Google’s Now Playing App Hits Play Store for Pixel
▼ Summary
– Google is preparing a significant upgrade to the Pixel’s long-standing Now Playing feature, turning it into a dedicated app.
– Evidence for this change comes from decompiled code in the latest Android System Intelligence APK, though such features are not guaranteed to release.
– The new dedicated Now Playing app will house user settings, song history, and other features, requiring a download from the Play Store.
– This move could allow Google to add more features and a modern design, similar to when the Weather app became standalone on Pixel devices.
– The upgrade may potentially launch with the next Pixel Feature Drop scheduled for March.
Google is preparing to transform its long-standing Now Playing feature into a dedicated application, signaling a significant upgrade for Pixel users. This background song identification tool, which has been a staple of the Pixel experience, is currently managed by Android System Intelligence. That system also handles functions like Live Caption and Smart Text Selection. The existing interface, with its basic History and Favorites tabs, has remained largely unchanged for years.
Evidence for this shift comes from the latest version of Android System Intelligence. Code within the app, labeled B.21, contains clear references to the transition. Strings within the code point users to “Go to play store” and announce, “Now Playing has a new home. Your settings, song history, and other features can be found in the dedicated app.” The package name for this forthcoming app is identified as com.google.android.apps.pixel.nowplaying.
The move to a standalone application follows a pattern Google has established with other Pixel utilities, such as the Weather app. By separating Now Playing from the core system intelligence service, Google gains the flexibility to develop and roll out new features more independently. This could pave the way for a much-needed visual refresh and, critically, the addition of cloud sync for song history. Currently, your identified tracks are tied to the specific device, a limitation that becomes apparent when switching to a new phone.
While an official release date is not confirmed, the timing suggests a potential launch alongside the next scheduled Pixel Feature Drop, which typically occurs in March. The dedicated app’s icon has already been spotted as a stub on some Pixel devices, indicating the groundwork is actively being laid. This evolution promises to modernize a beloved feature and potentially integrate it more deeply into the Pixel ecosystem.
(Source: 9to5Google)
