There's one Pixel-exclusive feature I miss on every other smartphone – Android Police

Google’s latest smartphones are excellent pieces of hardware — there’s a reason the Pixel 9 Pro won our Smartphone of the Year award — but the Pixel’s software experience has always been the brand’s bread and butter. I’m sure everyone has plenty of favorite software experiences on the Pixel, but personally, no amount of AI can top Now Playing. Google’s always-listening, offline-ready Shazam alternative launched with the Pixel 2 in 2017, and I’ve been a huge fan of it ever since. Gathering an updated list of every song that plays around you at all times is incredible, whether you’re scrolling through a DJ’s set or enjoying dinner at a restaurant.

In its near-decade of existence, Google has continued to build it out, adding features like online search — for when your Pixel’s database of tracks isn’t enough — album art, and default music services. And yet, despite the tool’s popularity, no one has taken the initiative to follow in Google’s footsteps. While I wouldn’t say it’s enough to keep me on Pixel for good, it’s the sort of thing you miss whenever some other OEM’s device finds a home in your pocket.

Do you have a favorite software feature not found on other phones? Maybe Samsung is your brand of choice thanks to Good Lock, or you can’t leave the OnePlus Open’s multitasking behind. Either way, let me know below — and, hey, if you’ve found anything similar to Now Playing on Pixel available in the Play Store, give me a shout. I’m dying for it.