What you need to know
- A discovery in the code of the YouTube Music app suggests that the company is working on bringing Flex Window support to Samsung’s Flip clamshell device.
- This widget will give users quick playback controls such as play/pause and skip forward/back buttons.
- When Samsung announced “Flex Window” in 2023, it was clear that something needed to be done, as this “curated and optimized experience” limited users.
YouTube Music may work on clamshell flip phone support to improve user experience.
According to Android Authority, the latest version of the YouTube Music mobile app (v7.24.51) includes a clue pointing to “FlipWidgetProvider.” The publication conducted an APK teardown of the app and discovered strings that directly mention widgets for “Flip” devices. This has reportedly been confirmed to be Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series.
The post states that the app’s code shows that the “Music Player” widget can be enabled by: Settings > Cover screen > Widgets Once YouTube publishes. Users may find this useful, as such widgets are not supported in the Flip series. However, that teeth on the home screen of standard slab phones such as the Galaxy S24 series. The widget provides options such as play/pause, skip forward/backward, and thumb up/down options.
It is expected to appear on the Flip series cover display, giving users enhanced access to their music. without it phone open. Considering the size of the Galaxy Z Flip Cover display, this widget brings even more benefits to the user. Speaking of which, it’s unclear which devices will support widgets for YouTube Music.
The widget will likely debut on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Flip 5. However, it’s unclear how far back Samsung intends to go.
When Samsung launched the Flip 5 in 2023, it named the larger screen in the Flip series “Flex Window.” It was clear from the beginning that “windows” needed to be more flexible. Users were unable to open the apps they needed in Cover view. Samsung has implemented a “curated and optimized experience” to limit your choices. Initially, the Flip 5’s cover screen supported the following apps: Google Messages, Samsung Messages, WhatsApp, YouTube, Netflix, and Google Maps.
The ability to open more apps was hidden behind Samsung’s Good Lock app launcher. This launcher now gives users control over almost every app they own. This YouTube Music widget that supports Flex Window will provide users with a more sophisticated music control experience.
In other news, YouTube Music has been busy rolling out its Gemini extension for desktop and Android users. Users can find a set of AI-recommended commands for searching for music, searching for albums, or specific radio genres. After Gemini finds a song, users are thrown into YouTube Music where they can play it or listen to a continuous radio stream.
Excellent mobile phone, flexible creativity
The main 6.7-inch display on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 has been upgraded with a brighter outdoor experience, nearly invisible creases, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The device’s 3.4-inch cover display is useful as it allows users to quickly process text messages or watch videos without opening the phone.
