Merge feature/hardware-volume-control: Hardware volume button support

- Add dynamic volume interception toggling based on selected player
- MA player selected: intercept hardware buttons, control via API
- Builtin player selected: disable interception, let native volume work
- Use FlutterVolumeController for builtin player UI slider and MA commands

🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.com/claude-code)

Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>

README.md

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 
 ## Disclaimer
 
-I am not a developer. This application was created using **Claude Code** and **Gemini CLI**.
+This application was built with AI-assisted development using **Claude Code** and **Gemini CLI**.
 
 ---
 
@@ -28,9 +28,18 @@ I am not a developer. This application was created using **Claude Code** and **G
 - **Full Playback Controls** - Play, pause, skip, seek, and adjust volume
 - **Queue Management** - View and manage the playback queue
 
+### Home Screen
+- **Customizable Rows** - Toggle Recently Played, Discover Artists, and Discover Albums
+- **Favorites Rows** - Optional rows for Favorite Albums, Artists, and Tracks
+- **Adaptive Layout** - Rows scale properly for different screen sizes and aspect ratios
+- **Pull to Refresh** - Refresh content with a simple pull gesture
+
 ### Library Browsing
-- **Browse Your Collection** - Artists, albums, and tracks from all your music sources
+- **Browse Your Collection** - Artists, albums, playlists, and tracks from all your music sources
+- **Favorites Filter** - Toggle to show only your favorite items
 - **Album Details** - View track listings with artwork
+- **Artist Details** - View artist albums and top tracks
+- **Playlist Support** - Browse and play your playlists
 - **Search** - Find music across your entire library
 
 ### Smart Features
@@ -87,6 +96,8 @@ Ensemble supports multiple authentication methods:
 - Network connectivity to your Music Assistant server
 - Android device (Android 5.0+)
 
+> **Note:** Local device playback (streaming to your phone) is not currently supported on Music Assistant beta 20+. This is due to MA replacing the built-in player with Sendspin. Support will be added once Sendspin is more stable. Remote control of other players works fine.
+
 ## About Music Assistant
 
 Ensemble is a mobile client for [Music Assistant](https://music-assistant.io/), an open-source music library manager that integrates with various music sources and streaming providers.

android/app/src/main/AndroidManifest.xml

@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
         android:usesCleartextTraffic="true"
         android:networkSecurityConfig="@xml/network_security_config">
         <activity
-            android:name="com.ryanheise.audioservice.AudioServiceActivity"
+            android:name=".MainActivity"
             android:exported="true"
             android:launchMode="singleTop"
             android:theme="@style/LaunchTheme"

android/app/src/main/kotlin/com/musicassistant/music_assistant/MainActivity.kt

@@ -1,6 +1,87 @@
 package com.musicassistant.music_assistant
 
-import io.flutter.embedding.android.FlutterActivity
+import android.util.Log
+import android.view.KeyEvent
+import com.ryanheise.audioservice.AudioServiceActivity
+import io.flutter.embedding.engine.FlutterEngine
+import io.flutter.plugin.common.MethodChannel
 
-class MainActivity: FlutterActivity() {
+// Extend AudioServiceActivity instead of FlutterActivity to support audio_service package
+// while also intercepting volume button events
+class MainActivity: AudioServiceActivity() {
+    private val TAG = "EnsembleVolume"
+    private val CHANNEL = "com.musicassistant.music_assistant/volume_buttons"
+    private var methodChannel: MethodChannel? = null
+    private var isListening = false
+
+    override fun configureFlutterEngine(flutterEngine: FlutterEngine) {
+        super.configureFlutterEngine(flutterEngine)
+        Log.d(TAG, "Configuring Flutter engine, setting up MethodChannel")
+
+        methodChannel = MethodChannel(flutterEngine.dartExecutor.binaryMessenger, CHANNEL)
+        methodChannel?.setMethodCallHandler { call, result ->
+            Log.d(TAG, "Received method call: ${call.method}")
+            when (call.method) {
+                "startListening" -> {
+                    isListening = true
+                    Log.d(TAG, "Volume listening ENABLED")
+                    result.success(null)
+                }
+                "stopListening" -> {
+                    isListening = false
+                    Log.d(TAG, "Volume listening DISABLED")
+                    result.success(null)
+                }
+                else -> {
+                    Log.d(TAG, "Unknown method: ${call.method}")
+                    result.notImplemented()
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Use dispatchKeyEvent instead of onKeyDown - Flutter's engine uses dispatchKeyEvent
+    // and may consume events before they reach onKeyDown
+    override fun dispatchKeyEvent(event: KeyEvent?): Boolean {
+        if (event == null) {
+            return super.dispatchKeyEvent(event)
+        }
+
+        val keyCode = event.keyCode
+        val action = event.action
+
+        Log.d(TAG, "dispatchKeyEvent: keyCode=$keyCode, action=$action, isListening=$isListening")
+
+        // Only handle KEY_DOWN events to avoid double-triggering (down + up)
+        if (action != KeyEvent.ACTION_DOWN) {
+            // For volume keys when listening, also consume ACTION_UP to fully block system volume
+            if (isListening && (keyCode == KeyEvent.KEYCODE_VOLUME_UP || keyCode == KeyEvent.KEYCODE_VOLUME_DOWN)) {
+                Log.d(TAG, "Consuming ACTION_UP for volume key")
+                return true
+            }
+            return super.dispatchKeyEvent(event)
+        }
+
+        if (!isListening) {
+            Log.d(TAG, "Not listening, passing to super")
+            return super.dispatchKeyEvent(event)
+        }
+
+        return when (keyCode) {
+            KeyEvent.KEYCODE_VOLUME_UP -> {
+                Log.d(TAG, "VOLUME UP pressed - sending to Flutter")
+                methodChannel?.invokeMethod("volumeUp", null)
+                true // Consume the event to prevent system volume change
+            }
+            KeyEvent.KEYCODE_VOLUME_DOWN -> {
+                Log.d(TAG, "VOLUME DOWN pressed - sending to Flutter")
+                methodChannel?.invokeMethod("volumeDown", null)
+                true // Consume the event to prevent system volume change
+            }
+            else -> {
+                Log.d(TAG, "Other key, passing to super")
+                super.dispatchKeyEvent(event)
+            }
+        }
+    }
 }

lib/main.dart

@@ -1,14 +1,18 @@
+import 'dart:async';
 import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
 import 'package:flutter/services.dart';
 import 'package:provider/provider.dart';
 import 'package:audio_service/audio_service.dart';
 import 'providers/music_assistant_provider.dart';
+import 'providers/navigation_provider.dart';
 import 'screens/home_screen.dart';
 import 'screens/login_screen.dart';
 import 'services/settings_service.dart';
 import 'services/audio/massiv_audio_handler.dart';
 import 'services/auth/auth_manager.dart';
 import 'services/debug_logger.dart';
+import 'services/hardware_volume_service.dart';
+import 'services/music_assistant_api.dart' show MAConnectionState;
 import 'theme/theme_provider.dart';
 import 'theme/app_theme.dart';
 import 'theme/system_theme_helper.dart';
@@ -69,6 +73,14 @@ class MusicAssistantApp extends StatefulWidget {
 class _MusicAssistantAppState extends State<MusicAssistantApp> with WidgetsBindingObserver {
   late MusicAssistantProvider _musicProvider;
   late ThemeProvider _themeProvider;
+  final _hardwareVolumeService = HardwareVolumeService();
+  StreamSubscription? _volumeUpSub;
+  StreamSubscription? _volumeDownSub;
+  String? _lastSelectedPlayerId;
+  String? _builtinPlayerId;
+
+  // Volume step size (percentage points per button press)
+  static const int _volumeStep = 5;
 
   @override
   void initState() {
@@ -76,14 +88,108 @@ class _MusicAssistantAppState extends State<MusicAssistantApp> with WidgetsBindi
     _musicProvider = MusicAssistantProvider();
     _themeProvider = ThemeProvider();
     WidgetsBinding.instance.addObserver(this);
+    _initHardwareVolumeControl();
+    // Listen to player selection changes to toggle volume interception
+    _musicProvider.addListener(_onProviderChanged);
+  }
+
+  Future<void> _initHardwareVolumeControl() async {
+    try {
+      _logger.log('🔊 [1/5] Starting hardware volume control initialization...');
+
+      // Get builtin player ID for detecting when to disable interception
+      _builtinPlayerId = await SettingsService.getBuiltinPlayerId();
+      _logger.log('🔊 [2/5] Builtin player ID: $_builtinPlayerId');
+
+      _logger.log('🔊 [3/5] Calling HardwareVolumeService.init()...');
+      await _hardwareVolumeService.init();
+      _logger.log('🔊 [4/5] HardwareVolumeService.init() completed, isListening=${_hardwareVolumeService.isListening}');
+
+      _volumeUpSub = _hardwareVolumeService.onVolumeUp.listen((_) {
+        _logger.log('🔊 Volume UP event received in main.dart');
+        _adjustVolume(_volumeStep);
+      });
+
+      _volumeDownSub = _hardwareVolumeService.onVolumeDown.listen((_) {
+        _logger.log('🔊 Volume DOWN event received in main.dart');
+        _adjustVolume(-_volumeStep);
+      });
+
+      _logger.log('🔊 [5/5] Hardware volume control fully initialized');
+    } catch (e, stack) {
+      _logger.error('Hardware volume control initialization FAILED', context: 'VolumeInit', error: e, stackTrace: stack);
+    }
+  }
+
+  /// Called when provider state changes - check if selected player changed
+  void _onProviderChanged() {
+    final currentPlayerId = _musicProvider.selectedPlayer?.playerId;
+    if (currentPlayerId != _lastSelectedPlayerId) {
+      _lastSelectedPlayerId = currentPlayerId;
+      _updateVolumeInterception();
+    }
+  }
+
+  /// Enable/disable volume button interception based on selected player.
+  /// For builtin player: disable interception so native volume works
+  /// For MA players: enable interception to control player via API
+  Future<void> _updateVolumeInterception() async {
+    final isBuiltinPlayer = _builtinPlayerId != null &&
+        _musicProvider.selectedPlayer?.playerId == _builtinPlayerId;
+
+    if (isBuiltinPlayer) {
+      _logger.log('🔊 Builtin player selected - disabling volume interception');
+      await _hardwareVolumeService.setIntercepting(false);
+    } else {
+      _logger.log('🔊 MA player selected - enabling volume interception');
+      await _hardwareVolumeService.setIntercepting(true);
+    }
+  }
+
+  Future<void> _adjustVolume(int delta) async {
+    final player = _musicProvider.selectedPlayer;
+    if (player == null) {
+      _logger.log('🔊 Hardware volume button pressed but no player selected');
+      return;
+    }
+
+    _logger.log('🔊 Hardware volume: player=${player.name}, current=${player.volume}, delta=$delta');
+
+    final newVolume = (player.volume + delta).clamp(0, 100);
+    if (newVolume != player.volume) {
+      try {
+        await _musicProvider.setVolume(player.playerId, newVolume);
+        _logger.log('🔊 Hardware volume adjusted: ${player.volume} -> $newVolume for ${player.name}');
+      } catch (e) {
+        _logger.error('Hardware volume adjustment failed', context: 'VolumeControl', error: e);
+      }
+    } else {
+      _logger.log('🔊 Hardware volume: already at limit ($newVolume)');
+    }
   }
 
   @override
   void dispose() {
+    _musicProvider.removeListener(_onProviderChanged);
+    _volumeUpSub?.cancel();
+    _volumeDownSub?.cancel();
+    _hardwareVolumeService.dispose();
     WidgetsBinding.instance.removeObserver(this);
     super.dispose();
   }
 
+  @override
+  Future<bool> didPopRoute() async {
+    // Intercept back button at app level - runs BEFORE Navigator processes it
+    // If player is expanded, collapse it and consume the back gesture
+    if (GlobalPlayerOverlay.isPlayerExpanded) {
+      GlobalPlayerOverlay.collapsePlayer();
+      return true; // We handled it, don't let Navigator process it
+    }
+    // Let Navigator handle the back gesture normally
+    return super.didPopRoute();
+  }
+
   @override
   void didChangeAppLifecycleState(AppLifecycleState state) {
     super.didChangeAppLifecycleState(state);
@@ -133,6 +239,7 @@ class _MusicAssistantAppState extends State<MusicAssistantApp> with WidgetsBindi
                 lightColorScheme: lightColorScheme,
                 darkColorScheme: darkColorScheme,
                 child: MaterialApp(
+                  navigatorKey: navigationProvider.navigatorKey,
                   title: 'Ensemble',
                   debugShowCheckedModeBanner: false,
                   themeMode: themeProvider.themeMode,
@@ -267,26 +374,26 @@ class _AppStartupState extends State<AppStartup> {
 
       final provider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
 
-      // Only attempt connection if not already connected
-      if (!provider.isConnected) {
-        _logger.log('🚀 AppStartup: Auto-connecting to saved server: $serverUrl');
-        try {
-          // Restore auth credentials before connecting (critical for Authelia)
-          final savedCredentials = await SettingsService.getAuthCredentials();
-          if (savedCredentials != null) {
-            _logger.log('🚀 AppStartup: Restoring saved auth credentials');
-            provider.authManager.deserializeCredentials(savedCredentials);
-          }
+      // Connection is handled by MusicAssistantProvider._initialize()
+      // Just wait for it to complete or timeout
+      _logger.log('🚀 AppStartup: Waiting for provider auto-connection to $serverUrl');
 
-          await provider.connectToServer(serverUrl);
-          _logger.log('🚀 AppStartup: Auto-connection successful');
-        } catch (e) {
-          _logger.log('🚀 AppStartup: Auto-connection failed: $e');
-          // Connection failed, but still show home screen
-          // User can manually reconnect from there
+      // Give the provider time to connect (it restores credentials and connects in _initialize)
+      // Check connection state periodically
+      for (var i = 0; i < 20; i++) {
+        await Future.delayed(const Duration(milliseconds: 250));
+        if (provider.isConnected) {
+          _logger.log('🚀 AppStartup: Connection established');
+          break;
         }
-      } else {
-        _logger.log('🚀 AppStartup: Already connected');
+        if (provider.connectionState == MAConnectionState.error) {
+          _logger.log('🚀 AppStartup: Connection failed with error');
+          break;
+        }
+      }
+
+      if (!provider.isConnected) {
+        _logger.log('🚀 AppStartup: Connection still pending or failed');
       }
 
       if (mounted) {

lib/providers/music_assistant_provider.dart

@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
 import 'dart:async';
 import 'package:flutter/foundation.dart';
+import 'package:flutter/painting.dart';
+import 'package:cached_network_image/cached_network_image.dart';
+import 'package:flutter_volume_controller/flutter_volume_controller.dart';
 import '../models/media_item.dart';
 import '../models/player.dart';
 import '../services/music_assistant_api.dart';
@@ -10,6 +13,7 @@ import '../services/auth/auth_manager.dart';
 import '../services/device_id_service.dart';
 import '../services/cache_service.dart';
 import '../services/local_player_service.dart';
+import '../services/metadata_service.dart';
 import '../constants/timings.dart';
 import '../main.dart' show audioHandler;
 
@@ -47,6 +51,8 @@ class MusicAssistantProvider with ChangeNotifier {
 
   // Local player state
   bool _isLocalPlayerPowered = true;
+  int _localPlayerVolume = 100; // Tracked MA volume for builtin player (0-100)
+  bool _builtinPlayerAvailable = true; // False on MA 2.7.0b20+ (uses Sendspin instead)
   StreamSubscription? _localPlayerEventSubscription;
   StreamSubscription? _playerUpdatedEventSubscription;
   Timer? _localPlayerStateReportTimer;
@@ -137,7 +143,8 @@ class MusicAssistantProvider with ChangeNotifier {
       _serverUrl = serverUrl;
       await SettingsService.setServerUrl(serverUrl);
 
-      await _api?.disconnect();
+      // Dispose the old API to stop any pending reconnects
+      _api?.dispose();
 
       _api = MusicAssistantAPI(serverUrl, _authManager);
 
@@ -157,17 +164,23 @@ class MusicAssistantProvider with ChangeNotifier {
                 notifyListeners();
                 return;
               }
+              // After authentication succeeds, authenticated state will trigger initialization
+              // Don't call _initializeAfterConnection() here - wait for authenticated state
               return;
             }
 
+            // No auth required, initialize immediately
             await _initializeAfterConnection();
           } else if (state == MAConnectionState.authenticated) {
             _logger.log('✅ MA authentication successful');
+            // Now safe to initialize since we're authenticated
             await _initializeAfterConnection();
           } else if (state == MAConnectionState.disconnected) {
             _availablePlayers = [];
             _selectedPlayer = null;
-            _cacheService.clearAll();
+            // Only clear detail caches on disconnect, NOT home screen caches
+            // Home screen data should persist across reconnects for better UX
+            _cacheService.clearAllDetailCaches();
           }
         },
         onError: (error) {
@@ -364,9 +377,8 @@ class MusicAssistantProvider with ChangeNotifier {
       previousTrackSelectedPlayer();
     };
 
-    if (isConnected) {
-      await _registerLocalPlayer();
-    }
+    // Player registration is now handled in _initializeAfterConnection()
+    // which runs after authentication completes (when auth is required)
   }
 
   Future<bool> _tryAdoptGhostPlayer() async {
@@ -439,7 +451,20 @@ class MusicAssistantProvider with ChangeNotifier {
       }
       _registrationInProgress = null;
     } catch (e) {
-      _logger.log('❌ CRITICAL: Player registration failed: $e');
+      // Check if this is because builtin_player API is not available (MA 2.7.0b20+)
+      final errorStr = e.toString();
+      if (errorStr.contains('Invalid command') && errorStr.contains('builtin_player')) {
+        _logger.log('⚠️ Builtin player API not available (MA 2.7.0b20+ uses Sendspin)');
+        _logger.log('ℹ️ Local player registration skipped - use other players (Chromecast, etc)');
+        _builtinPlayerAvailable = false;
+        if (_registrationInProgress != null && !_registrationInProgress!.isCompleted) {
+          _registrationInProgress!.complete();
+        }
+        _registrationInProgress = null;
+        return; // Non-fatal, continue without local player
+      }
+
+      _logger.log('❌ Player registration failed: $e');
       if (_registrationInProgress != null && !_registrationInProgress!.isCompleted) {
         _registrationInProgress!.completeError(e);
       }
@@ -461,13 +486,16 @@ class MusicAssistantProvider with ChangeNotifier {
 
