I can't get the Pixel's Now Playing feature on my Android phone, but one of my long-time favorite apps gets the job done

There's a lot to like about Google Pixel phones, but Now Playing is perhaps one of the best features on these devices. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like Google is interested in extending this functionality to other Android phones any time soon. On the plus side, you probably have an app installed on your phone that can perform a similar function to Now Playing: Shazam.

Shazam has been around for as long as I can remember, and it's my go-to app when I need to identify a song that I like. Normally, using Shazam requires you to open the app and tap a button to start the song recognition process, but you may not know that it also has an Auto Shazam feature that functions similarly to Now Playing, and it's available on just about any Android phone.

What is Now Playing

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

If you own a Pixel smartphone, you're likely familiar with Now Playing. It's a built-in song recognition software that works in the background on your Pixel. Whenever there's music playing nearby, the Pixel microphones will pick it up and identify it without you needing to do anything.

The feature has been available for years, but it's so subtle that it goes mostly unnoticed. However, if you glance at your lock screen while music is playing nearby, you may notice a song title pop up, which means Now Playing is working its magic.

The best part is that it works on-device, so you don't have to worry about Now Playing sucking up your battery life or data. And when you need to figure out what that song was that was playing at the bar, you can easily access your library to find the list of songs your Pixel has identified.

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

Auto Shazam works similarly, in that it runs in the background to identify songs for you. However, since it's a third-party app, it's not as seamless as on a Pixel. It will show you songs playing, but it will clog up your notification panel a bit unless you do a little tweaking.

It's also not an on-device solution, so it will utilize quite a bit of battery power and data. However, you can easily toggle the feature on and off, which is helpful for moments when you don't need it sucking up battery and for times when you find yourself somewhere playing good music you might be interested in but don't want to have to manually identify each song.

How to enable Auto Shazam

(Image credit: Android Central)

1. Open Shazam and tap Library.

2. Tap the Settings icon in the top-left corner.

3. Tap the Auto Shazam toggle.

(Image credit: Android Central)

Note: Alternatively, you can press and hold the Shazam button on the home screen to enable Auto Shazam.

4. A pop-up menu will appear asking if you want to end Auto Shazam after one song or if you want to leave it on continuously.

5. From your notification panel, you can see a persistent notification informing you that Auto Shazam is on. Tap Turn off if you no longer want to use it, or Change if you want to manage any settings.

(Image credit: Android Central)

Finally, you can also add an Auto Shazam tile to your Quick Settings menu, which lets you quickly toggle the feature on and off.

Other ways to easily trigger Shazam

(Image credit: Android Central)

Still, if Auto Shazam isn't for you, or if you just want to quickly identify one song, Shazam makes it easy to do so without digging for the app. One of the main ways I use it is by adding the Shazam tile to the Quick Settings menu. Unlike the Auto Shazam tile, this one lets you identify just one song, and once you tap it, it runs in the background without opening the app.

In fact, it's probably one of my favorite ways to identify songs whenever I hear something interesting, especially because it's one of the few third-party tiles that works on the Motorola Razr's cover screen Quick Settings. That means I don't even have to open the phone for it to work.

Android Central

Android Central

The other option is to add a Shazam pop-up to your screen. This adds a floating Shazam button that you can move around and tap whenever you need it. To add this, go to the Shazam settings and enable Pop-up Shazam. You may need to grant the app permission to draw over other apps; once you do, the floating button will appear on your screen.

We need more Now Playing on more phones

(Image credit: Android Central)

I sorely wish Google would bring Now Playing to the Pixel, or at least that other Android OEMs would implement their own versions of the feature. What makes it superior to Shazam's offering is that it works on-device and in the background, so you don't really need to do anything or worry about it constantly burning through your battery.

Newer chips like the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 have gotten quite good at on-device tasks such as this; it's kind of crazy that Google is seemingly the only company doing it (that I know of).

Still, Shazam is a great alternative if you don't own a Pixel smartphone, and it's one of those apps I always download first whenever I set up a new phone, becoming a staple for me when building up my music library.

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Which Galaxy Z 8 phone should you buy? Here's what I think after using all three

Samsung recently unveiled three new foldable phones, and for the first time, that includes two book-style foldable models. This year, we have the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip 8, all of which Samsung says target different types of consumers. However, what does that mean, and which Galaxy Z 8 model is right for you?

