Key Points:
- Google’s Hum to Search feature receives a visual makeover, ditching the standard waveform for a dynamic, rotating globe animation.
- This update enhances the user experience by providing a more engaging and informative visual representation during song identification.
- Hum to Search remains accessible through the Google app on iOS and Android, offering a convenient way to identify music on the go.
In 2020, Google introduced Hum to Search, a handy tool for music enthusiasts. This feature allows users to identify unknown songs by humming, singing, or playing a snippet of the melody. While often overlooked, Hum to Search plays a valuable role in helping users discover new music or revisit old favorites.
Recently, Google implemented a delightful upgrade to Hum to Search, enhancing the user experience through a captivating visual overhaul. Gone is the standard waveform animation that previously accompanied the song identification process. In its place, a dynamic and informative globe now takes center stage. As the user hums or sings, the globe rotates, adding a sense of action and intrigue to the identification process.
Further enriching the animation, small, brightly colored dots (blue, red, yellow, and green) pulsate outwards from the rotating globe. This dynamic visual representation not only adds a touch of whimsy but also potentially provides clues about the identified song’s genre or musical characteristics.
Accessing Hum to Search remains as simple as ever. On both iOS and Android devices, users can activate the feature by tapping the familiar four-color microphone icon within the Google app. Once activated, selecting “Search a song” initiates the identification process. For Android users, an additional shortcut called “Sound Search” might also be available on the home screen, offering a quick and convenient way to access Hum to Search.
It’s important to note that while Google Assistant offers voice search capabilities, it currently utilizes the older waveform animation when identifying music through humming. Additionally, other platforms, such as the Gemini large language model, lack a similar “what song is this” functionality. This highlights a potential area for future development within these platforms.
Furthermore, the YouTube app introduced a similar song identification feature last year for Android users, although iOS compatibility is yet to be implemented. This functionality is also expected to be integrated into YouTube Music, allowing users to seamlessly save identified songs to their library for future listening.
While features like automatic song history, akin to Shazam or Pixel’s Now Playing, would be a welcome addition, the recent animation upgrade elevates the Hum to Search experience. This delightful visual revamp not only enhances user engagement but also paves the way for further innovation within the music identification landscape.