   Future<void> _reportLocalPlayerState() async {
     if (_api == null) return;
+    if (!_builtinPlayerAvailable) return; // Skip on MA 2.7.0b20+ (no builtin_player API)
 
     final playerId = await SettingsService.getBuiltinPlayerId();
     if (playerId == null) return;
 
     final isPlaying = _localPlayer.isPlaying;
     final position = _localPlayer.position.inSeconds;
-    final volume = (_localPlayer.volume * 100).round();
+    // Use tracked MA volume instead of just_audio player volume
+    // just_audio volume is for local playback, MA volume is for server sync
+    final volume = _localPlayerVolume;
     final isPaused = !isPlaying && position > 0;
 
     await _api!.updateBuiltinPlayerState(
@@ -477,7 +505,7 @@ class MusicAssistantProvider with ChangeNotifier {
       paused: isPaused,
       position: position,
       volume: volume,
-      muted: _localPlayer.volume == 0.0,
+      muted: _localPlayerVolume == 0,
     );
   }
 
@@ -566,9 +594,14 @@ class MusicAssistantProvider with ChangeNotifier {
           break;
 
         case 'volume_set':
-          final volume = event['volume_level'] as int?;
+        case 'set_volume':
+          // MA sends 'set_volume' in event type but 'volume' in data
+          final volume = event['volume_level'] as int? ?? event['volume'] as int?;
           if (volume != null) {
-            await _localPlayer.setVolume(volume / 100.0);
+            _localPlayerVolume = volume; // Track MA volume
+            // Use device media volume (FlutterVolumeController), NOT just_audio software volume
+            await FlutterVolumeController.setVolume(volume / 100.0);
+            _logger.log('🔊 Builtin player DEVICE volume set to ${(volume / 100.0).toStringAsFixed(2)} from server event');
           }
           break;
 
@@ -810,6 +843,28 @@ class MusicAssistantProvider with ChangeNotifier {
     _cacheService.invalidateHomeCache();
   }
 
+  // ============================================================================
+  // FAVORITES FOR HOME SCREEN
+  // ============================================================================
+
+  /// Get favorite albums from the library
+  Future<List<Album>> getFavoriteAlbums() async {
+    // Filter from loaded library - favorites are already loaded
+    return _albums.where((a) => a.favorite == true).toList();
+  }
+
+  /// Get favorite artists from the library
+  Future<List<Artist>> getFavoriteArtists() async {
+    // Filter from loaded library - favorites are already loaded
+    return _artists.where((a) => a.favorite == true).toList();
+  }
+
+  /// Get favorite tracks from the library
+  Future<List<Track>> getFavoriteTracks() async {
+    // Filter from loaded library - favorites are already loaded
+    return _tracks.where((t) => t.favorite == true).toList();
+  }
+
   // ============================================================================
   // DETAIL SCREEN CACHING
   // ============================================================================
@@ -1074,7 +1129,8 @@ class MusicAssistantProvider with ChangeNotifier {
         selectPlayer(playerToSelect);
       }
 
-      _preloadAdjacentPlayers(preloadAll: true);
+      // Await preload so track data and images are ready for swipe gestures
+      await _preloadAdjacentPlayers(preloadAll: true);
     } catch (e) {
       ErrorHandler.logError('Load and select players', e);
     }
@@ -1085,6 +1141,13 @@ class MusicAssistantProvider with ChangeNotifier {
 
     SettingsService.setLastSelectedPlayerId(player.playerId);
 
+    // Immediately set currentTrack from cache to avoid flash during player switch
+    // This ensures the UI shows the correct track info immediately, before
+    // the async _updatePlayerState() completes.
+    // IMPORTANT: Always set from cache, even if null - this prevents showing
+    // stale track info when switching to a non-playing player.
+    _currentTrack = _cacheService.getCachedTrackForPlayer(player.playerId);
+
     _startPlayerStatePolling();
 
     _preloadAdjacentPlayers();
@@ -1122,9 +1185,10 @@ class MusicAssistantProvider with ChangeNotifier {
     if (prevIndex != currentIndex) playersToPreload.add(players[prevIndex]);
     if (nextIndex != currentIndex) playersToPreload.add(players[nextIndex]);
 
-    for (final player in playersToPreload) {
-      _preloadPlayerTrack(player);
-    }
+    // Await all preloads so images are ready for next swipe
+    await Future.wait(
+      playersToPreload.map((player) => _preloadPlayerTrack(player)),
+    );
   }
 
   Future<void> _preloadPlayerTrack(Player player) async {
@@ -1154,6 +1218,12 @@ class MusicAssistantProvider with ChangeNotifier {
         } else {
           _cacheService.setCachedTrackForPlayer(player.playerId, track);
           _logger.log('🔍 Preload ${player.name}: CACHED track "${track.name}"');
+
+          // Also precache the image so it's ready for swipe preview
+          final imageUrl = getImageUrl(track, size: 512);
+          if (imageUrl != null) {
+            _precacheImage(imageUrl);
+          }
         }
       } else {
         _logger.log('🔍 Preload ${player.name}: NO TRACK - queue empty');
@@ -1167,6 +1237,34 @@ class MusicAssistantProvider with ChangeNotifier {
     }
   }
 
+  /// Precache an image URL so it loads instantly when displayed
+  Future<void> _precacheImage(String url) async {
+    try {
+      final imageProvider = CachedNetworkImageProvider(url);
+      final imageStream = imageProvider.resolve(const ImageConfiguration());
+      final completer = Completer<void>();
+      late ImageStreamListener listener;
+
+      listener = ImageStreamListener(
+        (ImageInfo info, bool synchronousCall) {
+          if (!completer.isCompleted) completer.complete();
+          imageStream.removeListener(listener);
+        },
+        onError: (exception, stackTrace) {
+          if (!completer.isCompleted) completer.completeError(exception);
+          imageStream.removeListener(listener);
+        },
+      );
+
+      imageStream.addListener(listener);
+      await completer.future.timeout(const Duration(seconds: 5), onTimeout: () {
+        imageStream.removeListener(listener);
+      });
+    } catch (e) {
+      // Silently ignore precache errors - image will load on demand
+    }
+  }
+
   Future<void> preloadAllPlayerTracks() async {
     if (_api == null) return;
 
@@ -1435,6 +1533,19 @@ class MusicAssistantProvider with ChangeNotifier {
     return _api?.getImageUrl(item, size: size);
   }
 
+  /// Get artist image URL with fallback to external sources (Deezer, Fanart.tv)
+  /// Returns a Future since fallback requires async API calls
+  Future<String?> getArtistImageUrlWithFallback(Artist artist, {int size = 256}) async {
+    // Try Music Assistant first
+    final maUrl = _api?.getImageUrl(artist, size: size);
+    if (maUrl != null) {
+      return maUrl;
+    }
+
+    // Fall back to external sources (Deezer, Fanart.tv, etc.)
+    return MetadataService.getArtistImageUrl(artist.name);
+  }
+
   // ============================================================================
   // PLAYER AND QUEUE MANAGEMENT
   // ============================================================================
@@ -1489,6 +1600,18 @@ class MusicAssistantProvider with ChangeNotifier {
     }
   }
 
+  Future<void> playArtistRadio(String playerId, Artist artist) async {
+    try {
+      await _api?.playArtistRadio(playerId, artist);
+    } catch (e) {
+      final errorInfo = ErrorHandler.handleError(e, context: 'Play artist radio');
+      _error = errorInfo.userMessage;
+      ErrorHandler.logError('Play artist radio', e);
+      notifyListeners();
+      rethrow;
+    }
+  }
+
   Future<String?> getCurrentStreamUrl(String playerId) async {
     return await _api?.getCurrentStreamUrl(playerId);
   }
@@ -1586,7 +1709,19 @@ class MusicAssistantProvider with ChangeNotifier {
 
   Future<void> setVolume(String playerId, int volumeLevel) async {
     try {
-      await _api?.setVolume(playerId, volumeLevel);
+      // Check if this is the builtin player
+      final builtinPlayerId = await SettingsService.getBuiltinPlayerId();
+      if (builtinPlayerId != null && playerId == builtinPlayerId) {
+        // For builtin player, control device media volume directly
+        _localPlayerVolume = volumeLevel;
+        await FlutterVolumeController.setVolume(volumeLevel / 100.0);
+        _logger.log('🔊 Builtin player DEVICE volume set to $volumeLevel%');
+        // Also notify MA server about the volume change
+        await _api?.setVolume(playerId, volumeLevel);
+      } else {
+        // For MA players, just send to MA server
+        await _api?.setVolume(playerId, volumeLevel);
+      }
     } catch (e) {
       ErrorHandler.logError('Set volume', e);
       rethrow;

lib/screens/album_details_screen.dart

@@ -43,8 +43,43 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick
     super.initState();
     _isFavorite = widget.album.favorite ?? false;
     _loadTracks();
-    _extractColors();
     _loadAlbumDescription();
+    _refreshFavoriteStatus();
+
+    // CRITICAL FIX: Defer color extraction until after the transition completes
+    // This prevents expensive palette extraction during hero animation
+    // Wait for the first frame to be painted, then extract colors
+    WidgetsBinding.instance.addPostFrameCallback((_) {
+      // Add small delay to ensure transition is complete
+      Future.delayed(const Duration(milliseconds: 350), () {
+        if (mounted) {
+          _extractColors();
+        }
+      });
+    });
+  }
+
+  Future<void> _refreshFavoriteStatus() async {
+    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
+    if (maProvider.api == null) return;
+
+    // Need a URI to fetch fresh album data
+    final albumUri = widget.album.uri;
+    if (albumUri == null || albumUri.isEmpty) {
+      _logger.log('Cannot refresh favorite status: album has no URI');
+      return;
+    }
+
+    try {
+      final freshAlbum = await maProvider.api!.getAlbumByUri(albumUri);
+      if (freshAlbum != null && mounted) {
+        setState(() {
+          _isFavorite = freshAlbum.favorite ?? false;
+        });
+      }
+    } catch (e) {
+      _logger.log('Error refreshing favorite status: $e');
+    }
   }
 
   Future<void> _extractColors() async {
@@ -74,19 +109,63 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick
     if (maProvider.api == null) return;
 
     try {
-      // Toggle the state locally first
       final newState = !_isFavorite;
 
-      await maProvider.api!.toggleFavorite(
-        'album',
-        widget.album.itemId,
-        widget.album.provider,
-      );
+      if (newState) {
+        // For adding: use the actual provider and itemId from provider_mappings
+        String actualProvider = widget.album.provider;
+        String actualItemId = widget.album.itemId;
+
+        if (widget.album.providerMappings != null && widget.album.providerMappings!.isNotEmpty) {
+          // Find a non-library provider mapping (e.g., spotify, qobuz, etc.)
+          final mapping = widget.album.providerMappings!.firstWhere(
+            (m) => m.available && m.providerInstance != 'library',
+            orElse: () => widget.album.providerMappings!.firstWhere(
+              (m) => m.available,
+              orElse: () => widget.album.providerMappings!.first,
+            ),
+          );
+          actualProvider = mapping.providerInstance;
+          actualItemId = mapping.itemId;
+        }
+
+        _logger.log('Adding to favorites: provider=$actualProvider, itemId=$actualItemId');
+        await maProvider.api!.addToFavorites('album', actualItemId, actualProvider);
+      } else {
+        // For removing: need the library_item_id (numeric)
+        // When provider is "library", itemId is the library ID as a string
+        // Otherwise, we need to find it from provider_mappings
+        int? libraryItemId;
+
+        if (widget.album.provider == 'library') {
+          libraryItemId = int.tryParse(widget.album.itemId);
+        } else if (widget.album.providerMappings != null) {
+          // Find the library mapping
+          final libraryMapping = widget.album.providerMappings!.firstWhere(
+            (m) => m.providerInstance == 'library',
+            orElse: () => widget.album.providerMappings!.first,
+          );
+          if (libraryMapping.providerInstance == 'library') {
+            libraryItemId = int.tryParse(libraryMapping.itemId);
+          }
+        }
+
+        if (libraryItemId == null) {
+          _logger.log('Error: Could not determine library_item_id for removal');
+          throw Exception('Could not determine library ID for this album');
+        }
+
+        _logger.log('Removing from favorites: libraryItemId=$libraryItemId');
+        await maProvider.api!.removeFromFavorites('album', libraryItemId);
+      }
 
       setState(() {
         _isFavorite = newState;
       });
 
+      // Invalidate home cache so the home screen shows updated favorite status
+      maProvider.invalidateHomeCache();
+
       if (mounted) {
         ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
           SnackBar(
@@ -99,6 +178,100 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick
       }
     } catch (e) {
       _logger.log('Error toggling favorite: $e');
+      if (mounted) {
+        ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+          SnackBar(
+            content: Text('Failed to update favorite: $e'),
+            duration: const Duration(seconds: 2),
+          ),
+        );
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  Future<void> _toggleTrackFavorite(int trackIndex) async {
+    if (trackIndex < 0 || trackIndex >= _tracks.length) return;
+
+    final track = _tracks[trackIndex];
+    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
+    if (maProvider.api == null) return;
+
+    final currentFavorite = track.favorite ?? false;
+
+    try {
+      if (currentFavorite) {
+        // Remove from favorites - need library_item_id
+        int? libraryItemId;
+        if (track.provider == 'library') {
+          libraryItemId = int.tryParse(track.itemId);
+        } else if (track.providerMappings != null) {
+          final libraryMapping = track.providerMappings!.firstWhere(
+            (m) => m.providerInstance == 'library',
+            orElse: () => track.providerMappings!.first,
+          );
+          if (libraryMapping.providerInstance == 'library') {
+            libraryItemId = int.tryParse(libraryMapping.itemId);
+          }
+        }
+
+        if (libraryItemId != null) {
+          await maProvider.api!.removeFromFavorites('track', libraryItemId);
+        }
+      } else {
+        // Add to favorites
+        String actualProvider = track.provider;
+        String actualItemId = track.itemId;
+
+        if (track.providerMappings != null && track.providerMappings!.isNotEmpty) {
+          final mapping = track.providerMappings!.firstWhere(
+            (m) => m.available && m.providerInstance != 'library',
+            orElse: () => track.providerMappings!.firstWhere(
+              (m) => m.available,
+              orElse: () => track.providerMappings!.first,
+            ),
+          );
+          actualProvider = mapping.providerInstance;
+          actualItemId = mapping.itemId;
+        }
+
+        await maProvider.api!.addToFavorites('track', actualItemId, actualProvider);
+      }
+
+      // Update local state - create new track with toggled favorite
+      setState(() {
+        _tracks[trackIndex] = Track(
+          itemId: track.itemId,
+          provider: track.provider,
+          name: track.name,
+          uri: track.uri,
+          favorite: !currentFavorite,
+          artists: track.artists,
+          album: track.album,
+          duration: track.duration,
+          providerMappings: track.providerMappings,
+        );
+      });
+
+      if (mounted) {
+        ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+          SnackBar(
+            content: Text(
+              !currentFavorite ? 'Added to favorites' : 'Removed from favorites',
+            ),
+            duration: const Duration(seconds: 1),
+          ),
+        );
+      }
+    } catch (e) {
+      _logger.log('Error toggling track favorite: $e');
+      if (mounted) {
+        ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+          SnackBar(
+            content: Text('Failed to update favorite: $e'),
+            duration: const Duration(seconds: 2),
+          ),
+        );
+      }
     }
   }
 
@@ -165,34 +338,84 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick
     }
   }
 
-  Future<void> _addAlbumToQueue() async {
+  void _addAlbumToQueue() {
     final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
+    final players = maProvider.availablePlayers;
 
-    try {
-      final player = maProvider.selectedPlayer;
-      if (player == null) {
-        _showError('No player selected');
-        return;
-      }
+    // Slide mini player down out of the way
+    GlobalPlayerOverlay.hidePlayer();
 
-      _logger.log('Adding album to queue on ${player.name}');
-
-      // Add all tracks to queue without clearing
-      await maProvider.playTracks(player.playerId, _tracks, startIndex: 0, clearQueue: false);
-      _logger.log('Album added to queue on ${player.name}');
-
-      if (mounted) {
-        ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
-          const SnackBar(
-            content: Text('Album added to queue'),
-            duration: Duration(seconds: 1),
-          ),
-        );
-      }
-    } catch (e) {
-      _logger.log('Error adding album to queue: $e');
-      _showError('Failed to add album to queue: $e');
-    }
+    showModalBottomSheet(
+      context: context,
+      backgroundColor: Colors.transparent,
+      builder: (context) => Container(
+        decoration: BoxDecoration(
+          color: Theme.of(context).colorScheme.surface,
+          borderRadius: const BorderRadius.vertical(top: Radius.circular(20)),
+        ),
+        child: Column(
+          mainAxisSize: MainAxisSize.min,
+          children: [
+            const SizedBox(height: 16),
+            Text(
+              'Add album to queue on...',
+              style: Theme.of(context).textTheme.titleLarge,
+            ),
+            const SizedBox(height: 16),
+            if (players.isEmpty)
+              const Padding(
+                padding: EdgeInsets.all(32.0),
+                child: Text('No players available'),
+              )
+            else
+              Flexible(
+                child: ListView.builder(
+                  shrinkWrap: true,
+                  itemCount: players.length,
+                  itemBuilder: (context, playerIndex) {
+                    final player = players[playerIndex];
+                    return ListTile(
+                      leading: Icon(
+                        Icons.speaker,
+                        color: Theme.of(context).colorScheme.onSurface,
+                      ),
+                      title: Text(player.name),
+                      onTap: () async {
+                        Navigator.pop(context);
+                        try {
+                          _logger.log('Adding album to queue on ${player.name}');
+                          await maProvider.playTracks(
+                            player.playerId,
+                            _tracks,
+                            startIndex: 0,
+                            clearQueue: false,
+                          );
+                          _logger.log('Album added to queue on ${player.name}');
+                          if (mounted) {
+                            ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+                              const SnackBar(
+                                content: Text('Album added to queue'),
+                                duration: Duration(seconds: 1),
+                              ),
+                            );
+                          }
+                        } catch (e) {
+                          _logger.log('Error adding album to queue: $e');
+                          _showError('Failed to add album to queue: $e');
+                        }
+                      },
+                    );
+                  },
+                ),
+              ),
+            SizedBox(height: MediaQuery.of(context).padding.bottom + 16),
+          ],
+        ),
+      ),
+    ).whenComplete(() {
+      // Show mini player again when sheet closes
+      GlobalPlayerOverlay.showPlayer();
+    });
   }
 
   void _addTrackToQueue(BuildContext context, int index) {
@@ -277,10 +500,16 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick
   void _navigateToArtist() {
     // Navigate to the first artist if available
     if (widget.album.artists != null && widget.album.artists!.isNotEmpty) {
+      final artist = widget.album.artists!.first;
+      final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
+      final imageUrl = maProvider.getImageUrl(artist, size: 256);
       Navigator.push(
         context,
         MaterialPageRoute(
-          builder: (context) => ArtistDetailsScreen(artist: widget.album.artists!.first),
+          builder: (context) => ArtistDetailsScreen(
+            artist: artist,
+            initialImageUrl: imageUrl,
+          ),
         ),
       );
     }
@@ -318,18 +547,32 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick
 
