Google’s Pixel telephones embrace quite a few considerate options you do not get on different telephones, like Now Taking part in. This characteristic can establish background music from the lock display screen, however not like some similar song identifiers, it really works even with out an Web connection. Sadly, it has been damaged for months. There’s some hope, although. Google has indicated {that a} repair is prepared for deployment, and Pixel customers can count on to see it in a future OS replace.

First introduced in 2017, Now Taking part in makes use of a cache of hundreds of audio fingerprints to establish songs you may encounter in your every day grind. Since it really works offline, it is extremely environment friendly and preserves your privateness. Now Taking part in is not a life-changing addition to the cell expertise, but it surely’s rattling cool.

That makes it all of the stranger that Google seems to have damaged Now Taking part in with the discharge of Android 15 (or probably a Play Providers replace across the similar time) and has left it that means for months. Earlier than that replace, Now Taking part in would repeatedly listing songs on the lock display screen and provide enhanced seek for songs it could not ID offline. It was apparent to Pixel followers when Now Taking part in stopped listening final yr, and regardless of a big quantity of on-line complaints, Google has seemingly dragged its toes.