It's never an easy answer, but I've used all three Galaxy Z 8 phones, and I feel like I have a pretty good idea of who these devices are for. And with the Galaxy Z 8 phones going on sale on August 7, this should hopefully help you get a better idea of which device you should buy.

In the meantime, check out the latest Galaxy Z Fold 8 promotions and Flip 8 deals to see how you can spend less on these incredible phones.

Samsung GAlaxy Z 8 series: Spec comparison

Specifications

Category	Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra
Operating System	One UI 9 (Android 17), seven years of OS upgrades	One UI 9 (Android 17), seven years of OS upgrades	One UI 9 (Android 17), seven years of OS upgrades
Display	Inner: 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED, 1-120Hz, 1080x2520 Outer: 4.1-inch AMOLED, 60-120Hz, 948x1048, pixels, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2	Inner: 7.6-inch LTPO AMOLED, Titanium Flex, 1-120Hz, 1,848x2448 Outer: 5.5-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1248x1972, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3	Inner: 8-inch LTPO AMOLED, Titanium Flex, 1-120Hz, 2,504x2,256 pixels Outer: 6.5-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080x2520 pixels, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, Exynos 2600	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
RAM	12GB	12GB/16GB	12GB/16GB
Storage	256GB, 512GB	256GB, 512GB, 1TB	256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Rear Cameras	50MP Wide, ƒ1.8, OIS, 85˚ 12MP Ultrawide, ƒ2.2, 123˚	50MP Wide, ƒ1.8, OIS, 85˚ 50MP Ultrawide, ƒ1.9, 120˚	200MP Wide, ƒ1.7, OIS, 85˚ 50MP Ultrawide, ƒ1.9, 120˚ 10MP Telephoto, 3x zoom, ƒ2.4, 36˚
Front Camera	10MP Wide, 85˚	Internal: 10MP Wide, 100˚ External: 10MP Wide, 85˚	Internal: 10MP Wide, 100˚ External: 10MP Wide, 85˚
Battery	4,300mAh	4,800mAh	5,000mAh
Charging	25W wired, 15W wireless	45W wired, 20W wireless	45W wired, 20W wireless
IP Rating	IP48	IP48	IP48
Weight	180g	201g	215g
Dimensions	Folded: 85.7 x 75.4 x 13.1mm Unfolded: 166.9 x 75.4 x 6.1mm	Folded: 123.9 x 81.9 x 9.7mm Unfolded: 123.9 x 161.4 x 4.5mm	Folded: 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9mm Unfolded: 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.1mm
Colors	Pink, Graphite, Cream, Mint	Lavender, Graphite, Cream, Pistachio	Violet Shadow, Graphite, Cream

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: Short and sweet

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is Samsung's newest fold factor, taking what we love about the Galaxy Z Fold series and shrinking it. The result is something in between the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip: a more pocketable, book-style foldable. When folded, it's roughly the size of a passport, and when open, it provides a wider, more tablet-like view than its larger Ultra sibling.

This makes the Galaxy Z Fold 8 a great tablet for things like reading articles and other content, as you can easily flip it vertically for less scrolling. And in addition to e-books and other similar content, this makes the inner display better suited for vertical games like Pokémon Go.

It also makes content like videos look less awkward, as you have fewer black bars on the top and bottom of the screen when the phone is unfolded, at least compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. And videos seem to fit perfectly on the external display.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is easily one of the most accessible foldables. It's for anyone who wants the utility of a book-style foldable in a lighter, more comfortable form factor that feels more natural to use. It also helps that at $1,900, the phone is cheaper than the Z Fold 8 Ultra, while still sporting the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, a crease-less folding display, and a great pair of cameras.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: Productivity powerhouse

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Even though I've been using the Z Fold 8 for most things, I realized that I subconsciously defaulted to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra when it came time to get work done. That's indicative of how Samsung is positioning the Ultra; it's for anyone who wants to get work done using the absolute best that Samsung has to offer in a foldable in a larger form factor.

The 8-inch display makes it an ideal canvas for multitasking, and while there is no S Pen support, the Ultra makes up for it with its stronger battery life and thinner profile. Then there's the 200MP camera, which gets you much more detail in every shot, while the 3x telephoto sensor can get you closer to your subject without sacrificing quality.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

And of course, you can do everything the Z Fold 8 can do, just on a larger screen. That means reading, watching videos, scrolling through apps, drafting papers, and more. And who doesn't like showing off their photos and videos on a large tablet-like display that you can fold in half when you just need a phone?

