UMVA has learned that a game-changing update to Android's audio playback system is on the horizon, and it's about to revolutionize the way you switch between your favorite audio apps.
Imagine being able to seamlessly transition from listening to an audiobook on one app to a music track on another, all from the convenience of your Notifications panel. With Android 17, currently in beta testing, Google is introducing a more advanced version of its Now Playing media switcher, allowing users to easily switch between playback sources without having to open multiple apps.
According to information obtained by UMVA, this new feature is rolling out to Android 17 QPR Beta 3 users worldwide and is expected to become part of the stable release in a couple of months. The update transforms the way you interact with multiple audio sources, making it easier to manage your diverse audio library.
The current implementation of media switching on Android has been revamped, addressing issues with its predecessor. Previously, swiping on the Now Playing panel in the Notifications shade was intended to access previously used apps and media, but the gesture often proved buggy. The new design in Android 17 fixes these issues, providing a smoother and more intuitive experience.
When you've used multiple media apps recently, you'll now see two tiles next to the Now Playing bar in the Notification shade. Tap on a tile, and it shows the source, with the title, background image, and your last listening position. From here, you can tap the big Play button to switch to the source, or simply swipe between tiles to navigate through your recent audio sources.
This feature also works on the lock screen, allowing you to switch between audio sources without even unlocking your smartphone. Although you'll only see up to two other tiles at the same time, the feature supports up to four recent audio sources, accessible by swiping across the Now Playing bar.
One minor compromise is that when you have two other sources, the playback tile itself shrinks down, potentially reducing readability, especially for longer titles. However, based on hands-on experience with the switcher, this drawback is outweighed by the added functionality and convenience.
As Android 17 continues to evolve, users can expect even more innovative features, such as Google's "Continue On," which brings a similar functionality to Apple's Handoff feature to the Android ecosystem.
