Google Play Music on Android adds new options to new Location & Privacy section

If you’ve been waiting for a revamp of the Google Play Music app, this isn’t the update for you. Version 8.8 of the app adds a new section it calls “Location & Privacy” in the Settings panel. One of the new things is the “Manage Play Music History” and “Manage Google Location History” have been moved under General section. These two also join the new “Manage Activity Controls” option. When you select on any of these, you’ll be taken to your Google’s My Activity settings on the browser.

You now also have the option to “Delete my library” and “Delete recommendation history.” The former was previously only accessible through the web client. Meanwhile, the latter, if you choose to use it, will also remove your listening history, search history, and any other history that contributes to personalized recommendations.

Source: 9to5Google

Spotify’s upcoming event puts focus on mobile app

Spotify is holding an event on April 24^th and a new flyer related to the event confirms that the event will heavily focus on Spotify’s mobile efforts. Those presenting at the event include Chief R&D Officer Gustav Söderström, Vice President of Product Development Babar Zafar, and Global Head of Creator Services Troy Carter. There are a number of things the music streaming service can announce. One is the expansion of its voice control feature beyond testing with select iOS accounts. Another is talks about changes to free subscription tier where the service will be easier to use, especially for those on mobile. And there’s also been rumours that Spotify is entering the hardware space, we might hear more then.

Source: The Verge

Android P might bring the ability to remember volume levels for different Bluetooth devices

With phones losing headphone jacks, people are relying more and more on Bluetooth headsets and accessories. And it seems Google wants to make life easier for users who are reliant on the technology. An AOSP commit titled “Implement Bluetooth device volume memory” shows the possibility that the next Android version, which we call Android P, will be able to remember the volume of your Bluetooth devices. Bluetooth volume memory, as the commit describes, will be handled on a “per-device basis.” The volume profiles will be stored in shared preference and will be loaded every time the device is connected. The description adds, “Volume is persisted for devices that both do and don’t support absolute volume.”

There is currently only one master volume for Bluetooth devices but with the possible introduction of volume memory being handled individually, it takes out the hassle of having to adjust volume each time you connect your phone to your Bluetooth accessories.

Source: Android Authority

Microsoft OneDrive on Android will let you restore recently-deleted files

A new update for Microsoft OneDrive on Android will make it easier for you to retrieve files you accidentally deleted. Version 5.7 of the app will let you know if you’ve accidentally deleted a large number of files by mistake and help you restore these. Aside from this, the app now has full Android Oreo compatibility, which as Microsoft points out includes notification channels and background battery optimizations.

Source: Android Police