useful for truckers, RVers, and families on road trips, although it is not compatible with Android Auto.

AppWizard

May 28, 2026

Android Auto just made switching media apps way less annoying

Google is updating Android Auto to support multiple swipeable media cards on the dashboard, allowing users to easily switch between active media applications. The latest beta version (17.0.162144-release.daily) enables users to swipe through various media options like Spotify, YouTube Music, Pocket Casts, and Audible, improving the user experience compared to the previous single-card limitation. This feature is currently available to beta testers, indicating a potential broader rollout in the future.