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Pixel Now Playing redesign with M3 Expressive rolling out

As we’ve been expecting, Google is rolling out a complete redesign of Pixel Now Playing with a dedicated app that’s available via the Play Store.

The previous interface powered by Android System Intelligence had a very old layout. This redesign uses a three-tab layout that leverages a Material 3 Expressive floating toolbar. The first tab lets you “Tap to see what’s playing” and see results. After the match or when you’re viewing the other two pages, a FAB (floating action button) appears at the right to start another song search.

A reverse-chronological History is next, with the ability to search at the top. Google touts how you can “view & curate,” with this list view heavily leveraging M3 Expressive.

Swipe left to quickly “Share,” “Add to favorites,” and “Listen on” (if you connect a music service). Tap the three-dot overflow menu at the right to “Remove from history,” while YouTube Music lets you “Add to liked songs” and “Add to playlist.”

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Favorites is the app’s final tab and works like before. Now Playing offers a lockscreen shortcut, with results appearing slightly larger at the bottom of the screen.

There’s a nice Quick Settings Tile that’s best used in the 2×1 configuration, with Google showing your last match. Tap to start a new search and long-press to directly open History.

Visiting the Play Store listing lets you “Update” and install the revamped experience. This gives you a new app icon in your launcher and homescreen that fits the modern Pixel blue aesthetic.

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Avatar for Abner Li Abner Li

Editor-in-chief. Interested in the minutiae of Google and Alphabet. Tips/talk: abner@9to5g.com