   @override
   Widget build(BuildContext context) {
-    final maProvider = context.watch<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    final themeProvider = context.watch<ThemeProvider>();
-    final imageUrl = maProvider.getImageUrl(widget.album, size: 512);
-    
+    // CRITICAL FIX: Use select() instead of watch() to reduce rebuilds
+    // Only rebuild when specific properties change, not on every provider update
+    final imageUrl = context.select<MusicAssistantProvider, String?>(
+      (provider) => provider.getImageUrl(widget.album, size: 512),
+    );
+    final adaptiveTheme = context.select<ThemeProvider, bool>(
+      (provider) => provider.adaptiveTheme,
+    );
+    final adaptiveLightScheme = context.select<ThemeProvider, ColorScheme?>(
+      (provider) => provider.adaptiveLightScheme,
+    );
+    final adaptiveDarkScheme = context.select<ThemeProvider, ColorScheme?>(
+      (provider) => provider.adaptiveDarkScheme,
+    );
+
     // Determine if we should use adaptive theme colors
-    final useAdaptiveTheme = themeProvider.adaptiveTheme;
     final isDark = Theme.of(context).brightness == Brightness.dark;
 
-    // Get the color scheme to use
+    // Get the color scheme to use - prefer local state over provider
+    // Local state (_darkColorScheme/_lightColorScheme) is set by _extractColors()
     ColorScheme? adaptiveScheme;
-    if (useAdaptiveTheme) {
-      adaptiveScheme = isDark ? _darkColorScheme : _lightColorScheme;
+    if (adaptiveTheme) {
+      // Use local state first (from _extractColors), fallback to provider
+      adaptiveScheme = isDark
+        ? (_darkColorScheme ?? adaptiveDarkScheme)
+        : (_lightColorScheme ?? adaptiveLightScheme);
     }
 
     // Use adaptive scheme if available, otherwise use global theme
@@ -523,18 +766,22 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick
                       const SizedBox(width: 12),
 
                       // Favorite Button
-                      Container(
+                      SizedBox(
                         height: 50,
                         width: 50,
-                        decoration: BoxDecoration(
-                          color: _isFavorite ? colorScheme.errorContainer : colorScheme.surfaceVariant,
-                          shape: BoxShape.circle,
-                        ),
-                        child: IconButton(
+                        child: FilledButton.tonal(
                           onPressed: _toggleFavorite,
-                          icon: Icon(
+                          style: FilledButton.styleFrom(
+                            padding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+                            shape: RoundedRectangleBorder(
+                              borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(25), // Circular
+                            ),
+                          ),
+                          child: Icon(
                             _isFavorite ? Icons.favorite : Icons.favorite_border,
-                            color: _isFavorite ? colorScheme.error : colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
+                            color: _isFavorite
+                                ? colorScheme.error
+                                : colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
                           ),
                         ),
                       ),
@@ -645,39 +892,60 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick
                         curve: Curves.easeInOut,
                         child: isExpanded
                             ? Padding(
-                                padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 16.0, vertical: 8.0),
+                                padding: const EdgeInsets.only(right: 16.0, bottom: 12.0, top: 4.0),
                                 child: Row(
+                                  mainAxisAlignment: MainAxisAlignment.end,
                                   children: [
-                                    Expanded(
-                                      child: SizedBox(
-                                        height: 48,
-                                        child: FilledButton.tonal(
-                                          onPressed: () => _showPlayRadioMenu(context, index),
-                                          style: FilledButton.styleFrom(
-                                            backgroundColor: colorScheme.tertiaryContainer,
-                                            foregroundColor: colorScheme.onTertiaryContainer,
-                                            shape: RoundedRectangleBorder(
-                                              borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(12),
-                                            ),
+                                    // Radio button
+                                    SizedBox(
+                                      height: 44,
+                                      width: 44,
+                                      child: FilledButton.tonal(
+                                        onPressed: () => _showPlayRadioMenu(context, index),
+                                        style: FilledButton.styleFrom(
+                                          padding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+                                          shape: RoundedRectangleBorder(
+                                            borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(12),
                                           ),
-                                          child: const Text('Start radio'),
                                         ),
+                                        child: const Icon(Icons.radio, size: 20),
                                       ),
                                     ),
-                                    const SizedBox(width: 12),
-                                    Expanded(
-                                      child: SizedBox(
-                                        height: 48,
-                                        child: FilledButton.tonal(
-                                          onPressed: () => _addTrackToQueue(context, index),
-                                          style: FilledButton.styleFrom(
-                                            backgroundColor: colorScheme.secondaryContainer,
-                                            foregroundColor: colorScheme.onSecondaryContainer,
-                                            shape: RoundedRectangleBorder(
-                                              borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(12),
-                                            ),
+                                    const SizedBox(width: 10),
+                                    // Add to queue button
+                                    SizedBox(
+                                      height: 44,
+                                      width: 44,
+                                      child: FilledButton.tonal(
+                                        onPressed: () => _addTrackToQueue(context, index),
+                                        style: FilledButton.styleFrom(
+                                          padding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+                                          shape: RoundedRectangleBorder(
+                                            borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(12),
                                           ),
-                                          child: const Text('Add to queue'),
+                                        ),
+                                        child: const Icon(Icons.playlist_add, size: 20),
+                                      ),
+                                    ),
+                                    const SizedBox(width: 10),
+                                    // Favorite button
+                                    SizedBox(
+                                      height: 44,
+                                      width: 44,
+                                      child: FilledButton.tonal(
+                                        onPressed: () => _toggleTrackFavorite(index),
+                                        style: FilledButton.styleFrom(
+                                          padding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+                                          shape: RoundedRectangleBorder(
+                                            borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(22),
+                                          ),
+                                        ),
+                                        child: Icon(
+                                          track.favorite == true ? Icons.favorite : Icons.favorite_border,
+                                          size: 20,
+                                          color: track.favorite == true
+                                              ? colorScheme.error
+                                              : colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
                                         ),
                                       ),
                                     ),

lib/screens/artist_details_screen.dart

@@ -15,11 +15,13 @@ import '../utils/page_transitions.dart';
 class ArtistDetailsScreen extends StatefulWidget {
   final Artist artist;
   final String? heroTagSuffix;
+  final String? initialImageUrl;
 
   const ArtistDetailsScreen({
-    super.key, 
+    super.key,
     required this.artist,
     this.heroTagSuffix,
+    this.initialImageUrl,
   });
 
   @override
@@ -31,27 +33,297 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
   List<Album> _albums = [];
   List<Album> _providerAlbums = [];
   bool _isLoading = true;
+  bool _isFavorite = false;
   ColorScheme? _lightColorScheme;
   ColorScheme? _darkColorScheme;
   bool _isDescriptionExpanded = false;
   String? _artistDescription;
+  String? _artistImageUrl;
 
   String get _heroTagSuffix => widget.heroTagSuffix != null ? '_${widget.heroTagSuffix}' : '';
 
   @override
   void initState() {
     super.initState();
+    _isFavorite = widget.artist.favorite ?? false;
+    // Use initial image URL immediately for smooth hero animation
+    _artistImageUrl = widget.initialImageUrl;
     _loadArtistAlbums();
-    _extractColors();
     _loadArtistDescription();
+    _refreshFavoriteStatus();
+
+    // Defer higher-res image loading and color extraction until after transition
+    // But hero animation now works because we have initialImageUrl
+    WidgetsBinding.instance.addPostFrameCallback((_) {
+      Future.delayed(const Duration(milliseconds: 350), () {
+        if (mounted) {
+          _loadArtistImage();
+          // Note: _extractColors is called by _loadArtistImage after image loads
+        }
+      });
+    });
   }
 
-  Future<void> _extractColors() async {
+  Future<void> _refreshFavoriteStatus() async {
     final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    final imageUrl = maProvider.getImageUrl(widget.artist, size: 512);
+    if (maProvider.api == null) return;
 
-    if (imageUrl == null) return;
+    final artistUri = widget.artist.uri;
+    if (artistUri == null || artistUri.isEmpty) {
+      _logger.log('Cannot refresh favorite status: artist has no URI');
+      return;
+    }
 
+    try {
+      final freshArtist = await maProvider.api!.getArtistByUri(artistUri);
+      if (freshArtist != null && mounted) {
+        setState(() {
+          _isFavorite = freshArtist.favorite ?? false;
+        });
+      }
+    } catch (e) {
+      _logger.log('Error refreshing artist favorite status: $e');
+    }
+  }
+
+  Future<void> _toggleFavorite() async {
+    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
+    if (maProvider.api == null) return;
+
+    try {
+      final newState = !_isFavorite;
+
+      if (newState) {
+        String actualProvider = widget.artist.provider;
+        String actualItemId = widget.artist.itemId;
+
+        if (widget.artist.providerMappings != null && widget.artist.providerMappings!.isNotEmpty) {
+          final mapping = widget.artist.providerMappings!.firstWhere(
+            (m) => m.available && m.providerInstance != 'library',
+            orElse: () => widget.artist.providerMappings!.firstWhere(
+              (m) => m.available,
+              orElse: () => widget.artist.providerMappings!.first,
+            ),
+          );
+          actualProvider = mapping.providerInstance;
+          actualItemId = mapping.itemId;
+        }
+
+        _logger.log('Adding artist to favorites: provider=$actualProvider, itemId=$actualItemId');
+        await maProvider.api!.addToFavorites('artist', actualItemId, actualProvider);
+      } else {
+        int? libraryItemId;
+
+        if (widget.artist.provider == 'library') {
+          libraryItemId = int.tryParse(widget.artist.itemId);
+        } else if (widget.artist.providerMappings != null) {
+          final libraryMapping = widget.artist.providerMappings!.firstWhere(
+            (m) => m.providerInstance == 'library',
+            orElse: () => widget.artist.providerMappings!.first,
+          );
+          if (libraryMapping.providerInstance == 'library') {
+            libraryItemId = int.tryParse(libraryMapping.itemId);
+          }
+        }
+
+        if (libraryItemId == null) {
+          _logger.log('Error: Could not determine library_item_id for removal');
+          throw Exception('Could not determine library ID for this artist');
+        }
+
+        _logger.log('Removing artist from favorites: libraryItemId=$libraryItemId');
+        await maProvider.api!.removeFromFavorites('artist', libraryItemId);
+      }
+
+      setState(() {
+        _isFavorite = newState;
+      });
+
+      maProvider.invalidateHomeCache();
+
+      if (mounted) {
+        ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+          SnackBar(
+            content: Text(
+              _isFavorite ? 'Added to favorites' : 'Removed from favorites',
+            ),
+            duration: const Duration(seconds: 1),
+          ),
+        );
+      }
+    } catch (e) {
+      _logger.log('Error toggling artist favorite: $e');
+      if (mounted) {
+        ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+          SnackBar(
+            content: Text('Failed to update favorite: $e'),
+            duration: const Duration(seconds: 2),
+          ),
+        );
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  Future<void> _startArtistRadio() async {
+    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
+    final selectedPlayer = maProvider.selectedPlayer;
+
+    if (selectedPlayer == null) {
+      ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+        const SnackBar(content: Text('No player selected')),
+      );
+      return;
+    }
+
+    try {
+      await maProvider.playArtistRadio(selectedPlayer.playerId, widget.artist);
+      if (mounted) {
+        ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+          SnackBar(
+            content: Text('Starting ${widget.artist.name} radio'),
+            duration: const Duration(seconds: 1),
+          ),
+        );
+      }
+    } catch (e) {
+      _logger.log('Error starting artist radio: $e');
+      if (mounted) {
+        ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+          SnackBar(
+            content: Text('Failed to start radio: $e'),
+            backgroundColor: Colors.red,
+          ),
+        );
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  void _showPlayOnMenu(BuildContext context) {
+    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
+    final players = maProvider.availablePlayers;
+    final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
+
+    showModalBottomSheet(
+      context: context,
+      backgroundColor: colorScheme.surface,
+      shape: const RoundedRectangleBorder(
+        borderRadius: BorderRadius.vertical(top: Radius.circular(20)),
+      ),
+      builder: (context) => Padding(
+        padding: const EdgeInsets.all(16.0),
+        child: Column(
+          mainAxisSize: MainAxisSize.min,
+          crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
+          children: [
+            Text(
+              'Start ${widget.artist.name} radio on...',
+              style: Theme.of(context).textTheme.titleLarge,
+            ),
+            const SizedBox(height: 16),
+            if (players.isEmpty)
+              const Padding(
+                padding: EdgeInsets.all(32.0),
+                child: Text('No players available'),
+              )
+            else
+              Flexible(
+                child: ListView.builder(
+                  shrinkWrap: true,
+                  itemCount: players.length,
+                  itemBuilder: (context, index) {
+                    final player = players[index];
+                    return ListTile(
+                      leading: Icon(
+                        Icons.speaker,
+                        color: colorScheme.onSurface,
+                      ),
+                      title: Text(player.name),
+                      onTap: () async {
+                        Navigator.pop(context);
+                        try {
+                          await maProvider.playArtistRadio(player.playerId, widget.artist);
+                          if (mounted) {
+                            ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+                              SnackBar(
+                                content: Text('Starting ${widget.artist.name} radio on ${player.name}'),
+                                duration: const Duration(seconds: 1),
+                              ),
+                            );
+                          }
+                        } catch (e) {
+                          _logger.log('Error starting artist radio on player: $e');
+                          if (mounted) {
+                            ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+                              SnackBar(
+                                content: Text('Failed to start radio: $e'),
+                                backgroundColor: Colors.red,
+                              ),
+                            );
+                          }
+                        }
+                      },
+                    );
+                  },
+                ),
+              ),
+            const SizedBox(height: 16),
+          ],
+        ),
+      ),
+    );
+  }
+
+  Future<void> _addArtistRadioToQueue() async {
+    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
+    final selectedPlayer = maProvider.selectedPlayer;
+
+    if (selectedPlayer == null) {
+      ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+        const SnackBar(content: Text('No player selected')),
+      );
+      return;
+    }
+
+    try {
+      // For adding to queue with radio mode, we use radio_mode but with 'add' option
+      await maProvider.api?.playArtistRadioToQueue(selectedPlayer.playerId, widget.artist);
+      if (mounted) {
+        ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+          SnackBar(
+            content: Text('Added ${widget.artist.name} radio to queue'),
+            duration: const Duration(seconds: 1),
+          ),
+        );
+      }
+    } catch (e) {
+      _logger.log('Error adding artist radio to queue: $e');
+      if (mounted) {
+        ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+          SnackBar(
+            content: Text('Failed to add to queue: $e'),
+            backgroundColor: Colors.red,
+          ),
+        );
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  Future<void> _loadArtistImage() async {
+    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
+
+    // Get image URL with fallback to Deezer/Fanart.tv
+    final imageUrl = await maProvider.getArtistImageUrlWithFallback(widget.artist, size: 512);
+
+    if (mounted && imageUrl != null) {
+      setState(() {
+        _artistImageUrl = imageUrl;
+      });
+      // Extract colors after we have the image
+      _extractColors(imageUrl);
+    }
+  }
+
+  Future<void> _extractColors(String imageUrl) async {
     try {
       final colorSchemes = await PaletteHelper.extractColorSchemes(
         CachedNetworkImageProvider(imageUrl),
@@ -102,15 +374,30 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
   
   @override
   Widget build(BuildContext context) {
-    final maProvider = context.watch<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    final themeProvider = context.watch<ThemeProvider>();
-    final imageUrl = maProvider.getImageUrl(widget.artist, size: 512);
+    // CRITICAL FIX: Use select() instead of watch() to reduce rebuilds
+    // Only rebuild when specific properties change, not on every provider update
+    final adaptiveTheme = context.select<ThemeProvider, bool>(
+      (provider) => provider.adaptiveTheme,
+    );
+    final adaptiveLightScheme = context.select<ThemeProvider, ColorScheme?>(
+      (provider) => provider.adaptiveLightScheme,
+    );
+    final adaptiveDarkScheme = context.select<ThemeProvider, ColorScheme?>(
+      (provider) => provider.adaptiveDarkScheme,
+    );
+
+    // Use the loaded image URL (with fallback) instead of directly from MA
+    final imageUrl = _artistImageUrl;
 
-    final useAdaptiveTheme = themeProvider.adaptiveTheme;
     final isDark = Theme.of(context).brightness == Brightness.dark;
+
+    // Get the color scheme to use - prefer local state over provider
     ColorScheme? adaptiveScheme;
-    if (useAdaptiveTheme) {
-      adaptiveScheme = isDark ? _darkColorScheme : _lightColorScheme;
+    if (adaptiveTheme) {
+      // Use local state first (from _extractColors), fallback to provider
+      adaptiveScheme = isDark
+        ? (_darkColorScheme ?? adaptiveDarkScheme)
+        : (_lightColorScheme ?? adaptiveLightScheme);
     }
     final colorScheme = adaptiveScheme ?? Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
     final textTheme = Theme.of(context).textTheme;
@@ -214,6 +501,89 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
                     ),
                     const SizedBox(height: 8),
                   ],
+                  // Action Buttons Row
+                  Row(
+                    children: [
+                      // Main Radio Button
+                      Expanded(
+                        flex: 2,
+                        child: SizedBox(
+                          height: 50,
+                          child: ElevatedButton.icon(
+                            onPressed: _startArtistRadio,
+                            icon: const Icon(Icons.radio),
+                            label: const Text('Radio'),
+                            style: ElevatedButton.styleFrom(
+                              backgroundColor: colorScheme.primary,
+                              foregroundColor: colorScheme.onPrimary,
+                              shape: RoundedRectangleBorder(
+                                borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(12),
+                              ),
+                            ),
+                          ),
+                        ),
+                      ),
+                      const SizedBox(width: 12),
+
+                      // "Play on..." Button (Square)
+                      SizedBox(
+                        height: 50,
+                        width: 50,
+                        child: FilledButton.tonal(
+                          onPressed: () => _showPlayOnMenu(context),
+                          style: FilledButton.styleFrom(
+                            padding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+                            shape: RoundedRectangleBorder(
+                              borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(12),
+                            ),
+                          ),
+                          child: const Icon(Icons.speaker_group_outlined),
+                        ),
+                      ),
+
+                      const SizedBox(width: 12),
+
+                      // "Add to Queue" Button (Square)
+                      SizedBox(
+                        height: 50,
+                        width: 50,
+                        child: FilledButton.tonal(
+                          onPressed: _addArtistRadioToQueue,
+                          style: FilledButton.styleFrom(
+                            padding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+                            shape: RoundedRectangleBorder(
+                              borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(12),
+                            ),
+                          ),
+                          child: const Icon(Icons.playlist_add),
+                        ),
+                      ),
+
+                      const SizedBox(width: 12),
+
+                      // Favorite Button
+                      SizedBox(
+                        height: 50,
+                        width: 50,
+                        child: FilledButton.tonal(
+                          onPressed: _toggleFavorite,
+                          style: FilledButton.styleFrom(
+                            padding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+                            shape: RoundedRectangleBorder(
+                              borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(25),
+                            ),
+                          ),
+                          child: Icon(
+                            _isFavorite ? Icons.favorite : Icons.favorite_border,
+                            color: _isFavorite
+                                ? colorScheme.error
+                                : colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
+                          ),
+                        ),
+                      ),
+                    ],
+                  ),
+                  const SizedBox(height: 16),
                 ],
               ),
             ),
@@ -263,7 +633,7 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
                   delegate: SliverChildBuilderDelegate(
                     (context, index) {
                       final album = _albums[index];
-                      return _buildAlbumCard(album, maProvider);
+                      return _buildAlbumCard(album);
                     },
                     childCount: _albums.length,
                   ),
@@ -297,7 +667,7 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
                   delegate: SliverChildBuilderDelegate(
                     (context, index) {
                       final album = _providerAlbums[index];
-                      return _buildAlbumCard(album, maProvider);
+                      return _buildAlbumCard(album);
                     },
                     childCount: _providerAlbums.length,
                   ),
@@ -312,8 +682,10 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
     );
   }
 
