Functionality Google Now Playing which is available on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL allows a active listening to identify music. In this way, the devices are able to recognize what is playing and display it on the lock screen; in addition, you can Find out what song is playing from Android without installing any app. We'll show you how to have one. historial From those detections, you can get much more out of this exclusive Pixel mobile tool.
The Google Now Playing problem
Google Now Playing It's extremely useful. Your device automatically switches to listen to whatever is playing in the backgroundYou don't need to press any buttons like in ShazamThere is a risk that the song will end before you can identify it. The phone uses a song database stored on the device itself To make the comparison and recognize themes privately, without needing to send the audio to Google's servers, which improves privacy; here we explain How do apps that recognize songs work?.
However, there is a major problem with Now Playing, and that is that it doesn't offer any kind of Detailed history accessible as standard in all models. The system will offer you the song name on lock screenBut if you forget to check it at that moment, the name will be lost in a void of bits. Furthermore, without the right tool, it's not possible search, filter or export easily all those songs that the mobile phone has recognized over time.
Obviously, this is a great weakness on the part of GoogleNot having an active, convenient, and powerful history goes against the feeling of automate the processIf the idea is to not depend on the user, why force them to look at the screen when there are situations where it's impossible, such as walking, driving, or having a conversation? Fortunately, there's a very comprehensive solution to overcome this limitation of Now Playing.
It's also worth remembering that, although Google allows you to check a [information/information] on many Pixel devices. basic history within the settingsThis integrated list is very limited: it barely offers options to share some songs, listen to them on compatible music services, or delete them, but it doesn't allow no advanced statistics, maps, backups, or powerful searchThat's where specialized applications come into play.
Now Playing history: adding the missing feature
To create a truly useful Now Playing history, simply install an application called, quite appropriately, Now Playing HistoryThis app acts as Perfect complement of the Google function, recalling other tools such as Google Sound SearchIt does not recognize music in and of itself, but merely record everything that Now Playing detects on your Pixel phone and turn it into a very complete database.
This app will offer you a chronological history of all the songs that the system has detected. In addition, you will be able to listen to a sample of the songs in case you don't know which one it is through your favorite music service, and you can even mark them as Favorite to always have them at hand. It will also offer you other details such as the cover and the album name. You'll also be able to delete the songs that you don't want to keep or that you don't want to affect your personal statistics.
In addition, there is the option of view detected songs on a mapan idea reminiscent of Google EarsIt's an optional feature that allows the app to use your location to determine where you heard a specific song. This way, you can search for songs by locationRemembering what was playing on a trip, at your favorite bar, or at a specific concert. If you don't want to share your location, this feature can be deactivated at any time, and all the information remains stored. only on your device.
Another interesting option is the possibility of export your history to Google Drive or Gmail and share it wherever you want, plus you'll have a backup. The app includes very robust features for copy, restore and transferSo, if you switch Pixel phones or reset your phone, you can take your entire database of recognized songs with you without losing anything.
Now Playing History also allows edit metadata of the songs, in case Now Playing made a mistake with the title, artist, or genre. You can even choose from several alternative covers with a built-in album art selector to keep your library visually pristine. And, if there are songs you don't want to appear in your stats (like TV theme songs or commercials), you can manage them with the feature of song blockingto keep your graphics clean and relevant.
The app includes personal charts and rankings With your most listened-to artists, your most frequently played songs, and your favorite genres, it creates a kind of highly detailed music diary. All of this is presented with an interface adapted to Material youWith a themed icon, home screen widgets, shortcuts, and light/dark mode, it's perfectly integrated into the Pixel experience. Despite all these features, it's optimized for low battery consumption. less than 1% battery, with minimal data usage and very lightweight background operation.
Regarding privacy, Now Playing History opts for an approach of local dataIt doesn't require an account, doesn't upload your history to external servers, and allows you to delete locations, individual plays, or the entire history whenever you want. It only requires access to notifications to read what Now Playing is recognizing, and optional permissions of location (for the map) and of files (for backups).
If you're interested in trying Now Playing History, you should be aware that it's a payment application. It has a price of 1 euros in a single payment through the Play Store:
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The app barely uses any battery because it only accesses the Now Playing log. Now Playing does keep a log, but without a third-party app, it's not easy to access or fully utilize it. With this tool, you transform Google's feature into a permanent musical diary with backups, statistics, and full control over your data.