Of course, the Ultra comes with an ultra price tag, starting at an eye-watering $2,100. But if you need a phone that can keep up with your busy lifestyle, this is likely the one for you.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8: Fashionable and nostalgic

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

For years, flip phones have leaned on nostalgia to attract sales, but it's a bit more than that. The Galaxy Z Flip 8 continues to build on Samsung's expertise by introducing an even thinner model than last year's, making it not only extremely pocketable, but also a very good-looking phone.

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is for anyone who doesn't need the extra screen real estate of a larger book-style foldable, but still wants the utility of a foldable. With the Galaxy Z Flip 8, you can use apps on the cover screen instead of the main screen, which can potentially save battery and makes using apps less conspicuous than on a larger display.

There are also other benefits, such as Camcorder mode, which makes recording videos really easy and smooth. Taking selfies is also a better experience on the Flip 8, as you can just use the main 50MP camera and larger 4.1-inch cover screen to take high-quality selfies.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Perhaps one of the biggest selling points, aside from its stylish and pocketable design, is the price tag. The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is the cheapest of Samsung's Galaxy Z 8 phones, costing "just" $1,200, while still offering a powerful chipset, the latest AI features, and seven years of software updates.

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Never lost: rumors claim a 'Pixel Tag' is on the way from Google to keep tabs on your stuff

What you need to know

• An alleged rendering of an oblong "Google Pixel Tag" has surfaced, showing a tracker in all white with a "loud speaker."
• Rumors claim there isn't a place to mount the tracker, meaning consumers will have to slip it into their bags or wallets.
• There's still a lot that's unknown about the tracker; however, there's speculation that Google could debut it at its Pixel 11 reveal event in August.

A rumor taking us into the weekend suggests Google is working on a tracker to finally enter competition with some big-name brands.

A render of the alleged "Google Pixel Tag" was posted by 9to5Google, who state the name has started circulating across various online sources. According to the publication, the Pixel Tag could feature an oblong shape (rounded corners, not quite like a football), and Google's classic "G" icon in the center. What's more, the post claims there aren't any "mounting mechanisms" on the tag.

This gives the impression that consumers would pop this into their bag and go. One of the sources where the Pixel Tag has leaked is a Slovenian retailer. The folks at 9to5 snagged the tag's alleged description, which says the Pixel Tag is a "smart tracker that helps you quickly and reliably locate your lost items." As you might expect, this would work over the Find My Device (Find Hub) network.

The tag's description highlights items we're used to attaching smart trackers to: wallets, keys, and luggage. What's more, the Pixel Tag will reportedly feature a "loud speaker" to help users quickly pinpoint its location.

A Pixel tracker

(Image credit: 9to5Google)

Android Central's Take

As far as trackers go, it doesn't look too bad. It's simple. That's pretty much all you can expect from a device like this. If, as the rumors say, this is preparing to launch alongside the Pixel 11, it'd be smart. "Here's the new Pixel 11 series! Grab a tracker so you don't lose you stuff, too!" I feel like I can already hear the keynote.

One of the immediate comparisons we can make with the Pixel Tag is the Moto Tag 2 or even Apple's alternative. The Moto Tag 2 debuted at the end of June, and it was probably the biggest upgrade Motorola's announcements had to offer. The Tag 2 offers Bluetooth 6.0 and UWB support. Additionally, Google Find Hub was fully integrated with the tracker, alongside a whopping 500 days of battery life on a replaceable CR2032 battery.

Seeing how the Moto Tag 2 shapes up has us wondering about the true form of the Pixel Tag 2. There's still a lot that's under wraps. Rumors assume Google could have a reveal on the way that lines up with the Pixel 11, but nothing's certain. If true, then that means we'll have the Pixel Glow and this Pixel Tag to wow us during the Made by Google event on August 12. Google teased the Pixel 11 Pro recently, showing off Pixel Glow: an LED indicator that sits beside the phone's cameras in the camera bar.

Rumors suggest Gemini would have a heavy presence here, offering bright indicators for various happenings from alerts to order tracking.

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Nano Banana 2 in Google Earth lets users go wild with AI in cities and more

What you need to know

• Google Earth is receiving an update this week that brings Nano Banana 2 into its AI portfolio.
• Users can zoom in on a place and click "create image" to prompt Nano Banana 2 to create an infographic with Gemini or a rendering in an empty plot of land.
• Google Earth's recent major AI update was about helping researchers predict and understand disasters and weather patterns.