-  Widget _buildAlbumCard(Album album, MusicAssistantProvider provider) {
-    final imageUrl = provider.getImageUrl(album, size: 256);
+  Widget _buildAlbumCard(Album album) {
+    // Use read instead of passing provider to avoid rebuild dependencies
+    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
+    final imageUrl = maProvider.getImageUrl(album, size: 256);
     final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
     final textTheme = Theme.of(context).textTheme;
     const String heroSuffix = 'artist_albums';

lib/screens/debug_log_screen.dart

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
 import 'package:flutter/services.dart';
 import 'package:provider/provider.dart';
+import 'package:share_plus/share_plus.dart';
 import '../services/debug_logger.dart';
 import '../providers/music_assistant_provider.dart';
 import '../widgets/global_player_overlay.dart';
@@ -15,6 +16,8 @@ class DebugLogScreen extends StatefulWidget {
 class _DebugLogScreenState extends State<DebugLogScreen> {
   final _logger = DebugLogger();
   final _scrollController = ScrollController();
+  LogLevel _filterLevel = LogLevel.debug; // Show all by default
+  bool _isGeneratingReport = false;
 
   @override
   void initState() {
@@ -33,17 +36,37 @@ class _DebugLogScreenState extends State<DebugLogScreen> {
     super.dispose();
   }
 
+  List<LogEntry> get _filteredEntries =>
+      _logger.entries.where((e) => e.level.index >= _filterLevel.index).toList();
+
   void _copyLogs() {
     Clipboard.setData(ClipboardData(text: _logger.getAllLogs()));
     ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
       const SnackBar(
-        content: Text('Logs copied to clipboard!'),
+        content: Text('Logs copied to clipboard'),
         backgroundColor: Colors.green,
         duration: Duration(seconds: 2),
       ),
     );
   }
 
+  Future<void> _shareBugReport() async {
+    setState(() => _isGeneratingReport = true);
+
+    try {
+      final report = await _logger.generateBugReport();
+
+      await Share.share(
+        report,
+        subject: 'Ensemble Bug Report',
+      );
+    } finally {
+      if (mounted) {
+        setState(() => _isGeneratingReport = false);
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
   void _clearLogs() {
     setState(() {
       _logger.clear();
@@ -216,16 +239,39 @@ class _DebugLogScreenState extends State<DebugLogScreen> {
         ),
         centerTitle: true,
         actions: [
+          // Share bug report button
+          _isGeneratingReport
+              ? const Padding(
+                  padding: EdgeInsets.all(12),
+                  child: SizedBox(
+                    width: 24,
+                    height: 24,
+                    child: CircularProgressIndicator(
+                      strokeWidth: 2,
+                      color: Colors.white,
+                    ),
+                  ),
+                )
+              : IconButton(
+                  icon: const Icon(Icons.share_rounded),
+                  onPressed: _shareBugReport,
+                  color: Colors.white,
+                  tooltip: 'Share bug report',
+                ),
           PopupMenuButton<String>(
             icon: const Icon(Icons.more_vert, color: Colors.white),
-            tooltip: 'Player tools',
+            tooltip: 'More options',
             onSelected: (value) async {
               switch (value) {
                 case 'show_players':
                   _showAllPlayers();
                   break;
-                // NOTE: Ghost cleanup and repair options removed - MA APIs don't work
-                // reliably and caused corrupt entries. See PLAYER_LIFECYCLE_GUIDE.md
+                case 'copy_logs':
+                  _copyLogs();
+                  break;
+                case 'clear_logs':
+                  _clearLogs();
+                  break;
               }
             },
             itemBuilder: (context) => [
@@ -237,49 +283,61 @@ class _DebugLogScreenState extends State<DebugLogScreen> {
                   dense: true,
                 ),
               ),
+              const PopupMenuItem(
+                value: 'copy_logs',
+                child: ListTile(
+                  leading: Icon(Icons.copy_rounded),
+                  title: Text('Copy Logs'),
+                  dense: true,
+                ),
+              ),
+              const PopupMenuItem(
+                value: 'clear_logs',
+                child: ListTile(
+                  leading: Icon(Icons.delete_rounded),
+                  title: Text('Clear Logs'),
+                  dense: true,
+                ),
+              ),
             ],
           ),
-          IconButton(
-            icon: const Icon(Icons.copy_rounded),
-            onPressed: _copyLogs,
-            color: Colors.white,
-            tooltip: 'Copy logs',
-          ),
-          IconButton(
-            icon: const Icon(Icons.delete_rounded),
-            onPressed: _clearLogs,
-            color: Colors.white,
-            tooltip: 'Clear logs',
-          ),
         ],
       ),
       body: Column(
         children: [
+          // Filter chips and stats
           Container(
-            padding: const EdgeInsets.all(16),
+            padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 16, vertical: 12),
             color: Colors.white.withOpacity(0.05),
-            child: Row(
+            child: Column(
+              crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
               children: [
-                const Icon(
-                  Icons.info_outline_rounded,
-                  color: Colors.white70,
-                  size: 16,
-                ),
-                const SizedBox(width: 8),
-                Expanded(
-                  child: Text(
-                    'Last ${_logger.logs.length} log entries',
-                    style: const TextStyle(
-                      color: Colors.white70,
-                      fontSize: 12,
-                    ),
+                // Level filter chips
+                SingleChildScrollView(
+                  scrollDirection: Axis.horizontal,
+                  child: Row(
+                    children: [
+                      _buildFilterChip('All', LogLevel.debug),
+                      const SizedBox(width: 8),
+                      _buildFilterChip('Info+', LogLevel.info),
+                      const SizedBox(width: 8),
+                      _buildFilterChip('Warnings', LogLevel.warning),
+                      const SizedBox(width: 8),
+                      _buildFilterChip('Errors', LogLevel.error),
+                    ],
                   ),
                 ),
+                const SizedBox(height: 8),
+                // Stats
+                Text(
+                  'Showing ${_filteredEntries.length} of ${_logger.entries.length} entries',
+                  style: const TextStyle(color: Colors.white54, fontSize: 11),
+                ),
               ],
             ),
           ),
           Expanded(
-            child: _logger.logs.isEmpty
+            child: _filteredEntries.isEmpty
                 ? const Center(
                     child: Text(
                       'No logs yet',
@@ -291,43 +349,11 @@ class _DebugLogScreenState extends State<DebugLogScreen> {
                   )
                 : ListView.builder(
                     controller: _scrollController,
-                    padding: EdgeInsets.fromLTRB(8, 8, 8, BottomSpacing.navBarOnly + 56), // Extra space for FAB
-                    itemCount: _logger.logs.length,
+                    padding: EdgeInsets.fromLTRB(8, 8, 8, BottomSpacing.navBarOnly + 56),
+                    itemCount: _filteredEntries.length,
                     itemBuilder: (context, index) {
-                      final log = _logger.logs[index];
-                      final isError = log.contains('Error') ||
-                          log.contains('error') ||
-                          log.contains('ERROR') ||
-                          log.contains('failed') ||
-                          log.contains('Failed');
-
-                      return Container(
-                        margin: const EdgeInsets.only(bottom: 4),
-                        padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(
-                          horizontal: 12,
-                          vertical: 8,
-                        ),
-                        decoration: BoxDecoration(
-                          color: isError
-                              ? Colors.red.withOpacity(0.1)
-                              : Colors.white.withOpacity(0.03),
-                          borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(4),
-                          border: Border.all(
-                            color: isError
-                                ? Colors.red.withOpacity(0.3)
-                                : Colors.white.withOpacity(0.1),
-                          ),
-                        ),
-                        child: Text(
-                          log,
-                          style: TextStyle(
-                            color: isError ? Colors.red[300] : Colors.white70,
-                            fontSize: 11,
-                            fontFamily: 'monospace',
-                            height: 1.4,
-                          ),
-                        ),
-                      );
+                      final entry = _filteredEntries[index];
+                      return _buildLogEntry(entry);
                     },
                   ),
           ),
@@ -353,4 +379,70 @@ class _DebugLogScreenState extends State<DebugLogScreen> {
       ),
     );
   }
+
+  Widget _buildFilterChip(String label, LogLevel level) {
+    final isSelected = _filterLevel == level;
+    return FilterChip(
+      label: Text(label),
+      selected: isSelected,
+      showCheckmark: false,
+      onSelected: (_) {
+        setState(() {
+          _filterLevel = level;
+        });
+      },
+      backgroundColor: Colors.white.withOpacity(0.1),
+      selectedColor: _getLevelColor(level).withOpacity(0.3),
+      labelStyle: TextStyle(
+        color: isSelected ? _getLevelColor(level) : Colors.white70,
+        fontWeight: isSelected ? FontWeight.bold : FontWeight.normal,
+        fontSize: 12,
+      ),
+      side: BorderSide(
+        color: isSelected ? _getLevelColor(level) : Colors.transparent,
+      ),
+    );
+  }
+
+  Widget _buildLogEntry(LogEntry entry) {
+    final color = _getLevelColor(entry.level);
+
+    return Container(
+      margin: const EdgeInsets.only(bottom: 4),
+      padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 12, vertical: 8),
+      decoration: BoxDecoration(
+        color: color.withOpacity(0.1),
+        borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(4),
+        border: Border.all(color: color.withOpacity(0.3)),
+      ),
+      child: Text(
+        entry.formatted,
+        style: TextStyle(
+          color: entry.level == LogLevel.error
+              ? Colors.red[300]
+              : entry.level == LogLevel.warning
+                  ? Colors.orange[300]
+                  : Colors.white70,
+          fontSize: 11,
+          fontFamily: 'monospace',
+          height: 1.4,
+        ),
+      ),
+    );
+  }
+
+  Color _getLevelColor(LogLevel level) {
+    switch (level) {
+      case LogLevel.perf:
+        return Colors.purple;
+      case LogLevel.debug:
+        return Colors.grey;
+      case LogLevel.info:
+        return Colors.blue;
+      case LogLevel.warning:
+        return Colors.orange;
+      case LogLevel.error:
+        return Colors.red;
+    }
+  }
 }

lib/screens/library_albums_screen.dart

@@ -67,6 +67,8 @@ class LibraryAlbumsScreen extends StatelessWidget {
       child: GridView.builder(
         key: const PageStorageKey<String>('library_albums_full_grid'),
         cacheExtent: 500, // Prebuild items off-screen for smoother scrolling
+        addAutomaticKeepAlives: false, // Cards have their own keep-alive
+        addRepaintBoundaries: false, // Cards have RepaintBoundary
         gridDelegate: const SliverGridDelegateWithFixedCrossAxisCount(
           crossAxisCount: 2,
           childAspectRatio: 0.75,

lib/screens/library_artists_screen.dart

@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
 import 'package:provider/provider.dart';
-import 'package:cached_network_image/cached_network_image.dart';
 import '../providers/music_assistant_provider.dart';
 import '../models/media_item.dart';
 import '../utils/page_transitions.dart';
 import '../widgets/common/empty_state.dart';
+import '../widgets/artist_avatar.dart';
 import 'artist_details_screen.dart';
 
 class LibraryArtistsScreen extends StatelessWidget {
@@ -69,6 +69,8 @@ class LibraryArtistsScreen extends StatelessWidget {
       child: ListView.builder(
         key: const PageStorageKey<String>('library_artists_full_list'),
         cacheExtent: 500, // Prebuild items off-screen for smoother scrolling
+        addAutomaticKeepAlives: false, // Tiles have their own keep-alive
+        addRepaintBoundaries: false, // Tiles have RepaintBoundary
         itemCount: artists.length,
         padding: const EdgeInsets.all(8),
         itemBuilder: (context, index) {
@@ -88,23 +90,21 @@ class LibraryArtistsScreen extends StatelessWidget {
     Artist artist, {
     Key? key,
   }) {
-    final provider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    final imageUrl = provider.getImageUrl(artist, size: 128);
     final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
     final textTheme = Theme.of(context).textTheme;
+    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
+    // Get image URL for hero animation
+    final imageUrl = maProvider.getImageUrl(artist, size: 256);
 
     // RepaintBoundary isolates repaints to individual tiles
     return RepaintBoundary(
       child: ListTile(
         key: key,
-        leading: CircleAvatar(
-        radius: 24,
-        backgroundColor: colorScheme.surfaceVariant,
-        backgroundImage: imageUrl != null ? CachedNetworkImageProvider(imageUrl) : null,
-        child: imageUrl == null
-            ? Icon(Icons.person_rounded, color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant)
-            : null,
-      ),
+        leading: ArtistAvatar(
+          artist: artist,
+          radius: 24,
+          imageSize: 128,
+        ),
       title: Text(
         artist.name,
         style: textTheme.titleMedium?.copyWith(
@@ -121,6 +121,7 @@ class LibraryArtistsScreen extends StatelessWidget {
               child: ArtistDetailsScreen(
                 artist: artist,
                 heroTagSuffix: 'library',
+                initialImageUrl: imageUrl,
               ),
             ),
           );

lib/screens/library_playlists_screen.dart

@@ -91,6 +91,9 @@ class _LibraryPlaylistsScreenState extends State<LibraryPlaylistsScreen> {
       child: ListView.builder(
         itemCount: _playlists.length,
         padding: const EdgeInsets.all(8),
+        cacheExtent: 500, // Prebuild items off-screen for smoother scrolling
+        addAutomaticKeepAlives: false, // Tiles don't need individual keep-alive
+        addRepaintBoundaries: false, // We add RepaintBoundary manually to tiles
         itemBuilder: (context, index) {
           final playlist = _playlists[index];
           return _buildPlaylistTile(context, playlist, provider);
@@ -104,8 +107,9 @@ class _LibraryPlaylistsScreenState extends State<LibraryPlaylistsScreen> {
     final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
     final textTheme = Theme.of(context).textTheme;
 
-    return Builder(
-      builder: (context) => ListTile(
+    return RepaintBoundary(
+      child: ListTile(
+        key: ValueKey(playlist.itemId),
         leading: Container(
           width: 48,
           height: 48,

lib/screens/library_tracks_screen.dart

@@ -54,6 +54,9 @@ class LibraryTracksScreen extends StatelessWidget {
     return ListView.builder(
       itemCount: provider.tracks.length,
       padding: const EdgeInsets.all(8),
+      cacheExtent: 500, // Prebuild items off-screen for smoother scrolling
+      addAutomaticKeepAlives: false, // Tiles don't need individual keep-alive
+      addRepaintBoundaries: false, // We add RepaintBoundary manually to tiles
       itemBuilder: (context, index) {
         final track = provider.tracks[index];
         return _buildTrackTile(context, track, provider, index);
@@ -73,43 +76,46 @@ class LibraryTracksScreen extends StatelessWidget {
     final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
     final textTheme = Theme.of(context).textTheme;
 
-    return ListTile(
-      leading: Container(
-        width: 48,
-        height: 48,
-        decoration: BoxDecoration(
-          color: colorScheme.surfaceVariant,
-          borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(8),
-          image: imageUrl != null
-              ? DecorationImage(
-                  image: CachedNetworkImageProvider(imageUrl),
-                  fit: BoxFit.cover,
-                )
+    return RepaintBoundary(
+      child: ListTile(
+        key: ValueKey(track.uri ?? track.itemId),
+        leading: Container(
+          width: 48,
+          height: 48,
+          decoration: BoxDecoration(
+            color: colorScheme.surfaceVariant,
+            borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(8),
+            image: imageUrl != null
+                ? DecorationImage(
+                    image: CachedNetworkImageProvider(imageUrl),
+                    fit: BoxFit.cover,
+                  )
+                : null,
+          ),
+          child: imageUrl == null
+              ? Icon(Icons.music_note_rounded, color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant)
               : null,
         ),
-        child: imageUrl == null
-            ? Icon(Icons.music_note_rounded, color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant)
+        title: Text(
+          track.name,
+          style: textTheme.bodyLarge?.copyWith(color: colorScheme.onSurface),
+          maxLines: 1,
+          overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
+        ),
+        subtitle: Text(
+          track.artistsString,
+          style: textTheme.bodyMedium?.copyWith(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.7)),
+          maxLines: 1,
+          overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
+        ),
+        trailing: track.duration != null
+            ? Text(
+                _formatDuration(track.duration!),
+                style: textTheme.bodySmall?.copyWith(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.54)),
+              )
             : null,
+        onTap: () => _playTrack(context, maProvider, index),
       ),
-      title: Text(
-        track.name,
-        style: textTheme.bodyLarge?.copyWith(color: colorScheme.onSurface),
-        maxLines: 1,
-        overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
-      ),
-      subtitle: Text(
-        track.artistsString,
-        style: textTheme.bodyMedium?.copyWith(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.7)),
-        maxLines: 1,
-        overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
-      ),
-      trailing: track.duration != null
-          ? Text(
-              _formatDuration(track.duration!),
-              style: textTheme.bodySmall?.copyWith(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.54)),
-            )
-          : null,
-      onTap: () => _playTrack(context, maProvider, index),
     );
   }
 

lib/screens/new_home_screen.dart

@@ -1,10 +1,14 @@
 import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
+import 'package:flutter/scheduler.dart';
 import 'package:provider/provider.dart';
 import '../providers/music_assistant_provider.dart';
+import '../services/settings_service.dart';
+import '../services/debug_logger.dart';
 import '../widgets/global_player_overlay.dart';
 import '../widgets/player_selector.dart';
 import '../widgets/album_row.dart';
 import '../widgets/artist_row.dart';
+import '../widgets/track_row.dart';
 import '../widgets/common/disconnected_state.dart';
 import 'settings_screen.dart';
 import 'search_screen.dart';
@@ -16,17 +20,73 @@ class NewHomeScreen extends StatefulWidget {
   State<NewHomeScreen> createState() => _NewHomeScreenState();
 }
 
