Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

A recent update reinstates the “Tap to see what’s playing” prompt on the lock screen.

What you need to know:
– Google eliminated the manual search button in March, leaving users frustrated when automatic detection failed.
– The latest update to the Now Playing app brings back the “Tap to see what’s playing” feature.
– The button initiates a cloud search, enabling wider and more precise song identification.

If you own a Google Pixel, you likely concur that Now Playing is one of those attributes that makes switching to another phone challenging. It’s simply impressive to glance at your lock screen and instantly identify that obscure indie track playing in a coffee shop, all without any effort.

However, not long ago, Google altered the interface in a way that puzzled many users. When the standalone Now Playing app was introduced in March, the manual search button disappeared, removing the essential tool needed when automatic recognition falls short.

The good news is that Google has responded. An update is being rolled out now that reinstates the “Tap to see what’s playing” prompt on the lock screen, as highlighted by a Reddit user (via 9to5Google).

Offline recognition is fantastic — until it isn’t.

For those unfamiliar, Now Playing utilizes a database on your device to identify songs, which aids in protecting your privacy and conserving battery life. Nevertheless, since this database only contains a limited array of popular tracks, it frequently overlooks less mainstream songs. The manual search button provides assistance by initiating a cloud-based search capable of recognizing nearly any song.

The latest version of the Now Playing app places the manual search tool back on the lock screen right after your phone fails to automatically identify a song.

Aside from that, 9to5 didn’t observe any significant changes following the update. This likely indicates that the release primarily focuses on background fixes rather than new features.

You can anticipate this update to become available on all compatible Pixel devices in the next few days. It’s a minor step back in the right direction, but for music enthusiasts, it’s the most noteworthy update this month.

Android Central’s Take

Honestly, I’m relieved that Google has finally resolved this, but there shouldn’t be a need for a commotion just to retain a basic feature. It’s aggravating to be expected to celebrate the return of a button that should never have been removed. It feels a bit like being asked to express gratitude for receiving back your wallet with half the money missing.

The Google TV Streamer 4K debuted in 2024 and continues to be one of the top external devices for utilizing Google TV. If you’ve recently acquired a smart TV, it likely comes with Google TV pre-installed, although the smoothness of the interface and features might differ based on the brand and model you own. For example, the ability to access the Google Home panel through Google TV was initially reserved for the TV Streamer 4K and later expanded to certain third-party TVs, but not all of them.

If you’ve recently purchased a Google TV Streamer 4K or haven’t taken the time to explore its full range of features, here are four important settings and functions to check out to maximize its potential as your home’s best streaming device.

### Adjust the TV Streamer’s frame rate to match the content

If certain shows and movies appear somewhat choppy to you, it’s not just your imagination; it’s likely due to a specific setting on the Google TV Streamer. On a 4K television, your TV Streamer typically defaults to the highest resolution, which is generally 4K 60Hz. When playing content, it will force everything to operate at 60Hz, which can create problems since many shows and films are intended to run at 24Hz.

Most streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video will adjust to the content’s original frame rate, but you must permit the Google TV Streamer to align with this.

To adjust this setting, adhere to these steps:

1. On the remote for your TV Streamer, long-press the **Home** button and select **All Settings**.
2. Pick the first menu item: Display and sound.
3. Scroll down to **Match content frame rate** and modify it from Never to **Always**.

The Seamless-only choice seems to apply to TVs equipped with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). After activating this, your TV screen may temporarily black out when playing content below 60Hz as it transitions to a lower refresh rate, which is expected. Following this adjustment, you should notice that shows and movies play back smoothly without any strange glitches.

### Simplify your Google TV homescreen

If the standard Google TV homescreen feels cluttered, with the various recommendations, carousels, and ads, there is an easy method to turn these off. This is known as **Apps-only mode**, and activating it eliminates most recommendations from the homescreen, presenting you exclusively with your apps.

Give it a shot by navigating to **All Settings**, **Account and profiles**, selecting your account, and scrolling to the option titled **Apps-only mode**. A warning screen will appear outlining all the features that will be turned off, including search and voice. No need to fret; you can always return here and turn it off later if necessary.