Google Earth is getting another round of AI updates late this week. This time, the company is leaning on its next-gen image generation model.

Imagining, or rather seeing what's possible, is something Google Earth is bringing to users this week. Gemini's image generation model, Nano Banana 2, is rolling out in Google Earth. The post states users can "generate custom images using satellite, aerial, and 3D imagery." Google states Nano Banana 2 can be helpful in a few different ways, such as bringing history to the present. If you're interested in seeing what a city looked like centuries ago, Google says Nano Banana 2 can create "a hyper-realistic" render of that place.

While the history can be fun, users can change a landmark, city, or building with an entirely different aesthetic. Google states users can type "transform X into a futuristic sci-fi utopia with glowing walkways..." For companies, Google says Nano Banana 2 can help "create estate plans" using empty lots you find in the Earth app. Moreover, this extends to any user looking to "visualize" a backyard project or what a home would look like secluded in the woods near the lakefront.

An AI update in a place like Google Earth wouldn't be complete without a chance to learn. Nano Banana 2 can lean on Gemini to generate infographics about a specific city directly in the app.

To get started, users need only head to Google Earth on their computer, zoom in on a location, hit "create image," and type their prompt.

Our World

(Image credit: Google)

Android Central's Take

I could see the infographic generation being helpful in schools. But also, the idea of helping people visualize larger projects feels like an extension of what Gemini can do already. On my phone, I could ask Gemini to fill a room with specific furniture, so I have an idea of how to design my living room or kitchen. Google Earth literally took that and made it bigger for empty plots on stretches of land.

Google Earth received an important AI update for researchers. Disasters are a reality we have to deal with on this big blue ball; however, they don't always have to catch us off guard. Google Earth's Gemini-based update brought "deeper insights" about the planet's weather patterns. At the time, the company said Gemini could help "instantly find objects and discover patterns from satellite imagery." Sandstorm predictions were mentioned, as well as the ability to monitor clean drinking water conditions.

As our planet is complex, Google was also preparing to introduce a Geospatial Reasoning update for Trusted Testers. This would help researchers and Earth AI answer more complex questions, leveraging weather forecasts, population maps, and satellite imagery.

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Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra leak reveals massive camera and battery overhaul

What you need to know

• A new Galaxy S27 Ultra leak suggests Samsung could ditch its long-running floating camera ring design in favor of a unified camera module.
• A rumored 5,700mAh silicon-carbon battery could deliver a major boost in battery life over previous Ultra models.
• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro for Galaxy and up to 16GB of RAM are tipped to power the flagship.

Samsung may finally be moving away from small incremental updates to make some serious structural upgrades with its next flagship model. Freshly leaked specs shared by tipster Anthony (@TheGalox_) on X suggest the upcoming Galaxy S27 Ultra could bring major hardware upgrades in multiple areas.

The tipster says that Samsung seems set to take on the silicon-carbon battery tech with a massive 5,700mAh capacity. That's a big jump over previous generations, promising much longer endurance for heavy power users.

Galaxy S27 Ultra | Updated leaks• 6.9 inch QHD+ Privacy Display• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro for Galaxy • 16mp selfie camera with OISOIS• 200mp main, 50mp UW, 50mp 5x Telephoto & Second Telephoto• 5700mah Silicon-Carbon battery• 12/16GB memory pic.twitter.com/1t8qW9wMuuJuly 31, 2026

Like the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the phone is said to feature a 6.9-inch QHD+ Privacy Display, designed to keep prying eyes away from your sensitive screen content. The flagship is said to feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro for Galaxy silicon under the hood, with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM. That said, a recent rumor claims the device might miss out on LPDDR6 RAM and UFS 5.0 storage upgrades.

On the front, we might see an upgraded 16MP selfie shooter that now packs optical image stabilization (OIS) for steady video logging and crisp low-light shots. Samsung could put a 200MP main sensor on the back, paired with three 50MP lenses: an ultrawide, a 5x telephoto camera, and a second dedicated telephoto sensor for extended zoom ranges.

(Image credit: @TheGalox_ / X)

The leak also hints at a new design for the Galaxy S27 Ultra’s camera module. The next flagship is said to feature a redesigned camera housing that brings the rear sensors into a more unified module, moving away from the familiar layout Samsung has used since the Galaxy S22 Ultra. That would be one of the largest visual changes to the Ultra lineup in years.

