Google's Pixel devices boast an iconic feature called "Now Playing," which identifies songs in real-time. However this capability has long been elusive for many Android users, until a workaround was discovered. Fortunately, it's now possible to replicate the experience on non-Pixel phones with remarkable accuracy.
The "Now Playing" feature made its debut on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL in 2017. Google has since released a standalone app for this functionality on Pixel phones, yet it remains deeply embedded within the device's system. This integration enables offline music recognition but also hinders portability to other Android devices without specialized tools or root access.
Related ↗Ditching Windows? Replace top picks with these five Linux counterparts.For those outside the Pixel universe, there's an often-overlooked feature waiting in the shadows: a Quick Settings toggle that's been hiding in plain sight.
The "Now Playing" feature made its debut on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XLin 2017. Googlehas since released a standalone app for this functionality on Pixel phones, yet it remains deeply embedded within the device's system. This integration enables offline music recognition but also hinders portability to other Android devices without specialized tools or root access.
Read next ↗Windows struggles with legacy system integration.04Android offers music ID feature.
›Classic toggle features are often overlooked.
The Android's Quick Settings panel is packed with toggles for numerous system-level and third-party functions. Many users likely neglect this feature, unaware of its capabilities. Now that Samsung has revamped its Quick Settings panel, it's an ideal moment to explore the options available.
The "Song Search" toggle in Quick Settings springs into action when tapped, instantly activating Google's audio recognition feature. This triggers a rapid identification of the playing music, followed by a search for the song itself. Users can also access their history of previously identified songs from this listening screen.
The process of customizing Quick Settings varies significantly depending on the Android software version being used. This tutorial focuses specifically on One UI for Samsung Galaxy phones, illustrating its customization options.
To access the full Quick Settings panel, users can either swipe down twice from the top of the screen or adjust their settings to reveal it by swiping down from the top left corner. Once the panel is open, a tap on the pencil icon at the top will initiate the customization process. In newer versions of One UI, this involves tapping "Add a control" at the bottom of the screen, whereas older versions require selecting "Edit". The next step is to locate the "Song Search" toggle among the available options and drag it into the panel for inclusion.
›Android phones' music recognition feature falls short of expectations.
The "Now Playing" feature is convenient in that it eliminates the need for manual input most of the time. However my experience with Pixel phones suggests that this convenience isn't always consistent. When a song fails to be recognized, tapping "See what's playing" can help prompt identification, but this workaround doesn't necessarily expedite the process.
For those seeking a more comprehensive "Now Playing" experience on their non-Pixel device, a solution exists in the form of "Ambient Music Mod", downloadable from GitHub. To activate this feature, users must execute an ADB command without needing root access. This mod has been crafted by a respected developer within the Android community, offering an alternative to the standard "Song Search" toggle.
