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

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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

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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

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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.

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.

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.

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.   

This Android phone maker just built the closest thing to an all-screen phone

What you need to know

• Tecno has revealed a new concept phone with a next-generation, truly bezel-less display ahead of its debut at IFA 2026.
• The concept features a 0mm display border, which fully removes the physical black edge around the smartphone's screen.
• Tecno says achieving this required advanced internal stacking, structural re-engineering, and new screen-packing techniques.

We've all been dreaming about a bezel-less smartphone, and thanks to Tecno's new concept, we may be closer to that dream more than ever.

While brands like OPPO, Xiaomi, and Vivo usually grab the headlines, Tecno has quietly been innovating behind the scenes. Last year at IFA, the company showcased its ultra-slim Spark concept, which eventually launched earlier this year as an iPhone Air competitor.

Now, ahead of IFA 2026, Tecno is back with another concept, this time focusing on a next-generation bezel-less display.

(Image credit: Tecno)

For those unfamiliar with the term, the bezel is the black border that surrounds your smartphone's display. Smartphone makers have spent years trying to shrink it as much as possible, but even today, devices like Google's Pixel A-series phones and several mid-range Samsung smartphones still have fairly noticeable bezels.

Tecno is now claiming to have eliminated them entirely. Ahead of its IFA 2026 ShowStoppers debut in September, the company has unveiled a concept phone with what it calls a true 0mm display border, essentially removing the visible black frame around the screen.

(Image credit: Tecno)

According to Tecno, "eliminating the bezel required rethinking the smartphone from the inside out." The company says it achieved this through advanced internal stacking, structural re-engineering, and new screen packing techniques.

Tecno says this will allow for a genuinely unique experience, since content like videos will now fill the entire screen. And for gamers, it should provide an even more expansive view during gameplay.

Based on the concept renders the company has shared with the media, it's still pretty hard to picture exactly how the device might look in real life and in the hand. That said, we'll be going hands-on with Tecno's concept smartphone once it's showcased at IFA 2026.

I've been waiting for the Google Pixel 10 Pro to get a good discount ahead of the Pixel 11 launch, and Amazon has finally delivered

TL;DR: Less than two weeks before the Pixel 11 series launch, Amazon is slashing up to $250 off the unlocked Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro. 

It's official: Google will be unveiling the Pixel 11 series on August 12th, but if you don't wait to wait, there are plenty of Google Pixel 10 deals worth checking out today. In fact, since so many retailers are trying to clear stock ahead of the 2026 phones' launch, some of the deals on display meet or exceed the offers we saw during the holiday season last year. 

Most of the best offers are coming from wireless carriers, but if you prefer the simplicity of unlocked phones, you're in luck: Amazon is slashing $200 off the Google Pixel 10 and $250 off the Google Pixel 10 Pro, representing the best discounts I've seen since Prime Day in June. Stock appears to be low — the Pixel 10 Pro XL is completely sold out, in fact — so don't wait too long if you're interested: these are likely among the final discounts we'll see for the unlocked devices.

Last chance! Score up to $250 off the Pixel 10 series

Google Pixel 10 256GB: $899 $699 at Amazon

Days before the big Pixel 11 launch on August 12th, Amazon is attempting to clear its remaining Google Pixel 10 stock by slashing a straight $200 off the price of the flagship phone.

Although it's about to reach last-gen status, the Google Pixel 10 remains an excellent device in 2026, with a powerful Tensor processor, long-lasting battery, and a suite of exclusive AI-boosted camera features. It's also the first Google phone to receive full Qi2 magnetic charging support. View Deal

Google Pixel 10 Pro 256GB: $1,099 $849 at Amazon

If you need a bit more power, the Google Pixel 10 Pro is the answer. Currently $250 off at Amazon, this feature-packed flagship takes the foundation of the base model Pixel 10 and adds a better display, more RAM, and an upgraded camera system.

As of writing, only the Jade color variant is receiving the $250 discount, so be sure to hop on this deal before it sells out. View Deal

The big question now is whether you should buy the Pixel 10 or wait for the Google Pixel 11 to go on sale on August 12th. While we don't have any official spec sheets just yet, we've seen so many leaks come down the pipeline that we have a pretty good idea of what to expect when the phones get unveiled next month. 

For starters, it's almost certain that the Pixel 11 lineup will receive a price increase this year, with most reports suggesting a $100 hike for the Pixel 11 Pro XL and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The phones will also come with the new Tensor G6 processor, and the design has been updated with a new LED light array surrounding the camera bar. Other rumors suggest an upgraded battery and camera system, in addition to all of the latest AI features we've come to expect from the brand.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Are these upgrades enough to justify the increased price? It's hard to say. If you don't mind buying a phone through your wireless carrier, I expect there to be plenty of great Google Pixel 11 preorder deals starting August 12th, so it might be worth waiting.

If, however, you prefer to buy phones unlocked, the Google Pixel 10 discounts above deserve some serious consideration. After all, it's unlikely that the Google Pixel 11 lineup will receive any no-strings discounts until the Fall sales start kicking off in October, so if you need a new phone today, why wait?

Back to School season is upon us, and this class-ready Lenovo Chromebook is now cheaper than ever with 17% OFF at Amazon

Cheap Chromebooks often rise to the surface during the year's biggest sales events, and right now, Amazon has sliced 17% off the price of the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook, just in time for the new school year.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook was a pleasant surprise for us upon its release, especially because it boasts better-than-expected performance speeds and a nice 1080p touchscreen display. It also sports a slim and lightweight design that users like, and it regularly gets discounts like these. This particular deal is for the blue version of the device, and it also marks the laptop's lowest price ever seen at Amazon to date.

All that to say, those who are looking for a performant and affordable Chromebook for school, work, and overall transportability will be hard-pressed to find better options at this price, while battery life feels a lot like the icing on the cake here.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook: $359.98 $299.98 at Amazon

As the school year approaches, Amazon is offering a wide range of deals, such as this 17% discount on the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook, dropping the price to its lowest point ever at just under $300. The IdeaPad Slim 3 is a surprisingly impressive Chromebook, boasting better-than-expected performance, a responsive, 14-inch touch display, and the easy-to-use Chrome OS.View Deal

✅Recommended if: you want a lightweight, netbook-style touchscreen laptop that's thin and easy to transport and has a user-friendly operating system; you're working with a budget of around $300, but you don't want to compromise on overall performance; you want something with a screen of around 14 inches that offers 1080p picture quality.

❌Skip this deal if: you need a laptop with a higher-quality front-facing camera than 720p, or with more storage than 64GB; you're looking for a device with a fingerprint reader built in; you're in the market for one of the best Chromebooks available and you have the budget to upgrade.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook is a basic net-book that's perfect for web browsing, video streaming, and basic work and school tasks. Plus, it comes with a 1080p touchscreen that measures 14 inches, up to 13.5 hours of battery life, and connectivity including a USB-C port, a USB-A port, a microSD slot, and a 3.5mm microphone and headphone jack.

To be sure, it isn't a perfect laptop, but it'll definitely get the job done for most casual users performing basic, browser-based tasks, especially when you're heading back to class.