Nonetheless, early leaks can change before official production lines are rolled out. But if these specs hold up for the official reveal, Samsung is poised to set an aggressive high-water mark for premium smartphones.

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Android 17 QPR1 Beta 8 is here, and Pixel users get a much-needed audio fix

What you need to know

• Android 17 QPR1 Beta 8 eliminates the long-running audio bug that caused random crackling, distortion, and loud static on Pixel devices.
• The audio issue lingered across multiple beta releases and generated 30+ reports in Google's issue tracker before this fix.
• Build CP31.260623.010 arrives two weeks after Beta 7, focusing purely on system stability and bug fixes ahead of the official September Feature Drop release.

Google has released Android 17 QPR1 Beta 8, fixing one of the most frustrating bugs Pixel testers have been dealing with: distorted audio that would randomly blast loud static during media playback or notifications.

The update, build CP31.260623.010, comes a little over two weeks after Beta 7 and is another cleanup release before the Pixel Feature Drop in September.

Google’s changelog says the biggest fix is for an issue with managing buffers in the audio framework that could cause unexpected crackling, corruption, and bursts of static. It’s a problem that has persisted over many QPR1 beta releases, spawning more than 30 separate tickets in Google’s issue tracker.

Android 17 QPR1 was already at Platform Stability with Beta 6, so developers have been working against finalized APIs while Google turns its attention to stability.

Beta 8 is available for eligible Pixel devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program, including the Pixel 6 series through the latest Pixel 10 lineup. There is, however, one big exception. Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro owners still get this QPR1 Beta 8 update, but it’s basically the end of the line for those phones. Google has already confirmed that those models won’t be moving on to Android 17 QPR2, with the stable Android 17 QPR1 release expected to be their last major software update this September.

Beta 8 might finally make the preview stable enough for you to use on a daily basis if you’ve been putting off trying it because of audio glitches. Otherwise, you might want to hold off a little longer because the polished, stable QPR1 release is now just around the corner.

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PSA: RedPocket Mobile lets you choose your own Big Three network — and now it starts at just $10

TL;DR: RedPocket Mobile is running a deal that drops 50% off your first month of the Plus or Premium plan, or you can sign up for a year of coverage and pay as little as $80. 

MVNO deals are hardly uncommon, but using one of these prepaid wireless carriers generally means you're stuck with a single Big Three network. At RedPocket Mobile, however, you get to choose between Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, ensuring you receive the best possible wireless coverage in your area.

For a limited time, the MVNO is running some deals that make their cheap wireless plans even cheaper. Pay monthly and you can get your first month of the popular Plus plan for only $10. If you'd rather pay a bit more for annual coverage, it's also worth mentioning that you can get a full year of the Essentials plan for as little as $80. That shakes out to just over $6 per month! 

These are instant discounts at checkout, not rebates, and RedPocket Mobile lets you keep your existing phone number and device with zero hassle. Most folks use MVNO carriers to keep things simple, and no company is simpler than RedPocket. 

RedPocket Mobile: 50% off your first month OR up to four months free with annual plans

Need a new phone plan? Switch to RedPocket Mobile and you'll score 50% off your first month of the Plus or Premium plan (now $10 and $15, respectively). Alternatively, pay for a full year of service up front and you'll get up to four months free depending on the plan you choose. That's $40 off Essentials and $60 off the Plus and Premium annual plans!

Preferred partner (What does this mean?)View Deal

RedPocket Mobile offers three phone plans — Essentials, Plus, and Premium. All three give you unlimited talk and text in addition to some impressive international benefits that include unlimited calling to over 20 countries and roaming in over 60 countries around the globe. 

The Essentials and Plus plans also come with 3GB and 20GB of 5G data, respectively, while the comprehensive Premium plan gives you 50GB of data and 10GB of mobile hotspot data every month.  

All of RedPocket Mobile's current deals are pretty impressive for users on a budget, but I'd argue that the Plus annual plan offers the best value here. For a single payment of 180 bucks, you're getting a full 12 months of coverage on the Big Three network of your choosing. That's like getting three free months of wireless instantly at checkout, and you're able to bring your own device and activate within minutes.

Sure, you miss out on some of the premium perks offered by more expensive unlimited plans, but if you just want a wireless provider that's simple, affordable, and gimmick-free, consider giving RedPocket Mobile a shot.   

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