-class _NewHomeScreenState extends State<NewHomeScreen> with AutomaticKeepAliveClientMixin {
+class _NewHomeScreenState extends State<NewHomeScreen> with AutomaticKeepAliveClientMixin, WidgetsBindingObserver {
+  static final _logger = DebugLogger();
   Key _refreshKey = UniqueKey();
+  // Main rows (default on)
+  bool _showRecentAlbums = true;
+  bool _showDiscoverArtists = true;
+  bool _showDiscoverAlbums = true;
+  // Favorites rows (default off)
+  bool _showFavoriteAlbums = false;
+  bool _showFavoriteArtists = false;
+  bool _showFavoriteTracks = false;
+  // Random order for favorites (generated once per session)
+  late List<int> _favoritesOrder;
 
   @override
   bool get wantKeepAlive => true;
 
+  @override
+  void initState() {
+    super.initState();
+    WidgetsBinding.instance.addObserver(this);
+    // Generate random order for favorites rows (0, 1, 2 shuffled)
+    _favoritesOrder = [0, 1, 2]..shuffle();
+    _loadSettings();
+  }
+
+  @override
+  void dispose() {
+    WidgetsBinding.instance.removeObserver(this);
+    super.dispose();
+  }
+
+  @override
+  void didChangeAppLifecycleState(AppLifecycleState state) {
+    // Reload settings when app resumes (coming back from settings)
+    if (state == AppLifecycleState.resumed) {
+      _loadSettings();
+    }
+  }
+
+  Future<void> _loadSettings() async {
+    final showRecent = await SettingsService.getShowRecentAlbums();
+    final showDiscArtists = await SettingsService.getShowDiscoverArtists();
+    final showDiscAlbums = await SettingsService.getShowDiscoverAlbums();
+    final showFavAlbums = await SettingsService.getShowFavoriteAlbums();
+    final showFavArtists = await SettingsService.getShowFavoriteArtists();
+    final showFavTracks = await SettingsService.getShowFavoriteTracks();
+    if (mounted) {
+      setState(() {
+        _showRecentAlbums = showRecent;
+        _showDiscoverArtists = showDiscArtists;
+        _showDiscoverAlbums = showDiscAlbums;
+        _showFavoriteAlbums = showFavAlbums;
+        _showFavoriteArtists = showFavArtists;
+        _showFavoriteTracks = showFavTracks;
+      });
+    }
+  }
+
   Future<void> _onRefresh() async {
     // Invalidate cache to force fresh data on pull-to-refresh
     final provider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
     provider.invalidateHomeCache();
 
+    // Reload settings in case they changed
+    await _loadSettings();
+
     if (mounted) {
       setState(() {
         _refreshKey = UniqueKey();
@@ -37,6 +97,7 @@ class _NewHomeScreenState extends State<NewHomeScreen> with AutomaticKeepAliveCl
   @override
   Widget build(BuildContext context) {
     super.build(context); // Required for AutomaticKeepAliveClientMixin
+    // Settings are loaded in initState and didChangeAppLifecycleState - no need to reload on every build
     final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
 
     return Scaffold(
@@ -96,40 +157,126 @@ class _NewHomeScreenState extends State<NewHomeScreen> with AutomaticKeepAliveCl
 
   Widget _buildConnectedView(
       BuildContext context, MusicAssistantProvider provider) {
-    // Use Android 12+ stretch overscroll effect
-    return ScrollConfiguration(
-      behavior: const _StretchScrollBehavior(),
-      child: SingleChildScrollView(
-        physics: const AlwaysScrollableScrollPhysics(),
-        child: Column(
-        key: _refreshKey,
-        crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
-        children: [
-          // Recently played albums (with caching)
-          AlbumRow(
-            title: 'Recently Played',
-            loadAlbums: () => provider.getRecentAlbumsWithCache(),
-          ),
-          const SizedBox(height: 21),
+    // Use LayoutBuilder to get available screen height
+    return LayoutBuilder(
+      builder: (context, constraints) {
+        // Simple calculation: available height divided by 3 rows
+        // Each row includes its title, artwork, and info
+        final availableHeight = constraints.maxHeight - BottomSpacing.withMiniPlayer;
+        final rowHeight = availableHeight / 3;
 
-          // Discover Artists (with caching)
-          ArtistRow(
-            title: 'Discover Artists',
-            loadArtists: () => provider.getDiscoverArtistsWithCache(),
-          ),
-          const SizedBox(height: 3),
+        // Build favorites rows in random order
+        final favoritesWidgets = _buildFavoritesRows(provider, rowHeight);
 
-          // Discover Albums (with caching)
-          AlbumRow(
-            title: 'Discover Albums',
-            loadAlbums: () => provider.getDiscoverAlbumsWithCache(),
+        // Use Android 12+ stretch overscroll effect
+        return NotificationListener<ScrollNotification>(
+          onNotification: (notification) {
+            if (notification is ScrollStartNotification) {
+              _logger.resetFrameStats();
+              _logger.perf('SCROLL START', context: 'HomeScreen');
+            } else if (notification is ScrollUpdateNotification) {
+              _logger.startFrame();
+              SchedulerBinding.instance.addPostFrameCallback((_) {
+                _logger.endFrame();
+              });
+            } else if (notification is ScrollEndNotification) {
+              _logger.perf('SCROLL END', context: 'HomeScreen');
+            }
+            return false;
+          },
+          child: ScrollConfiguration(
+            behavior: const _StretchScrollBehavior(),
+            child: SingleChildScrollView(
+              physics: const AlwaysScrollableScrollPhysics(),
+              padding: EdgeInsets.only(bottom: BottomSpacing.withMiniPlayer),
+              child: Column(
+                key: _refreshKey,
+                crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
+                children: [
+                  // Recently played albums (optional)
+                  if (_showRecentAlbums)
+                    AlbumRow(
+                      key: const ValueKey('recent-albums'),
+                      title: 'Recently Played',
+                      loadAlbums: () => provider.getRecentAlbumsWithCache(),
+                      rowHeight: rowHeight,
+                    ),
+
+                  // Discover Artists (optional)
+                  if (_showDiscoverArtists)
+                    ArtistRow(
+                      key: const ValueKey('discover-artists'),
+                      title: 'Discover Artists',
+                      loadArtists: () => provider.getDiscoverArtistsWithCache(),
+                      rowHeight: rowHeight,
+                    ),
+
+                  // Discover Albums (optional)
+                  if (_showDiscoverAlbums)
+                    AlbumRow(
+                      key: const ValueKey('discover-albums'),
+                      title: 'Discover Albums',
+                      loadAlbums: () => provider.getDiscoverAlbumsWithCache(),
+                      rowHeight: rowHeight,
+                    ),
+
+                  // Favorites rows in random order
+                  ...favoritesWidgets,
+                ],
+              ),
+            ),
           ),
-          SizedBox(height: BottomSpacing.withMiniPlayer), // Space for bottom nav + mini player
-        ],
-        ),
-      ),
+        );
+      },
     );
   }
+
+  /// Build favorites rows in random order (order set once per session)
+  List<Widget> _buildFavoritesRows(MusicAssistantProvider provider, double rowHeight) {
+    // Create list of enabled favorites with their order index
+    final enabledFavorites = <MapEntry<int, Widget>>[];
+
+    if (_showFavoriteAlbums) {
+      enabledFavorites.add(MapEntry(
+        _favoritesOrder[0],
+        AlbumRow(
+          key: const ValueKey('favorite-albums'),
+          title: 'Favorite Albums',
+          loadAlbums: () => provider.getFavoriteAlbums(),
+          rowHeight: rowHeight,
+        ),
+      ));
+    }
+
+    if (_showFavoriteArtists) {
+      enabledFavorites.add(MapEntry(
+        _favoritesOrder[1],
+        ArtistRow(
+          key: const ValueKey('favorite-artists'),
+          title: 'Favorite Artists',
+          loadArtists: () => provider.getFavoriteArtists(),
+          rowHeight: rowHeight,
+        ),
+      ));
+    }
+
+    if (_showFavoriteTracks) {
+      enabledFavorites.add(MapEntry(
+        _favoritesOrder[2],
+        TrackRow(
+          key: const ValueKey('favorite-tracks'),
+          title: 'Favorite Tracks',
+          loadTracks: () => provider.getFavoriteTracks(),
+          rowHeight: rowHeight,
+        ),
+      ));
+    }
+
+    // Sort by the random order index
+    enabledFavorites.sort((a, b) => a.key.compareTo(b.key));
+
+    return enabledFavorites.map((e) => e.value).toList();
+  }
 }
 
 /// Custom scroll behavior that uses Android 12+ stretch overscroll effect

lib/screens/new_library_screen.dart

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import '../models/media_item.dart';
 import '../widgets/global_player_overlay.dart';
 import '../widgets/player_selector.dart';
 import '../widgets/album_card.dart';
+import '../widgets/artist_avatar.dart';
 import '../utils/page_transitions.dart';
 import '../constants/hero_tags.dart';
 import '../theme/theme_provider.dart';
@@ -26,11 +27,16 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
     with SingleTickerProviderStateMixin, RestorationMixin {
   late TabController _tabController;
   List<Playlist> _playlists = [];
+  List<Track> _favoriteTracks = [];
   bool _isLoadingPlaylists = true;
+  bool _isLoadingTracks = false;
+  bool _showFavoritesOnly = false;
 
   // Restoration: Remember selected tab across app restarts
   final RestorableInt _selectedTabIndex = RestorableInt(0);
 
+  int get _tabCount => _showFavoritesOnly ? 4 : 3;
+
   @override
   String? get restorationId => 'new_library_screen';
 
@@ -38,7 +44,8 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
   void restoreState(RestorationBucket? oldBucket, bool initialRestore) {
     registerForRestoration(_selectedTabIndex, 'selected_tab_index');
     // Apply restored tab index after TabController is created
-    if (_tabController.index != _selectedTabIndex.value) {
+    if (_tabController.index != _selectedTabIndex.value &&
+        _selectedTabIndex.value < _tabController.length) {
       _tabController.index = _selectedTabIndex.value;
     }
   }
@@ -46,12 +53,24 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
   @override
   void initState() {
     super.initState();
-    _tabController = TabController(length: 3, vsync: this);
+    _tabController = TabController(length: _tabCount, vsync: this);
     // Listen to tab changes to persist selection
     _tabController.addListener(_onTabChanged);
     _loadPlaylists();
   }
 
+  void _recreateTabController() {
+    final oldIndex = _tabController.index;
+    _tabController.removeListener(_onTabChanged);
+    _tabController.dispose();
+    _tabController = TabController(length: _tabCount, vsync: this);
+    _tabController.addListener(_onTabChanged);
+    // Restore to previous index if valid, otherwise default to 0
+    if (oldIndex < _tabCount) {
+      _tabController.index = oldIndex;
+    }
+  }
+
   void _onTabChanged() {
     if (!_tabController.indexIsChanging) {
       _selectedTabIndex.value = _tabController.index;
@@ -66,10 +85,13 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
     super.dispose();
   }
 
-  Future<void> _loadPlaylists() async {
+  Future<void> _loadPlaylists({bool? favoriteOnly}) async {
     final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
     if (maProvider.api != null) {
-      final playlists = await maProvider.api!.getPlaylists(limit: 100);
+      final playlists = await maProvider.api!.getPlaylists(
+        limit: 100,
+        favoriteOnly: favoriteOnly,
+      );
       if (mounted) {
         setState(() {
           _playlists = playlists;
@@ -85,6 +107,47 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
     }
   }
 
+  Future<void> _loadFavoriteTracks() async {
+    if (_isLoadingTracks) return;
+
+    setState(() {
+      _isLoadingTracks = true;
+    });
+
+    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
+    if (maProvider.api != null) {
+      final tracks = await maProvider.api!.getTracks(
+        limit: 500,
+        favoriteOnly: true,
+      );
+      if (mounted) {
+        setState(() {
+          _favoriteTracks = tracks;
+          _isLoadingTracks = false;
+        });
+      }
+    } else {
+      if (mounted) {
+        setState(() {
+          _isLoadingTracks = false;
+        });
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  void _toggleFavoritesMode(bool value) {
+    setState(() {
+      _showFavoritesOnly = value;
+      _recreateTabController();
+    });
+    if (value) {
+      _loadPlaylists(favoriteOnly: true);
+      _loadFavoriteTracks();
+    } else {
+      _loadPlaylists();
+    }
+  }
+
   @override
   Widget build(BuildContext context) {
     // Use Selector for targeted rebuilds - only rebuild when connection state changes
@@ -124,15 +187,40 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
           appBar: AppBar(
             backgroundColor: Colors.transparent,
             elevation: 0,
-            title: Text(
-              'Library',
-              style: textTheme.titleLarge?.copyWith(
-                color: colorScheme.onBackground,
-                fontWeight: FontWeight.w300,
-              ),
+            titleSpacing: 16,
+            title: Row(
+              children: [
+                // Favorites toggle with label
+                GestureDetector(
+                  onTap: () => _toggleFavoritesMode(!_showFavoritesOnly),
+                  child: Row(
+                    mainAxisSize: MainAxisSize.min,
+                    children: [
+                      Switch(
+                        value: _showFavoritesOnly,
+                        onChanged: _toggleFavoritesMode,
+                        activeColor: colorScheme.primary,
+                        materialTapTargetSize: MaterialTapTargetSize.shrinkWrap,
+                      ),
+                      const SizedBox(width: 4),
+                      Text(
+                        'Favourites',
+                        style: textTheme.titleMedium?.copyWith(
+                          color: _showFavoritesOnly
+                              ? colorScheme.primary
+                              : colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.7),
+                          fontWeight: _showFavoritesOnly ? FontWeight.w500 : FontWeight.w400,
+                        ),
+                      ),
+                    ],
+                  ),
+                ),
+              ],
             ),
-            centerTitle: true,
-            actions: const [PlayerSelector()],
+            centerTitle: false,
+            actions: const [
+              PlayerSelector(),
+            ],
             bottom: TabBar(
               controller: _tabController,
               labelColor: colorScheme.primary,
@@ -141,10 +229,11 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
               indicatorWeight: 3,
               labelStyle: const TextStyle(fontWeight: FontWeight.w600, fontSize: 14),
               unselectedLabelStyle: const TextStyle(fontWeight: FontWeight.w400, fontSize: 14),
-              tabs: const [
-                Tab(text: 'Artists'),
-                Tab(text: 'Albums'),
-                Tab(text: 'Playlists'),
+              tabs: [
+                const Tab(text: 'Artists'),
+                const Tab(text: 'Albums'),
+                if (_showFavoritesOnly) const Tab(text: 'Tracks'),
+                const Tab(text: 'Playlists'),
               ],
             ),
           ),
@@ -153,6 +242,7 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
             children: [
               _buildArtistsTab(context),
               _buildAlbumsTab(context),
+              if (_showFavoritesOnly) _buildTracksTab(context),
               _buildPlaylistsTab(context),
             ],
           ),
@@ -167,14 +257,26 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
     return Selector<MusicAssistantProvider, (List<Artist>, bool)>(
       selector: (_, provider) => (provider.artists, provider.isLoading),
       builder: (context, data, _) {
-        final (artists, isLoading) = data;
+        final (allArtists, isLoading) = data;
         final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
 
         if (isLoading) {
           return Center(child: CircularProgressIndicator(color: colorScheme.primary));
         }
 
+        // Filter by favorites if enabled
+        final artists = _showFavoritesOnly
+            ? allArtists.where((a) => a.favorite == true).toList()
+            : allArtists;
+
         if (artists.isEmpty) {
+          if (_showFavoritesOnly) {
+            return EmptyState.custom(
+              icon: Icons.favorite_border,
+              title: 'No favorite artists',
+              subtitle: 'Tap the heart on an artist to add them to favorites',
+            );
+          }
           return EmptyState.artists(
             onRefresh: () => context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>().loadLibrary(),
           );
@@ -185,8 +287,10 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
           backgroundColor: colorScheme.surface,
           onRefresh: () async => context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>().loadLibrary(),
           child: ListView.builder(
-            key: const PageStorageKey<String>('library_artists_list'),
+            key: PageStorageKey<String>('library_artists_list_${_showFavoritesOnly ? 'fav' : 'all'}'),
             cacheExtent: 500, // Prebuild items off-screen for smoother scrolling
+            addAutomaticKeepAlives: false, // Tiles have their own keep-alive
+            addRepaintBoundaries: false, // Tiles have RepaintBoundary
             itemCount: artists.length,
             padding: EdgeInsets.only(left: 8, right: 8, top: 8, bottom: BottomSpacing.navBarOnly),
             itemBuilder: (context, index) {
@@ -208,26 +312,22 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
     Artist artist, {
     Key? key,
   }) {
-    final provider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    final imageUrl = provider.getImageUrl(artist, size: 128);
     final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
     final textTheme = Theme.of(context).textTheme;
+    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
     final suffix = '_library';
+    // Get image URL for hero animation
+    final imageUrl = maProvider.getImageUrl(artist, size: 256);
 
     return RepaintBoundary(
       child: ListTile(
         key: key,
-        leading: Hero(
-        tag: HeroTags.artistImage + (artist.uri ?? artist.itemId) + suffix,
-        child: CircleAvatar(
+        leading: ArtistAvatar(
+          artist: artist,
           radius: 24,
-          backgroundColor: colorScheme.surfaceVariant,
-          backgroundImage: imageUrl != null ? CachedNetworkImageProvider(imageUrl) : null,
-          child: imageUrl == null
-              ? Icon(Icons.person_rounded, color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant)
-              : null,
+          imageSize: 128,
+          heroTag: HeroTags.artistImage + (artist.uri ?? artist.itemId) + suffix,
         ),
-      ),
       title: Hero(
         tag: HeroTags.artistName + (artist.uri ?? artist.itemId) + suffix,
         child: Material(
@@ -244,14 +344,13 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
         ),
       ),
         onTap: () {
-          // Update adaptive colors immediately on tap
-          updateAdaptiveColorsFromImage(context, imageUrl);
           Navigator.push(
             context,
             FadeSlidePageRoute(
               child: ArtistDetailsScreen(
                 artist: artist,
                 heroTagSuffix: 'library',
+                initialImageUrl: imageUrl,
               ),
             ),
           );
@@ -266,14 +365,26 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
     return Selector<MusicAssistantProvider, (List<Album>, bool)>(
       selector: (_, provider) => (provider.albums, provider.isLoading),
       builder: (context, data, _) {
-        final (albums, isLoading) = data;
+        final (allAlbums, isLoading) = data;
         final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
 
         if (isLoading) {
           return Center(child: CircularProgressIndicator(color: colorScheme.primary));
         }
 
