Pixel update restores a key feature to the Now Playing app

Google removed the manual search button from the Now Playing app when the standalone app launched in March, which limited options when automatic recognition failed.

A recent update restores the "Tap to see what’s playing" manual search prompt to the lock screen, enabling cloud-based song searches after detection fails.

Now Playing normally uses an on-device database to identify songs for privacy and battery savings, but the cloud search improves recognition for less common tracks.

The update is rolling out to compatible Pixel devices over the next few days and was spotted by a Reddit user and 9to5Google.