After activation, the homescreen will refresh within a second or two, and you’ll be left with only your installed apps and limited tabs beside your profile image at the top. Personally, I enjoy the default view and recommendations, as I have come across some fantastic shows this way. Additionally, this feature allows you to take advantage of the next item on the list.

### Consolidate all your ‘watch-later’ content in one location

The Watchlist function in Google TV resembles what made Plex immensely popular among streaming fans long ago. You can bookmark nearly any piece of content from any streaming service into a universal **Watchlist** for later viewing. This allows you to have a single compilation of shows to revisit instead of separate lists across each streaming application.

To add content to the Watchlist, simply long-press the center button on the remote and scroll to **Add to Watchlist**. This menu option will instantly change to **Watchlisted**. If you have several accounts set up on the Google TV Streamer 4K, you can select which account’s watchlist you want to add the content to.

To view all your watchlisted shows, just select your profile image in the top-left corner of the homescreen and scroll down to **Watchlist** to see a carousel of all your bookmarked items.

### Connect headphones to your Google TV Streamer 4K

In case you were unaware, you can connect any Bluetooth headphones to the Google TV Streamer 4K and enjoy your content without bothering others. This is an often-overlooked feature that proves quite useful if you wish to continue watching late at night without disturbing your partner in the same room.

Navigate to **All Settings**, scroll down to **Remotes and accessories**, and choose **Pair remote or accessory**. Simply ensure your headphones/TWS are already in pairing mode and follow the on-screen prompts. The next time you power on your headphones, and if you haven’t paired them with any other devices…

The Selfix case is transforming the usage of the iPhone 17 Pro by introducing a rear display and expandable storage capabilities. This groundbreaking accessory boasts a 1.6-inch OLED screen on the back, enabling users to take selfies with the advanced rear cameras, greatly improving photo quality. Currently available through a crowdfunding initiative, the Selfix case is attractively priced at $79, making it an appealing choice for iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max users.

A prominent feature of the Selfix case is its capacity to enhance the iPhone’s storage. It comes equipped with a MicroSD slot that accommodates up to 2TB of extra storage, providing a practical solution for those in need of additional space without depending on cloud services. This feature is especially useful for individuals who often capture high-resolution images and videos.

The case is crafted for user convenience, necessitating no extra applications for functionality. It connects through USB-C, seamlessly reflecting the phone’s display onto the rear screen. Despite its additional features, the Selfix case remains compatible with MagSafe accessories, thanks to its clever design that incorporates a circular cutout and ring surrounding the display.

Furthermore, the Selfix case features a touchscreen, allowing users to operate the camera from the rear, enhancing usability and adaptability. The case also supports passthrough charging, enabling users to charge their iPhone through the dedicated USB-C port on the case. It is advisable to utilize a charger with a minimum output of 45W for optimal performance.

In summary, the Selfix case provides a distinctive blend of improved photography features and storage enhancement, making it a significant accessory for iPhone 17 Pro users. With its crowdfunding effort approaching completion, now is a prime opportunity to invest in this innovative product.

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The LG Rollable: An Innovative Concept Before Its Time

In the constantly changing landscape of smartphones, creativity is essential for differentiation. Among the numerous concepts and prototypes that have emerged over the years, the LG Rollable stands as a symbol of pioneering design and engineering. Introduced at CES 2021, the LG Rollable was a much-anticipated gadget that aimed to transform the smartphone experience with its distinct rollable display. Regrettably, LG’s choice to exit the smartphone market meant that this revolutionary device never reached commercial availability. Nevertheless, its legacy as a groundbreaking concept persists.

The LG Rollable was crafted to provide users with a fluid and versatile display experience. Unlike conventional smartphones equipped with fixed screens, the Rollable’s display could extend and retract, presenting a larger screen when required and a more compact size when not in use. This adaptability was realized through an advanced mechanism that permitted the OLED display to transition effortlessly between its compact and expanded forms. The underlying technology was truly groundbreaking, featuring a motorized system that guaranteed smooth functionality.