+        // Filter by favorites if enabled
+        final albums = _showFavoritesOnly
+            ? allAlbums.where((a) => a.favorite == true).toList()
+            : allAlbums;
+
         if (albums.isEmpty) {
+          if (_showFavoritesOnly) {
+            return EmptyState.custom(
+              icon: Icons.favorite_border,
+              title: 'No favorite albums',
+              subtitle: 'Tap the heart on an album to add it to favorites',
+            );
+          }
           return EmptyState.albums(
             onRefresh: () => context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>().loadLibrary(),
           );
@@ -284,8 +395,10 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
           backgroundColor: colorScheme.surface,
           onRefresh: () async => context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>().loadLibrary(),
           child: GridView.builder(
-            key: const PageStorageKey<String>('library_albums_grid'),
+            key: PageStorageKey<String>('library_albums_grid_${_showFavoritesOnly ? 'fav' : 'all'}'),
             cacheExtent: 500, // Prebuild items off-screen for smoother scrolling
+            addAutomaticKeepAlives: false, // Cards have their own keep-alive
+            addRepaintBoundaries: false, // Cards have RepaintBoundary
             padding: EdgeInsets.only(left: 16, right: 16, top: 16, bottom: BottomSpacing.navBarOnly),
             gridDelegate: const SliverGridDelegateWithFixedCrossAxisCount(
               crossAxisCount: 2,
@@ -317,16 +430,25 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
     }
 
     if (_playlists.isEmpty) {
-      return EmptyState.playlists(onRefresh: _loadPlaylists);
+      if (_showFavoritesOnly) {
+        return EmptyState.custom(
+          icon: Icons.favorite_border,
+          title: 'No favorite playlists',
+          subtitle: 'Tap the heart on a playlist to add it to favorites',
+        );
+      }
+      return EmptyState.playlists(onRefresh: () => _loadPlaylists());
     }
 
     return RefreshIndicator(
       color: colorScheme.primary,
       backgroundColor: colorScheme.surface,
-      onRefresh: _loadPlaylists,
+      onRefresh: () => _loadPlaylists(favoriteOnly: _showFavoritesOnly ? true : null),
       child: ListView.builder(
-        key: const PageStorageKey<String>('library_playlists_list'),
+        key: PageStorageKey<String>('library_playlists_list_${_showFavoritesOnly ? 'fav' : 'all'}'),
         cacheExtent: 500, // Prebuild items off-screen for smoother scrolling
+        addAutomaticKeepAlives: false, // Tiles don't need individual keep-alive
+        addRepaintBoundaries: false, // We add RepaintBoundary manually to tiles
         itemCount: _playlists.length,
         padding: EdgeInsets.only(left: 8, right: 8, top: 8, bottom: BottomSpacing.navBarOnly),
         itemBuilder: (context, index) {
@@ -343,8 +465,10 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
     final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
     final textTheme = Theme.of(context).textTheme;
 
-    return ListTile(
-      leading: Container(
+    return RepaintBoundary(
+      child: ListTile(
+        key: ValueKey(playlist.itemId),
+        leading: Container(
         width: 48,
         height: 48,
         decoration: BoxDecoration(
@@ -375,22 +499,140 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
         maxLines: 1,
         overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
       ),
-      trailing: playlist.favorite == true
-          ? const Icon(Icons.favorite, color: Colors.red, size: 20)
-          : null,
-      onTap: () {
-        Navigator.push(
-          context,
-          MaterialPageRoute(
-            builder: (context) => PlaylistDetailsScreen(
-              playlist: playlist,
-              provider: playlist.provider,
-              itemId: playlist.itemId,
+        trailing: playlist.favorite == true
+            ? const Icon(Icons.favorite, color: Colors.red, size: 20)
+            : null,
+        onTap: () {
+          Navigator.push(
+            context,
+            MaterialPageRoute(
+              builder: (context) => PlaylistDetailsScreen(
+                playlist: playlist,
+                provider: playlist.provider,
+                itemId: playlist.itemId,
+              ),
             ),
-          ),
-        );
-      },
+          );
+        },
+      ),
     );
   }
 
+  // ============ TRACKS TAB (favorites only) ============
+  Widget _buildTracksTab(BuildContext context) {
+    final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
+
+    if (_isLoadingTracks) {
+      return Center(child: CircularProgressIndicator(color: colorScheme.primary));
+    }
+
+    if (_favoriteTracks.isEmpty) {
+      return EmptyState.custom(
+        icon: Icons.favorite_border,
+        title: 'No favorite tracks',
+        subtitle: 'Long-press a track and tap the heart to add it to favorites',
+      );
+    }
+
+    // Sort tracks by artist name, then track name
+    final sortedTracks = List<Track>.from(_favoriteTracks)
+      ..sort((a, b) {
+        final artistCompare = a.artistsString.compareTo(b.artistsString);
+        if (artistCompare != 0) return artistCompare;
+        return a.name.compareTo(b.name);
+      });
+
+    return RefreshIndicator(
+      color: colorScheme.primary,
+      backgroundColor: colorScheme.surface,
+      onRefresh: _loadFavoriteTracks,
+      child: ListView.builder(
+        key: const PageStorageKey<String>('library_tracks_list'),
+        cacheExtent: 500,
+        addAutomaticKeepAlives: false, // Tiles don't need individual keep-alive
+        addRepaintBoundaries: false, // We add RepaintBoundary manually to tiles
+        padding: EdgeInsets.only(left: 8, right: 8, top: 8, bottom: BottomSpacing.navBarOnly),
+        itemCount: sortedTracks.length,
+        itemBuilder: (context, index) {
+          final track = sortedTracks[index];
+          return _buildTrackTile(context, track);
+        },
+      ),
+    );
+  }
+
+  Widget _buildTrackTile(BuildContext context, Track track) {
+    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
+    final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
+    final textTheme = Theme.of(context).textTheme;
+
+    // Get image URL from track itself
+    final imageUrl = maProvider.api?.getImageUrl(track, size: 128);
+
+    return RepaintBoundary(
+      child: ListTile(
+        key: ValueKey(track.uri ?? track.itemId),
+        contentPadding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 16, vertical: 4),
+        leading: Container(
+        width: 48,
+        height: 48,
+        decoration: BoxDecoration(
+          color: colorScheme.surfaceVariant,
+          borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(6),
+          image: imageUrl != null
+              ? DecorationImage(
+                  image: CachedNetworkImageProvider(imageUrl),
+                  fit: BoxFit.cover,
+                )
+              : null,
+        ),
+        child: imageUrl == null
+            ? Icon(Icons.music_note, color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant, size: 24)
+            : null,
+      ),
+      title: Text(
+        track.artistsString,
+        style: textTheme.bodyMedium?.copyWith(
+          color: colorScheme.onSurface,
+          fontWeight: FontWeight.w500,
+        ),
+        maxLines: 1,
+        overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
+      ),
+      subtitle: Text(
+        track.name,
+        style: textTheme.bodySmall?.copyWith(
+          color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.7),
+        ),
+        maxLines: 1,
+        overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
+      ),
+      trailing: const Icon(
+        Icons.favorite,
+        color: Colors.red,
+        size: 20,
+      ),
+      onTap: () async {
+        final player = maProvider.selectedPlayer;
+        if (player == null) {
+          ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+            const SnackBar(content: Text('No player selected')),
+          );
+          return;
+        }
+
+        try {
+          // Start radio from this track
+          await maProvider.api?.playRadio(player.playerId, track);
+        } catch (e) {
+          if (mounted) {
+            ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+              SnackBar(content: Text('Failed to start radio: $e')),
+            );
+          }
+        }
+      },
+      ),
+    );
+  }
 }

lib/screens/playlist_details_screen.dart

@@ -2,6 +2,9 @@ import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
 import 'package:provider/provider.dart';
 import '../models/media_item.dart';
 import '../providers/music_assistant_provider.dart';
+import '../services/debug_logger.dart';
+
+final _playlistLogger = DebugLogger();
 
 class PlaylistDetailsScreen extends StatefulWidget {
   final Playlist playlist;
@@ -61,11 +64,11 @@ class _PlaylistDetailsScreenState extends State<PlaylistDetailsScreen> {
         return;
       }
 
-      print('🎵 Queueing playlist on ${player.name}: ${player.playerId}');
+      _playlistLogger.info('Queueing playlist on ${player.name}', context: 'Playlist');
 
       // Queue all tracks via Music Assistant
       await maProvider.playTracks(player.playerId, _tracks, startIndex: 0);
-      print('✓ Playlist queued on ${player.name}');
+      _playlistLogger.info('Playlist queued successfully', context: 'Playlist');
 
       if (mounted) {
         ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
@@ -76,7 +79,7 @@ class _PlaylistDetailsScreenState extends State<PlaylistDetailsScreen> {
         );
       }
     } catch (e) {
-      print('Error playing playlist: $e');
+      _playlistLogger.error('Error playing playlist', context: 'Playlist', error: e);
       _showError('Error playing playlist: $e');
     }
   }

lib/screens/search_screen.dart

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import '../services/debug_logger.dart';
 import '../widgets/global_player_overlay.dart';
 import '../widgets/common/empty_state.dart';
 import '../widgets/common/disconnected_state.dart';
+import '../widgets/artist_avatar.dart';
 import 'album_details_screen.dart';
 import 'artist_details_screen.dart';
 
@@ -99,11 +100,11 @@ class SearchScreenState extends State<SearchScreen> {
   void _onSearchChanged(String query) {
     _debounceTimer?.cancel();
     _debounceTimer = Timer(Timings.searchDebounce, () {
-      _performSearch(query);
+      _performSearch(query, keepFocus: true);
     });
   }
 
-  Future<void> _performSearch(String query) async {
+  Future<void> _performSearch(String query, {bool keepFocus = false}) async {
     if (query.isEmpty) {
       setState(() {
         _searchResults = {'artists': [], 'albums': [], 'tracks': []};
@@ -128,6 +129,10 @@ class SearchScreenState extends State<SearchScreen> {
           _isSearching = false;
           _hasSearched = true;
         });
+        // Keep keyboard open if user is still typing
+        if (keepFocus && _focusNode.hasFocus) {
+          _focusNode.requestFocus();
+        }
       }
     } catch (e) {
       _logger.log('Search error: $e');
@@ -137,6 +142,9 @@ class SearchScreenState extends State<SearchScreen> {
           _hasSearched = true;
           _searchError = 'Search failed. Please check your connection.';
         });
+        if (keepFocus && _focusNode.hasFocus) {
+          _focusNode.requestFocus();
+        }
       }
     }
   }
@@ -156,6 +164,7 @@ class SearchScreenState extends State<SearchScreen> {
           focusNode: _focusNode,
           style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface),
           cursorColor: colorScheme.primary,
+          textInputAction: TextInputAction.search,
           decoration: InputDecoration(
             hintText: 'Search music...',
             hintStyle: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.5)),
@@ -165,15 +174,20 @@ class SearchScreenState extends State<SearchScreen> {
                     icon: Icon(Icons.clear_rounded, color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.5)),
                     onPressed: () {
                       _searchController.clear();
-                      _performSearch('');
+                      setState(() {
+                        _searchResults = {'artists': [], 'albums': [], 'tracks': []};
+                        _hasSearched = false;
+                        _searchError = null;
+                      });
                     },
                   )
                 : null,
           ),
           onChanged: (value) {
+            setState(() {}); // Update clear button visibility
             _onSearchChanged(value);
           },
-          onSubmitted: _performSearch,
+          onSubmitted: (query) => _performSearch(query),
         ),
       ),
       body: !maProvider.isConnected
@@ -285,6 +299,9 @@ class SearchScreenState extends State<SearchScreen> {
               final listItems = _buildListItems(artists, albums, tracks);
               return ListView.builder(
                 padding: EdgeInsets.fromLTRB(16, 8, 16, BottomSpacing.navBarOnly),
+                cacheExtent: 500, // Prebuild items off-screen for smoother scrolling
+                addAutomaticKeepAlives: false, // Tiles don't need individual keep-alive
+                addRepaintBoundaries: false, // We add RepaintBoundary manually to tiles
                 itemCount: listItems.length,
                 itemBuilder: (context, index) {
                   final item = listItems[index];
@@ -389,18 +406,17 @@ class SearchScreenState extends State<SearchScreen> {
   }
 
   Widget _buildArtistTile(Artist artist) {
-    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    final imageUrl = maProvider.getImageUrl(artist, size: 128);
     final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
+    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
+    final imageUrl = maProvider.getImageUrl(artist, size: 256);
 
-    return ListTile(
-      leading: CircleAvatar(
+    return RepaintBoundary(
+      child: ListTile(
+        key: ValueKey(artist.uri ?? artist.itemId),
+      leading: ArtistAvatar(
+        artist: artist,
         radius: 24,
-        backgroundColor: colorScheme.surfaceVariant,
-        backgroundImage: imageUrl != null ? CachedNetworkImageProvider(imageUrl) : null,
-        child: imageUrl == null
-            ? Icon(Icons.person_rounded, color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant)
-            : null,
+        imageSize: 128,
       ),
       title: Text(
         artist.name,
@@ -415,14 +431,18 @@ class SearchScreenState extends State<SearchScreen> {
         'Artist',
         style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.6), fontSize: 12),
       ),
-      onTap: () {
-        Navigator.push(
-          context,
-          MaterialPageRoute(
-            builder: (context) => ArtistDetailsScreen(artist: artist),
-          ),
-        );
-      },
+        onTap: () {
+          Navigator.push(
+            context,
+            MaterialPageRoute(
+              builder: (context) => ArtistDetailsScreen(
+                artist: artist,
+                initialImageUrl: imageUrl,
+              ),
+            ),
+          );
+        },
+      ),
     );
   }
 
@@ -431,8 +451,10 @@ class SearchScreenState extends State<SearchScreen> {
     final imageUrl = maProvider.getImageUrl(album, size: 128);
     final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
 
-    return ListTile(
-      leading: Container(
+    return RepaintBoundary(
+      child: ListTile(
+        key: ValueKey(album.uri ?? album.itemId),
+        leading: Container(
         width: 48,
         height: 48,
         decoration: BoxDecoration(
@@ -464,14 +486,15 @@ class SearchScreenState extends State<SearchScreen> {
         maxLines: 1,
         overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
       ),
-      onTap: () {
-        Navigator.push(
-          context,
-          MaterialPageRoute(
-            builder: (context) => AlbumDetailsScreen(album: album),
-          ),
-        );
-      },
+        onTap: () {
+          Navigator.push(
+            context,
+            MaterialPageRoute(
+              builder: (context) => AlbumDetailsScreen(album: album),
+            ),
+          );
+        },
+      ),
     );
   }
 
@@ -482,8 +505,10 @@ class SearchScreenState extends State<SearchScreen> {
         : null;
     final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
 
-    return ListTile(
-      leading: Container(
+    return RepaintBoundary(
+      child: ListTile(
+        key: ValueKey(track.uri ?? track.itemId),
+        leading: Container(
         width: 48,
         height: 48,
         decoration: BoxDecoration(
@@ -515,13 +540,14 @@ class SearchScreenState extends State<SearchScreen> {
         maxLines: 1,
         overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
       ),
-      trailing: track.duration != null
-          ? Text(
-              _formatDuration(track.duration!),
-              style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.5), fontSize: 12),
-            )
-          : null,
-      onTap: () => _playTrack(track),
+        trailing: track.duration != null
+            ? Text(
+                _formatDuration(track.duration!),
+                style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.5), fontSize: 12),
+              )
+            : null,
+        onTap: () => _playTrack(track),
+      ),
     );
   }
 

lib/screens/settings_screen.dart

@@ -18,6 +18,14 @@ class SettingsScreen extends StatefulWidget {
 class _SettingsScreenState extends State<SettingsScreen> {
   final _lastFmApiKeyController = TextEditingController();
   final _audioDbApiKeyController = TextEditingController();
+  // Main rows (default on)
+  bool _showRecentAlbums = true;
+  bool _showDiscoverArtists = true;
+  bool _showDiscoverAlbums = true;
+  // Favorites rows (default off)
+  bool _showFavoriteAlbums = false;
+  bool _showFavoriteArtists = false;
+  bool _showFavoriteTracks = false;
 
   @override
   void initState() {
@@ -35,6 +43,24 @@ class _SettingsScreenState extends State<SettingsScreen> {
     if (audioDbKey != null) {
       _audioDbApiKeyController.text = audioDbKey;
     }
+
+    // Load home screen settings
+    final showRecent = await SettingsService.getShowRecentAlbums();
+    final showDiscArtists = await SettingsService.getShowDiscoverArtists();
+    final showDiscAlbums = await SettingsService.getShowDiscoverAlbums();
+    final showFavAlbums = await SettingsService.getShowFavoriteAlbums();
+    final showFavArtists = await SettingsService.getShowFavoriteArtists();
+    final showFavTracks = await SettingsService.getShowFavoriteTracks();
+    if (mounted) {
+      setState(() {
+        _showRecentAlbums = showRecent;
+        _showDiscoverArtists = showDiscArtists;
+        _showDiscoverAlbums = showDiscAlbums;
+        _showFavoriteAlbums = showFavAlbums;
+        _showFavoriteArtists = showFavArtists;
+        _showFavoriteTracks = showFavTracks;
+      });
+    }
   }
 
