Overview
- 9to5Google’s teardown of Android System Intelligence B.21 found references to a dedicated Now Playing app for Pixel devices.
- Discovered strings describe an upgrade prompt urging users to “Download the new Now Playing app,” with a shortcut to the Play Store.
- Text in the code calls the app Now Playing’s “new home,” indicating it would host settings, recognized-song history, and unspecified additional features.
- Reporting indicates the app would serve as an interface while the always-on music recognition continues to run in the background on Pixel phones.
- Google has not confirmed the app or release timing, and details like design remain unknown, with some reports also noting a potential icon update as a rumor.