Although the LG Rollable never reached consumers, some tech aficionados succeeded in acquiring the device, offering a peek into what could have been. Videos and disassemblies of the Rollable disclosed its complex design, which included sturdy motors and mechanical arms that enabled the display’s motion. The device’s software was also impressive, intelligently adapting to the display’s condition to optimize the user experience, whether engaging with videos or utilizing applications.

The potential influence of the Rollable on the smartphone market is significant. At a juncture when foldable phones were becoming popular, the Rollable provided an enticing alternative, devoid of the creases that afflicted foldable displays. Its design promised a more resilient and visually appealing option, possibly establishing a new benchmark for forthcoming devices.

In spite of its premature end, the LG Rollable stands as a testament to the opportunities that await in smartphone innovation. It challenged the conventional norms and pushed the limits of what a smartphone could achieve. As the industry continues to investigate new form factors and technologies, the Rollable’s legacy will surely motivate future advancements, keeping the essence of LG’s ambitious vision alive.

Begin transferring your data to ensure nothing obstructs you later on.

It’s exasperating that this issue is occurring at all.

Italy has gained attention with a significant court decision against Netflix, deeming the streaming giant’s price increases from 2017 to 2024 unlawful. The court in Rome determined that Netflix did not provide specific, justifiable reasons for these hikes in its contracts, breaching Italy’s Consumer Code. Consequently, long-standing Italian subscribers are expected to receive considerable refunds, with Premium plan users possibly getting as much as €500 and Standard plan users up to €250.

Netflix is now under a 90-day obligation to inform all affected customers via its website and national media, or it will face a €700 daily penalty. This ruling follows closely after Netflix’s recent price increases for U.S. subscribers, underscoring the global scrutiny the company encounters regarding its pricing policies.

The Italian consumer organization Movimento Consumatori brought forth the lawsuit, contending that Netflix’s contracts did not sufficiently detail potential future price shifts. The court’s ruling requires Netflix to restore prices to their pre-increase amounts, such as lowering the Premium plan from €19.99 to €11.99.

While Netflix intends to contest the ruling, it has revised its contract terms since April 2025 to better outline future price changes, suggesting that price hikes after this date may be allowed. Nevertheless, the ruling currently pertains only to Italy, leaving subscribers in other areas subject to the most recent price modifications unless similar legal measures are initiated locally.

What could the latter part of this year bring for the S26 FE?

The Galaxy A37 and Pixel 10a aim for comparable price points but emphasize distinct features.

Samsung’s Galaxy A37 and Google’s Pixel 10a are both mid-tier smartphones designed for budget-aware consumers, each presenting distinct functionalities and experiences. Although they are similarly priced, these devices focus on varying elements to capture their intended audiences.

The Galaxy A37 is Samsung’s newest entry into its mid-range series, featuring a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, Exynos 1480 chipset, and a triple-camera arrangement. It prioritizes a more expansive display and rapid charging options, accommodating up to 45W wired charging. The phone’s aesthetics are sleek and slim, making it a preferred choice for users who value display size and swift charging.

Conversely, the Pixel 10a emphasizes providing a polished software experience with Google’s Tensor G4 processor and a 6.3-inch OLED screen. It incorporates AI functionalities derived from Google’s premium Pixel 10 lineup, improving the overall user engagement. The Pixel 10a is compact, more manageable with one hand, and features a flush camera design that minimizes the likelihood of wobbling on flat surfaces. It offers 30W wired charging and 10W wireless charging, allowing for flexible charging capabilities.

Both devices present competitive camera systems, with the Galaxy A37 sporting a 50MP main sensor, while the Pixel 10a comes with a 48MP main sensor. The Pixel 10a’s camera module is level with the back, ensuring a seamless aesthetic.

Regarding software, the Galaxy A37 operates on One UI 8.5, while the Pixel 10a provides a clean Android experience featuring Android 16. The Pixel 10a guarantees swifter Android updates, appealing to users who appreciate timely software improvements.

In the end, the decision between the Galaxy A37 and Pixel 10a hinges on personal preferences. The Galaxy A37 is perfect for those who value a larger display and quicker charging, while the Pixel 10a caters to users looking for a compact device that emphasizes software and camera capabilities. Both smartphones deliver outstanding value in the mid-range market, addressing various user requirements and focus areas.