   @override
@@ -308,6 +334,167 @@ class _SettingsScreenState extends State<SettingsScreen> {
 
             const SizedBox(height: 32),
 
+            // Home Screen section
+            Text(
+              'Home Screen',
+              style: textTheme.titleMedium?.copyWith(
+                color: colorScheme.onBackground,
+                fontWeight: FontWeight.bold,
+              ),
+            ),
+            const SizedBox(height: 8),
+            Text(
+              'Choose which rows to display on the home screen',
+              style: textTheme.bodySmall?.copyWith(
+                color: colorScheme.onBackground.withOpacity(0.6),
+              ),
+            ),
+            const SizedBox(height: 16),
+
+            // Main rows section
+            Container(
+              padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 16, vertical: 8),
+              decoration: BoxDecoration(
+                color: colorScheme.surfaceVariant.withOpacity(0.3),
+                borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(12),
+              ),
+              child: Column(
+                children: [
+                  SwitchListTile(
+                    title: Text(
+                      'Recently Played',
+                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface),
+                    ),
+                    subtitle: Text(
+                      'Show recently played albums',
+                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.6), fontSize: 12),
+                    ),
+                    value: _showRecentAlbums,
+                    onChanged: (value) {
+                      setState(() => _showRecentAlbums = value);
+                      SettingsService.setShowRecentAlbums(value);
+                    },
+                    activeColor: colorScheme.primary,
+                    contentPadding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+                  ),
+                  Divider(color: colorScheme.outline.withOpacity(0.2), height: 1),
+                  SwitchListTile(
+                    title: Text(
+                      'Discover Artists',
+                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface),
+                    ),
+                    subtitle: Text(
+                      'Show random artists to discover',
+                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.6), fontSize: 12),
+                    ),
+                    value: _showDiscoverArtists,
+                    onChanged: (value) {
+                      setState(() => _showDiscoverArtists = value);
+                      SettingsService.setShowDiscoverArtists(value);
+                    },
+                    activeColor: colorScheme.primary,
+                    contentPadding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+                  ),
+                  Divider(color: colorScheme.outline.withOpacity(0.2), height: 1),
+                  SwitchListTile(
+                    title: Text(
+                      'Discover Albums',
+                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface),
+                    ),
+                    subtitle: Text(
+                      'Show random albums to discover',
+                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.6), fontSize: 12),
+                    ),
+                    value: _showDiscoverAlbums,
+                    onChanged: (value) {
+                      setState(() => _showDiscoverAlbums = value);
+                      SettingsService.setShowDiscoverAlbums(value);
+                    },
+                    activeColor: colorScheme.primary,
+                    contentPadding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+                  ),
+                ],
+              ),
+            ),
+
+            const SizedBox(height: 16),
+
+            Text(
+              'Favorites',
+              style: textTheme.bodySmall?.copyWith(
+                color: colorScheme.onBackground.withOpacity(0.6),
+              ),
+            ),
+            const SizedBox(height: 8),
+
+            // Favorites rows section
+            Container(
+              padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 16, vertical: 8),
+              decoration: BoxDecoration(
+                color: colorScheme.surfaceVariant.withOpacity(0.3),
+                borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(12),
+              ),
+              child: Column(
+                children: [
+                  SwitchListTile(
+                    title: Text(
+                      'Favorite Albums',
+                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface),
+                    ),
+                    subtitle: Text(
+                      'Show a row of your favorite albums',
+                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.6), fontSize: 12),
+                    ),
+                    value: _showFavoriteAlbums,
+                    onChanged: (value) {
+                      setState(() => _showFavoriteAlbums = value);
+                      SettingsService.setShowFavoriteAlbums(value);
+                    },
+                    activeColor: colorScheme.primary,
+                    contentPadding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+                  ),
+                  Divider(color: colorScheme.outline.withOpacity(0.2), height: 1),
+                  SwitchListTile(
+                    title: Text(
+                      'Favorite Artists',
+                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface),
+                    ),
+                    subtitle: Text(
+                      'Show a row of your favorite artists',
+                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.6), fontSize: 12),
+                    ),
+                    value: _showFavoriteArtists,
+                    onChanged: (value) {
+                      setState(() => _showFavoriteArtists = value);
+                      SettingsService.setShowFavoriteArtists(value);
+                    },
+                    activeColor: colorScheme.primary,
+                    contentPadding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+                  ),
+                  Divider(color: colorScheme.outline.withOpacity(0.2), height: 1),
+                  SwitchListTile(
+                    title: Text(
+                      'Favorite Tracks',
+                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface),
+                    ),
+                    subtitle: Text(
+                      'Show a row of your favorite tracks',
+                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.6), fontSize: 12),
+                    ),
+                    value: _showFavoriteTracks,
+                    onChanged: (value) {
+                      setState(() => _showFavoriteTracks = value);
+                      SettingsService.setShowFavoriteTracks(value);
+                    },
+                    activeColor: colorScheme.primary,
+                    contentPadding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+                  ),
+                ],
+              ),
+            ),
+
+            const SizedBox(height: 32),
+
             Text(
               'Metadata APIs (Optional)',
               style: textTheme.titleMedium?.copyWith(
@@ -317,7 +504,7 @@ class _SettingsScreenState extends State<SettingsScreen> {
             ),
             const SizedBox(height: 8),
             Text(
-              'Add API keys to fetch artist biographies and album descriptions when Music Assistant doesn\'t have them',
+              'Artist images are automatically fetched from Deezer. Add API keys below for artist biographies and album descriptions.',
               style: textTheme.bodySmall?.copyWith(
                 color: colorScheme.onBackground.withOpacity(0.6),
               ),
@@ -365,7 +552,7 @@ class _SettingsScreenState extends State<SettingsScreen> {
               controller: _audioDbApiKeyController,
               style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface),
               decoration: InputDecoration(
-                labelText: 'TheAudioDB API Key (Premium)',
+                labelText: 'TheAudioDB API Key',
                 hintText: 'Use "2" for free tier or premium key',
                 hintStyle: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.38)),
                 filled: true,

lib/services/animation_debugger.dart

@@ -0,0 +1,236 @@
+import 'dart:collection';
+import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
+import 'package:flutter/scheduler.dart';
+import 'debug_logger.dart';
+
+/// Comprehensive animation debugging utility for diagnosing jank and performance issues.
+///
+/// Usage:
+/// 1. Call AnimationDebugger.startSession('playerExpand') at animation start
+/// 2. Call AnimationDebugger.recordFrame() in animation listener (every frame)
+/// 3. Call AnimationDebugger.endSession() when animation completes
+/// 4. Logs will show frame timing, jank detection, and summary stats
+class AnimationDebugger {
+  static final _logger = DebugLogger();
+  static bool _enabled = true;
+
+  // Session tracking
+  static String? _currentSession;
+  static int _frameCount = 0;
+  static final List<_FrameData> _frames = [];
+  static DateTime? _sessionStart;
+  static double? _lastAnimationValue;
+
+  // Scheduler binding for frame timing
+  static Duration? _lastFrameTime;
+
+  /// Enable or disable animation debugging
+  static void setEnabled(bool enabled) {
+    _enabled = enabled;
+  }
+
+  /// Start a new animation debugging session
+  static void startSession(String name) {
+    if (!_enabled) return;
+
+    _currentSession = name;
+    _frameCount = 0;
+    _frames.clear();
+    _sessionStart = DateTime.now();
+    _lastFrameTime = null;
+    _lastAnimationValue = null;
+
+    // Listen to frame timing
+    SchedulerBinding.instance.addPostFrameCallback(_onFirstFrame);
+
+    _logger.log('🎬 ANIM[$name] START');
+  }
+
+  static void _onFirstFrame(Duration timestamp) {
+    _lastFrameTime = timestamp;
+  }
+
+  /// Record a frame during animation
+  /// [animationValue] - current animation progress (0.0 to 1.0)
+  /// [context] - optional context string for this frame
+  static void recordFrame(double animationValue, {String? context}) {
+    if (!_enabled || _currentSession == null) return;
+
+    final now = DateTime.now();
+    final frameTime = SchedulerBinding.instance.currentFrameTimeStamp;
+
+    Duration? frameDuration;
+    if (_lastFrameTime != null) {
+      frameDuration = frameTime - _lastFrameTime!;
+    }
+    _lastFrameTime = frameTime;
+
+    // Calculate animation delta
+    double? animationDelta;
+    if (_lastAnimationValue != null) {
+      animationDelta = (animationValue - _lastAnimationValue!).abs();
+    }
+    _lastAnimationValue = animationValue;
+
+    final frame = _FrameData(
+      frameNumber: _frameCount,
+      timestamp: now,
+      frameDuration: frameDuration,
+      animationValue: animationValue,
+      animationDelta: animationDelta,
+      context: context,
+    );
+
+    _frames.add(frame);
+    _frameCount++;
+
+    // Log jank immediately (frames > 16.67ms for 60fps)
+    if (frameDuration != null && frameDuration.inMicroseconds > 16667) {
+      final ms = frameDuration.inMicroseconds / 1000;
+      _logger.log('🔴 ANIM[$_currentSession] JANK frame $_frameCount: ${ms.toStringAsFixed(2)}ms (>${(ms/16.67).toStringAsFixed(1)}x target)');
+    }
+  }
+
+  /// Record a build/layout event during animation
+  static void recordBuild(String widgetName) {
+    if (!_enabled || _currentSession == null) return;
+    _logger.log('🔨 ANIM[$_currentSession] BUILD: $widgetName at frame $_frameCount');
+  }
+
+  /// End the current session and log summary
+  static void endSession() {
+    if (!_enabled || _currentSession == null) return;
+
+    final sessionName = _currentSession!;
+    final totalDuration = DateTime.now().difference(_sessionStart!);
+
+    // Calculate statistics
+    int jankFrames = 0;
+    int severeJankFrames = 0;
+    double maxFrameMs = 0;
+    double totalFrameMs = 0;
+    int measuredFrames = 0;
+
+    for (final frame in _frames) {
+      if (frame.frameDuration != null) {
+        final ms = frame.frameDuration!.inMicroseconds / 1000;
+        totalFrameMs += ms;
+        measuredFrames++;
+
+        if (ms > maxFrameMs) maxFrameMs = ms;
+        if (ms > 16.67) jankFrames++;
+        if (ms > 33.33) severeJankFrames++; // Dropped more than 1 frame
+      }
+    }
+
+    final avgFrameMs = measuredFrames > 0 ? totalFrameMs / measuredFrames : 0;
+    final effectiveFps = avgFrameMs > 0 ? 1000 / avgFrameMs : 0;
+
+    // Build summary
+    final buffer = StringBuffer();
+    buffer.writeln('');
+    buffer.writeln('═══════════════════════════════════════');
+    buffer.writeln('🎬 ANIMATION SUMMARY: $sessionName');
+    buffer.writeln('═══════════════════════════════════════');
+    buffer.writeln('Duration: ${totalDuration.inMilliseconds}ms');
+    buffer.writeln('Total frames: $_frameCount');
+    buffer.writeln('Measured frames: $measuredFrames');
+    buffer.writeln('Average frame: ${avgFrameMs.toStringAsFixed(2)}ms');
+    buffer.writeln('Max frame: ${maxFrameMs.toStringAsFixed(2)}ms');
+    buffer.writeln('Effective FPS: ${effectiveFps.toStringAsFixed(1)}');
+    buffer.writeln('Jank frames (>16.67ms): $jankFrames (${measuredFrames > 0 ? (jankFrames * 100 / measuredFrames).toStringAsFixed(1) : 0}%)');
+    buffer.writeln('Severe jank (>33.33ms): $severeJankFrames');
+
+    // List worst frames
+    if (_frames.isNotEmpty) {
+      final sortedFrames = List<_FrameData>.from(_frames)
+        ..sort((a, b) {
+          final aMs = a.frameDuration?.inMicroseconds ?? 0;
+          final bMs = b.frameDuration?.inMicroseconds ?? 0;
+          return bMs.compareTo(aMs);
+        });
+
+      final worstFrames = sortedFrames.take(5).where((f) => f.frameDuration != null && f.frameDuration!.inMicroseconds > 16667).toList();
+
+      if (worstFrames.isNotEmpty) {
+        buffer.writeln('');
+        buffer.writeln('Worst frames:');
+        for (final frame in worstFrames) {
+          final ms = frame.frameDuration!.inMicroseconds / 1000;
+          buffer.writeln('  Frame ${frame.frameNumber}: ${ms.toStringAsFixed(2)}ms (anim=${frame.animationValue.toStringAsFixed(3)})');
+        }
+      }
+    }
+
+    buffer.writeln('═══════════════════════════════════════');
+
+    _logger.log(buffer.toString());
+
+    // Reset
+    _currentSession = null;
+    _frames.clear();
+    _sessionStart = null;
+    _lastAnimationValue = null;
+  }
+
+  /// Log a one-off animation event (for Hero transitions, page transitions, etc.)
+  static void logEvent(String event, {String? details}) {
+    if (!_enabled) return;
+    final detailStr = details != null ? ' - $details' : '';
+    _logger.log('🎬 ANIM_EVENT: $event$detailStr');
+  }
+
+  /// Log frame callback timing (call this from addPostFrameCallback)
+  static void logPostFrame(String context) {
+    if (!_enabled) return;
+    final frameTime = SchedulerBinding.instance.currentFrameTimeStamp;
+    _logger.log('📐 POST_FRAME[$context]: ${frameTime.inMilliseconds}ms');
+  }
+
+  /// Create a HeroFlightShuttleBuilder that logs Hero animation progress
+  static HeroFlightShuttleBuilder createHeroDebugShuttle(String heroTag) {
+    return (
+      BuildContext flightContext,
+      Animation<double> animation,
+      HeroFlightDirection flightDirection,
+      BuildContext fromHeroContext,
+      BuildContext toHeroContext,
+    ) {
+      // Log Hero flight start
+      if (animation.value < 0.1) {
+        logEvent('Hero flight START', details: 'tag=$heroTag, direction=${flightDirection.name}');
+      }
+
+      // Add listener for completion (one-shot)
+      void onComplete(AnimationStatus status) {
+        if (status == AnimationStatus.completed || status == AnimationStatus.dismissed) {
+          logEvent('Hero flight END', details: 'tag=$heroTag, status=${status.name}');
+          animation.removeStatusListener(onComplete);
+        }
+      }
+      animation.addStatusListener(onComplete);
+
+      // Return default shuttle (the toHero's child)
+      final Hero toHero = toHeroContext.widget as Hero;
+      return toHero.child;
+    };
+  }
+}
+
+class _FrameData {
+  final int frameNumber;
+  final DateTime timestamp;
+  final Duration? frameDuration;
+  final double animationValue;
+  final double? animationDelta;
+  final String? context;
+
+  _FrameData({
+    required this.frameNumber,
+    required this.timestamp,
+    this.frameDuration,
+    required this.animationValue,
+    this.animationDelta,
+    this.context,
+  });
+}

lib/services/debug_logger.dart

@@ -1,32 +1,243 @@
+import 'dart:io';
 import 'package:flutter/foundation.dart';
+import 'package:package_info_plus/package_info_plus.dart';
+import 'package:device_info_plus/device_info_plus.dart';
+
+/// Log levels for filtering and display
+enum LogLevel {
+  perf,   // Performance timing (for FPS diagnosis)
+  debug,  // Verbose debugging info (hidden by default)
+  info,   // General information
+  warning, // Potential issues
+  error,  // Errors and failures
+}
+
+class LogEntry {
+  final DateTime timestamp;
+  final LogLevel level;
+  final String message;
+  final String? context;
+
+  LogEntry({
+    required this.timestamp,
+    required this.level,
+    required this.message,
+    this.context,
+  });
+
+  String get formatted {
+    final time = timestamp.toIso8601String().substring(11, 23);
+    final levelStr = level.name.toUpperCase().padRight(5);
+    final contextStr = context != null ? '[$context] ' : '';
+    return '[$time] $levelStr $contextStr$message';
+  }
+}
 
 class DebugLogger {
   static final DebugLogger _instance = DebugLogger._internal();
   factory DebugLogger() => _instance;
   DebugLogger._internal();
 
-  final List<String> _logs = [];
-  final _maxLogs = 500;
+  final List<LogEntry> _entries = [];
+  final _maxLogs = 1000;
 
-  List<String> get logs => List.unmodifiable(_logs);
+  // Minimum level to display in debug console (debug builds show all)
+  LogLevel _minConsoleLevel = kDebugMode ? LogLevel.debug : LogLevel.info;
 
-  void log(String message) {
-    final timestamp = DateTime.now().toIso8601String().substring(11, 23);
-    final logMessage = '[$timestamp] $message';
+  List<LogEntry> get entries => List.unmodifiable(_entries);
 
-    debugPrint(logMessage);
+  /// Legacy getter for backward compatibility
+  List<String> get logs => _entries.map((e) => e.formatted).toList();
 
-    _logs.add(logMessage);
-    if (_logs.length > _maxLogs) {
-      _logs.removeAt(0);
+  // Set to true to only log perf entries (for FPS diagnosis)
+  // Set to false for normal operation with full logging for user bug reports
+  static const bool _perfOnlyMode = false;
+
+  void _addEntry(LogLevel level, String message, {String? context}) {
+    // In perf-only mode, skip all non-perf logs
+    if (_perfOnlyMode && level != LogLevel.perf) {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    final entry = LogEntry(
+      timestamp: DateTime.now(),
+      level: level,
+      message: message,
+      context: context,
+    );
+
+    // Always store in memory
+    _entries.add(entry);
+    if (_entries.length > _maxLogs) {
+      _entries.removeAt(0);
+    }
+
+    // Only print to console if above minimum level
+    if (level.index >= _minConsoleLevel.index) {
+      debugPrint(entry.formatted);
     }
   }
 
+  /// Debug level - verbose info for development
+  void debug(String message, {String? context}) {
+    _addEntry(LogLevel.debug, message, context: context);
+  }
+
+  /// Info level - general operational info
+  void info(String message, {String? context}) {
+    _addEntry(LogLevel.info, message, context: context);
+  }
+
+  /// Warning level - potential issues
+  void warning(String message, {String? context}) {
+    _addEntry(LogLevel.warning, message, context: context);
+  }
+
+  /// Error level - failures and errors
+  void error(String message, {String? context, Object? error, StackTrace? stackTrace}) {
+    var fullMessage = message;
+    if (error != null) {
+      fullMessage += ': $error';
+    }
+    _addEntry(LogLevel.error, fullMessage, context: context);
+    if (stackTrace != null && kDebugMode) {
+      debugPrint('Stack trace: $stackTrace');
+    }
+  }
+
+  /// Legacy method for backward compatibility
+  void log(String message) {
+    _addEntry(LogLevel.info, message);
+  }
+
+  /// Performance logging - always prints to console for real-time monitoring
+  void perf(String message, {String? context}) {
+    _addEntry(LogLevel.perf, message, context: context);
+  }
+
+  /// Track build time of a widget
+  final Map<String, Stopwatch> _buildTimers = {};
+
+  void startBuild(String widgetName) {
+    _buildTimers[widgetName] = Stopwatch()..start();
+  }
+
+  void endBuild(String widgetName) {
+    final sw = _buildTimers.remove(widgetName);
+    if (sw != null) {
+      sw.stop();
+      if (sw.elapsedMilliseconds > 4) { // Only log if > 4ms (slow for 60fps)
+        perf('BUILD ${sw.elapsedMilliseconds}ms', context: widgetName);
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  /// Track frame times during scroll
+  Stopwatch? _frameTimer;
+  int _slowFrameCount = 0;
+  int _totalFrameCount = 0;
+
+  void startFrame() {
+    _frameTimer = Stopwatch()..start();
+  }
+
+  void endFrame() {
+    if (_frameTimer != null) {
+      _frameTimer!.stop();
+      _totalFrameCount++;
+      final ms = _frameTimer!.elapsedMilliseconds;
+      if (ms > 16) { // > 16ms means dropped frame at 60fps
+        _slowFrameCount++;
+        perf('SLOW FRAME ${ms}ms (${_slowFrameCount}/${_totalFrameCount} slow)', context: 'Scroll');
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  void resetFrameStats() {
+    _slowFrameCount = 0;
+    _totalFrameCount = 0;
+  }
+
   void clear() {
-    _logs.clear();
+    _entries.clear();
   }
 
