Google backtracks: this essential feature finally returns to your Pixel

Google Backtracks on Now Playing Feature for Google Pixel Phones

For those wanting to identify a song playing nearby, smartphone users have been turning to Shazam. However, this isn’t the only music identification app available on Android. Google Pixel users, for example, have the option to use a dedicated service called “Now Playing” or “Sound Search.”

This service previously allowed users to search for a song directly from the lock screen. This feature was replaced with a focus on “current playback,” but this change didn’t seem to resonate with users.

Quick Access

According to 9to5Google, Google has reintroduced the ability to search for a song directly from the lock screen of Google Pixel phones through the B.23 update of Android System Intelligence.

Under the fingerprint icon, users only need to tap their screen to initiate a song search. Once a song is identified, Google will display the title and album cover. Users can then listen to the song from their preferred streaming app by clicking on it.

The update is being rolled out gradually to all Google Pixel users, so it may not be available to everyone at the time of reading this article.