Google Pixel’s ‘Now Playing’ Hints at New Features (B.19)

AI

📝 Key Points of This Article

• The “Now Playing” feature on Google Pixel devices may be enhanced in the future.
• An analysis of the in-app code from the “Android System Intelligence” app version B.19 / V.41 update, the system app that manages “Now Playing” on Google Pixel devices, distributed on Monday, December 8, 2025, confirmed the addition of code hinting at an enhancement to the “Now Playing” feature.
• It seems that in addition to identifying songs playing nearby and displaying the song title and artist name on the lock screen, it will also integrate with services to help users learn more about the artists.

Google Pixel devices are equipped with the “Now Playing” feature, which identifies songs playing in the user’s surroundings and displays them on the lock screen.

This “Now Playing” feature on Google Pixel devices may be enhanced in the future. After analyzing the in-app code of the “Android System Intelligence” app (version B.19 / V.41) update, released on Monday, December 8, 2025, which is the system app responsible for “Now Playing” on Pixel devices, we have confirmed the addition of code that hints at an enhancement to the feature.

The “Now Playing” enhancement will apparently not only identify songs playing nearby and display the song title and artist name on the lock screen, but also include service integrations for learning more about the artists.

<string name="setup_wizard_summary_new">Discover more with the new Now Playing</string>
<string name="setup_wizard_explanation_new">Now you can learn about songs and artists, connect your favorite music service, and more</string>

However, since some old related code still remains, this doesn’t mean that “Now Playing” has been enhanced in the “Android System Intelligence” app B.19 / V.41. Instead, it appears to be currently under development for a future enhancement, and the code only suggests this possibility. The full details may become clear in a future “Android System Intelligence” app update.

We will provide updates as more information becomes available.

“Android System Intelligence” App Link