Spotify Archives

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

Google’s got disco icons for your Pixel phone, and everyone’s already taking them too far

Disco-themed app icons have gained popularity, initially conceptualized by Pixly’s Race Johnson. Android head Sameer Samat announced that these icons are now officially available as a custom style for the Pixel Launcher. This move reflects an embrace of the disco trend, which has received mixed reactions, particularly among Spotify users. The disco icons serve as a fresh preset within the Pixel Launcher’s customizable icon styles. Google’s Dieter Bohn has showcased his home screen featuring the disco icons. Pixel users are encouraged to share their experiences with the new aesthetic.

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.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

4 Surprising Android Auto Apps You Can Actually Use In The Car

Android Auto is evolving to transform vehicles into multifunctional spaces, allowing drivers to stay informed, entertained, and conduct business. It supports a variety of applications from both Google and third-party developers. Zoom Workplace is a video conferencing tool with over one billion downloads, enabling users to manage calls and join meetings through audio-only features while driving. Google News is a news aggregator that provides personalized updates and allows voice navigation through Google Assistant, focusing on concise briefings rather than full articles. GameSnacks offers casual games for users to play on their vehicle's infotainment display while parked, featuring games like chess and solitaire. Discord is a chat platform with over 500 million downloads that allows users to view messages and communicate hands-free while driving, although it lacks access to some advanced features. The selection of these apps highlights the diverse options available on Android Auto that enhance the driving experience beyond navigation and music.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Android Auto to get a major design change, widgets, better music apps

At the Google I/O 2026 event, Google introduced an updated version of Android Auto, featuring a new design that adapts to various display sizes and supports widgets. The interface will utilize the Material 3 Expressive design, allowing personalized fonts and wallpapers from Galaxy phones. A floating app row will be positioned based on the steering wheel's location, and the interface will overlay Google Maps for integrated navigation. The updated Android Auto can display air conditioning controls if supported by the vehicle and allows users to place widgets like Clock, Contacts, Google Home, Photos, and Weather on the infotainment screen. It will also support video streaming from platforms like YouTube when parked, with Full HD resolution and up to 60fps. This feature will be available in select vehicles from manufacturers including BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo. The music streaming interface will be redesigned with tabs at the top and will support Dolby Atmos in compatible vehicles. Popular music streaming services like Amazon Music, Gaana, PocketFM, Spotify, TuneIn, and YouTube Music will adopt this new design, with functionalities depending on device compatibility.

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

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 18, 2026

D4vd’s League of Legends Arcane song seemingly removed from the official soundtrack on Spotify

Riot Games has removed the track "Remember Me," performed by D4vd, from the League of Legends Arcane Season 2 soundtrack on Spotify due to the artist's legal issues, including a charge of first-degree murder. D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is currently pleading not guilty and is held at the Men's Central Jail in Los Angeles. The soundtrack now transitions directly from "Paint the Town Blue" by Ashnikko to "Isha's Song" by Eason Chan, omitting "Remember Me." Burke's original version of the song is also unavailable on Spotify, likely due to Riot Games holding the rights. Other industry responses include fashion brands removing Burke from campaigns and Kali Uchis requesting the removal of their collaborative single from Spotify. Players have petitioned Epic Games to remove Burke's character skin from Fortnite, but Epic has decided to retain it while offering refunds.

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.