Google may be giving this underrated Pixel feature its own app
The "Now Playing" feature might get its own app icon on Pixels. | Images credit — Android Authority This is the same screen users can already reach through a home screen widget or the settings menu, so there is no new functionality being added just yet. However, adding an app drawer shortcut could help more people discover and use the feature. It's also worth noting that other updates may be on the way. Google appears to be experimenting with new quick settings shortcuts and lock screen integration for Now Playing, along with the ability to show album art for recognized songs. It's not clear why Google has decided to surface this feature more prominently, but it could come down to usability. While many Pixel users are familiar with Now Playing's ambient song detection, some may not know there's a history page at all, let alone how to access it. A dedicated app icon solves that issue, making the feature easier to find and use.At this point, there are no signs that Google is planning to expand Now Playing to non-Pixel devices. The feature remains exclusive to Pixel phones, and nothing in the latest Android code suggests that's changing anytime soon.
Still, for current Pixel users, this small tweak could make a meaningful difference in how often they use the feature. Now I'm just waiting for Google to do the same thing with the Google Password Manager, which can only be added to the home screen as a shortcut, and with no way to easily access it from the app drawer.
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