   String getAllLogs() {
-    return _logs.join('\n');
+    return _entries.map((e) => e.formatted).join('\n');
+  }
+
+  /// Get logs filtered by minimum level
+  String getLogsFiltered({LogLevel minLevel = LogLevel.info}) {
+    return _entries
+        .where((e) => e.level.index >= minLevel.index)
+        .map((e) => e.formatted)
+        .join('\n');
+  }
+
+  /// Generate a formatted bug report with device info
+  Future<String> generateBugReport() async {
+    final buffer = StringBuffer();
+
+    buffer.writeln('═══════════════════════════════════════');
+    buffer.writeln('ENSEMBLE BUG REPORT');
+    buffer.writeln('Generated: ${DateTime.now().toIso8601String()}');
+    buffer.writeln('═══════════════════════════════════════');
+    buffer.writeln();
+
+    // App info
+    try {
+      final packageInfo = await PackageInfo.fromPlatform();
+      buffer.writeln('APP INFO:');
+      buffer.writeln('  Version: ${packageInfo.version} (${packageInfo.buildNumber})');
+      buffer.writeln('  Package: ${packageInfo.packageName}');
+      buffer.writeln();
+    } catch (e) {
+      buffer.writeln('APP INFO: Unable to retrieve');
+      buffer.writeln();
+    }
+
+    // Device info
+    try {
+      final deviceInfo = DeviceInfoPlugin();
+      if (Platform.isAndroid) {
+        final android = await deviceInfo.androidInfo;
+        buffer.writeln('DEVICE INFO:');
+        buffer.writeln('  Model: ${android.manufacturer} ${android.model}');
+        buffer.writeln('  Android: ${android.version.release} (SDK ${android.version.sdkInt})');
+        buffer.writeln('  Device: ${android.device}');
+        buffer.writeln();
+      } else if (Platform.isIOS) {
+        final ios = await deviceInfo.iosInfo;
+        buffer.writeln('DEVICE INFO:');
+        buffer.writeln('  Model: ${ios.model}');
+        buffer.writeln('  iOS: ${ios.systemVersion}');
+        buffer.writeln('  Name: ${ios.name}');
+        buffer.writeln();
+      }
+    } catch (e) {
+      buffer.writeln('DEVICE INFO: Unable to retrieve');
+      buffer.writeln();
+    }
+
+    // Log statistics
+    final errorCount = _entries.where((e) => e.level == LogLevel.error).length;
+    final warningCount = _entries.where((e) => e.level == LogLevel.warning).length;
+    buffer.writeln('LOG SUMMARY:');
+    buffer.writeln('  Total entries: ${_entries.length}');
+    buffer.writeln('  Errors: $errorCount');
+    buffer.writeln('  Warnings: $warningCount');
+    buffer.writeln();
+
+    buffer.writeln('═══════════════════════════════════════');
+    buffer.writeln('LOGS (newest first):');
+    buffer.writeln('═══════════════════════════════════════');
+    buffer.writeln();
+
+    // Add logs in reverse order (newest first) for easier reading
+    for (final entry in _entries.reversed) {
+      buffer.writeln(entry.formatted);
+    }
+
+    return buffer.toString();
   }
 }

lib/services/hardware_volume_service.dart

@@ -0,0 +1,110 @@
+import 'dart:async';
+import 'package:flutter/services.dart';
+import 'debug_logger.dart';
+
+/// Service to intercept hardware volume button presses
+/// and route them to the selected Music Assistant player.
+///
+/// For MA players: intercept buttons and send volume commands via API
+/// For builtin player: let native volume work (don't intercept)
+class HardwareVolumeService {
+  static final HardwareVolumeService _instance = HardwareVolumeService._internal();
+  factory HardwareVolumeService() => _instance;
+  HardwareVolumeService._internal();
+
+  static const _channel = MethodChannel('com.musicassistant.music_assistant/volume_buttons');
+  final _logger = DebugLogger();
+
+  final _volumeUpController = StreamController<void>.broadcast();
+  final _volumeDownController = StreamController<void>.broadcast();
+
+  Stream<void> get onVolumeUp => _volumeUpController.stream;
+  Stream<void> get onVolumeDown => _volumeDownController.stream;
+
+  bool _isListening = false;
+  bool get isListening => _isListening;
+
+  bool _isIntercepting = false;
+  bool get isIntercepting => _isIntercepting;
+
+  /// Initialize the service and start listening for volume button events
+  Future<void> init() async {
+    _logger.log('🔊 HardwareVolumeService.init() called, _isListening=$_isListening');
+
+    if (_isListening) {
+      _logger.log('🔊 HardwareVolumeService.init() - already listening, returning early');
+      return;
+    }
+
+    _logger.log('🔊 Setting up MethodChannel handler for volume events...');
+    _channel.setMethodCallHandler((call) async {
+      _logger.log('🔊 MethodChannel received call: ${call.method}');
+      switch (call.method) {
+        case 'volumeUp':
+          _logger.log('🔊 Hardware VOLUME UP pressed - broadcasting event');
+          _volumeUpController.add(null);
+          break;
+        case 'volumeDown':
+          _logger.log('🔊 Hardware VOLUME DOWN pressed - broadcasting event');
+          _volumeDownController.add(null);
+          break;
+        default:
+          _logger.log('🔊 Unknown method call: ${call.method}');
+      }
+    });
+    _logger.log('🔊 MethodChannel handler set up');
+
+    try {
+      _logger.log('🔊 Invoking startListening on native channel...');
+      await _channel.invokeMethod('startListening');
+      _isListening = true;
+      _isIntercepting = true;
+      _logger.log('🔊 Native startListening succeeded, _isListening=$_isListening');
+    } catch (e) {
+      _logger.error('Failed to start volume button listening', context: 'VolumeService', error: e);
+    }
+  }
+
+  /// Enable or disable volume button interception.
+  /// When disabled, hardware volume buttons control device volume normally.
+  /// When enabled, volume button events are sent to Flutter for MA player control.
+  Future<void> setIntercepting(bool intercept) async {
+    if (!_isListening) {
+      _logger.log('🔊 setIntercepting($intercept) called but not listening yet');
+      return;
+    }
+
+    if (_isIntercepting == intercept) {
+      _logger.log('🔊 setIntercepting($intercept) - already in that state');
+      return;
+    }
+
+    try {
+      if (intercept) {
+        await _channel.invokeMethod('startListening');
+        _isIntercepting = true;
+        _logger.log('🔊 Volume interception ENABLED - will capture buttons for MA players');
+      } else {
+        await _channel.invokeMethod('stopListening');
+        _isIntercepting = false;
+        _logger.log('🔊 Volume interception DISABLED - native volume buttons work normally');
+      }
+    } catch (e) {
+      _logger.error('Failed to set volume interception to $intercept', context: 'VolumeService', error: e);
+    }
+  }
+
+  /// Stop listening for volume button events
+  Future<void> dispose() async {
+    if (!_isListening) return;
+
+    try {
+      await _channel.invokeMethod('stopListening');
+      _isListening = false;
+      _isIntercepting = false;
+      _logger.info('Hardware volume button listening stopped', context: 'VolumeService');
+    } catch (e) {
+      _logger.error('Failed to stop volume button listening', context: 'VolumeService', error: e);
+    }
+  }
+}

lib/services/metadata_service.dart

@@ -1,11 +1,16 @@
 import 'dart:convert';
 import 'package:http/http.dart' as http;
+import 'debug_logger.dart';
 import 'settings_service.dart';
 
 class MetadataService {
+  static final _logger = DebugLogger();
   // Cache to avoid repeated API calls for the same artist/album
   static final Map<String, String> _cache = {};
 
+  // Cache for artist images
+  static final Map<String, String?> _artistImageCache = {};
+
   /// Fetches artist biography/description with fallback chain:
   /// 1. Music Assistant metadata (passed in)
   /// 2. Last.fm API (if key configured)
@@ -149,7 +154,7 @@ class MetadataService {
         }
       }
     } catch (e) {
-      print('⚠️ Last.fm API error: $e');
+      _logger.warning('Last.fm API error: $e', context: 'Metadata');
     }
     return null;
   }
@@ -182,7 +187,7 @@ class MetadataService {
         }
       }
     } catch (e) {
-      print('⚠️ TheAudioDB API error: $e');
+      _logger.warning('TheAudioDB API error: $e', context: 'Metadata');
     }
     return null;
   }
@@ -204,8 +209,51 @@ class MetadataService {
     return text.trim();
   }
 
+  /// Fetches artist image URL from Deezer (free, no API key required)
+  /// Returns the image URL if found, null otherwise
+  static Future<String?> getArtistImageUrl(String artistName) async {
+    // Check cache first
+    final cacheKey = 'artistImage:$artistName';
+    if (_artistImageCache.containsKey(cacheKey)) {
+      return _artistImageCache[cacheKey];
+    }
+
+    // Use Deezer API (free, no key, excellent coverage)
+    try {
+      final uri = Uri.https(
+        'api.deezer.com',
+        '/search/artist',
+        {
+          'q': artistName,
+          'limit': '1',
+        },
+      );
+
+      final response = await http.get(uri).timeout(const Duration(seconds: 5));
+
+      if (response.statusCode == 200) {
+        final data = json.decode(response.body);
+        final artists = data['data'] as List?;
+        if (artists != null && artists.isNotEmpty) {
+          final artist = artists[0];
+          // Use picture_xl for high quality, fall back to picture_medium
+          final imageUrl = artist['picture_xl'] ?? artist['picture_medium'] ?? artist['picture'];
+          _artistImageCache[cacheKey] = imageUrl;
+          return imageUrl;
+        }
+      }
+    } catch (e) {
+      _logger.warning('Deezer artist image error: $e', context: 'Metadata');
+    }
+
+    // Cache the null result to avoid repeated failed lookups
+    _artistImageCache[cacheKey] = null;
+    return null;
+  }
+
   /// Clears the metadata cache
   static void clearCache() {
     _cache.clear();
+    _artistImageCache.clear();
   }
 }

lib/services/music_assistant_api.dart

@@ -63,15 +63,24 @@ class MusicAssistantAPI {
 
   // Guard to prevent multiple simultaneous connection attempts
   Completer<void>? _connectionInProgress;
+  bool _isDisposed = false;
 
   Future<void> connect() async {
-    // If already connected, nothing to do
-    if (_currentState == MAConnectionState.connected) {
+    // If disposed, don't try to connect
+    if (_isDisposed) {
+      _logger.log('Connection: API disposed, skipping connect');
+      return;
+    }
+
+    // If already connected or authenticated, nothing to do
+    if (_currentState == MAConnectionState.connected ||
+        _currentState == MAConnectionState.authenticated) {
+      _logger.log('Connection: Already connected, skipping');
       return;
     }
 
     // If connection is in progress, wait for it instead of starting another
-    if (_connectionInProgress != null) {
+    if (_connectionInProgress != null && !_connectionInProgress!.isCompleted) {
       _logger.log('Connection already in progress, waiting...');
       return _connectionInProgress!.future;
     }
@@ -312,14 +321,33 @@ class MusicAssistantAPI {
     String command, {
     Map<String, dynamic>? args,
   }) async {
-    // Allow commands when connected, authenticating, or authenticated
-    final allowedStates = [
-      MAConnectionState.connected,
-      MAConnectionState.authenticating,
-      MAConnectionState.authenticated,
-    ];
-    if (!allowedStates.contains(_currentState)) {
-      throw Exception('Not connected to Music Assistant server');
+    // Allow auth commands when connected or authenticating
+    // For all other commands, require authenticated state if auth is required
+    final isAuthCommand = command == 'auth' || command == 'auth/login';
+
+    if (isAuthCommand) {
+      // Auth commands can be sent when connected or authenticating
+      final allowedStates = [
+        MAConnectionState.connected,
+        MAConnectionState.authenticating,
+      ];
+      if (!allowedStates.contains(_currentState)) {
+        throw Exception('Not connected to Music Assistant server');
+      }
+    } else {
+      // Non-auth commands require proper authentication state
+      if (_authRequired && !_isAuthenticated) {
+        throw Exception('Not authenticated to Music Assistant server');
+      }
+
+      final allowedStates = [
+        MAConnectionState.connected,
+        MAConnectionState.authenticating,
+        MAConnectionState.authenticated,
+      ];
+      if (!allowedStates.contains(_currentState)) {
+        throw Exception('Not connected to Music Assistant server');
+      }
     }
 
     final messageId = _uuid.v4();
@@ -592,13 +620,14 @@ class MusicAssistantAPI {
     }
   }
 
-  Future<Album?> getAlbumDetails(String provider, String itemId) async {
+  /// Get album details by URI
+  /// Use the album's uri field (e.g., "library://album/123" or "spotify://album/xyz")
+  Future<Album?> getAlbumByUri(String uri) async {
     try {
       final response = await _sendCommand(
-        'music/album',
+        'music/item_by_uri',
         args: {
-          'provider': provider,
-          'item_id': itemId,
+          'uri': uri,
         },
       );
 
@@ -607,7 +636,27 @@ class MusicAssistantAPI {
 
       return Album.fromJson(result as Map<String, dynamic>);
     } catch (e) {
-      _logger.log('Error getting album details: $e');
+      _logger.log('Error getting album by URI: $e');
+      return null;
+    }
+  }
+
+  /// Get artist details by URI
+  Future<Artist?> getArtistByUri(String uri) async {
+    try {
+      final response = await _sendCommand(
+        'music/item_by_uri',
+        args: {
+          'uri': uri,
+        },
+      );
+
+      final result = response['result'];
+      if (result == null) return null;
+
+      return Artist.fromJson(result as Map<String, dynamic>);
+    } catch (e) {
+      _logger.log('Error getting artist by URI: $e');
       return null;
     }
   }
@@ -730,35 +779,18 @@ class MusicAssistantAPI {
   }
 
   // Favorites
-  /// Toggle favorite status for any media item
-  Future<bool> toggleFavorite(String mediaType, String itemId, String provider) async {
-    try {
-      final response = await _sendCommand(
-        'music/favorites/toggle',
-        args: {
-          'media_type': mediaType,
-          'item_id': itemId,
-          'provider': provider,
-        },
-      );
-
-      final isFavorite = response['result'] as bool? ?? false;
-      return isFavorite;
-    } catch (e) {
-      _logger.log('Error toggling favorite: $e');
-      return false;
-    }
-  }
-
-  /// Mark item as favorite
+  /// Mark item as favorite using URI format
+  /// The item parameter should be a URI like "spotify://album/6XyFhbFtcRRR9peJ16em4h"
   Future<void> addToFavorites(String mediaType, String itemId, String provider) async {
     try {
+      // Build the URI for the item
+      final uri = '$provider://$mediaType/$itemId';
+      _logger.log('Adding to favorites: $uri');
+
       await _sendCommand(
-        'music/favorites/add',
+        'music/favorites/add_item',
         args: {
-          'media_type': mediaType,
-          'item_id': itemId,
-          'provider': provider,
+          'item': uri,
         },
       );
     } catch (e) {
@@ -768,14 +800,16 @@ class MusicAssistantAPI {
   }
 
   /// Remove item from favorites
-  Future<void> removeFromFavorites(String mediaType, String itemId, String provider) async {
+  /// Requires the library_item_id (the numeric ID in the MA library)
+  Future<void> removeFromFavorites(String mediaType, int libraryItemId) async {
     try {
+      _logger.log('Removing from favorites: mediaType=$mediaType, libraryItemId=$libraryItemId');
+
       await _sendCommand(
-        'music/favorites/remove',
+        'music/favorites/remove_item',
         args: {
           'media_type': mediaType,
-          'item_id': itemId,
-          'provider': provider,
+          'library_item_id': libraryItemId,
         },
       );
     } catch (e) {
@@ -1041,12 +1075,14 @@ class MusicAssistantAPI {
   }
 
   /// Play radio based on a track (generates similar tracks)
+  /// Prefers streaming provider URIs (Spotify, Tidal, etc.) for better recommendations
   Future<void> playRadio(String playerId, Track track) async {
     return await RetryHelper.retryCritical(
       operation: () async {
-        // Try using library URI if available, otherwise use provider URI
-        final libraryUri = track.uri;
-        final trackUri = libraryUri ?? _buildTrackUri(track);
+        // For radio mode, prefer streaming providers (Spotify, Tidal, etc.)
+        // as they provide better dynamic track recommendations
+        final trackUri = _buildRadioUri(track);
+        _logger.log('Radio: Starting with URI $trackUri');
 
         final args = {
           'queue_id': playerId,
@@ -1055,7 +1091,6 @@ class MusicAssistantAPI {
           'radio_mode': true, // Enable radio mode for similar tracks
         };
 
-
         await _sendCommand(
           'player_queues/play_media',
           args: args,
@@ -1065,6 +1100,114 @@ class MusicAssistantAPI {
     );
   }
 
+  /// Build URI for radio mode, preferring streaming providers for better recommendations
+  /// Priority: Spotify > Tidal > Deezer > Apple > YTM > Subsonic > any available > library
+  /// Note: Qobuz does NOT support radio mode (no dynamic_tracks API)
+  String _buildRadioUri(Track track) {
+    if (track.providerMappings != null && track.providerMappings!.isNotEmpty) {
+      // Providers that support dynamic radio recommendations (in priority order)
+      // Qobuz is excluded - it doesn't support similar tracks API
+      const radioProviders = ['spotify', 'tidal', 'deezer', 'apple', 'ytmusic', 'subsonic', 'opensubsonic'];
+
+      // Try to find a streaming provider first
+      for (final providerPrefix in radioProviders) {
+        final mapping = track.providerMappings!.firstWhere(
+          (m) => m.available && m.providerInstance.toLowerCase().startsWith(providerPrefix),
+          orElse: () => ProviderMapping(providerInstance: '', providerDomain: '', itemId: '', available: false),
+        );
+        if (mapping.providerInstance.isNotEmpty) {
+          return '${mapping.providerInstance}://track/${mapping.itemId}';
+        }
+      }
+
+      // Fall back to any available provider (but not library)
+      final nonLibraryMapping = track.providerMappings!.firstWhere(
+        (m) => m.available && m.providerInstance != 'library',
+        orElse: () => ProviderMapping(providerInstance: '', providerDomain: '', itemId: '', available: false),
+      );
+      if (nonLibraryMapping.providerInstance.isNotEmpty) {
+        return '${nonLibraryMapping.providerInstance}://track/${nonLibraryMapping.itemId}';
+      }
+    }
+
+    // Last resort: use library URI or build from top-level provider
+    return track.uri ?? _buildTrackUri(track);
+  }
+
+  /// Play radio based on an artist (generates tracks from and similar to the artist)
+  /// Prefers streaming provider URIs (Spotify, Tidal, etc.) for better recommendations
+  Future<void> playArtistRadio(String playerId, Artist artist) async {
+    return await RetryHelper.retryCritical(
+      operation: () async {
+        final artistUri = _buildArtistRadioUri(artist);
+        _logger.log('Radio: Starting artist radio with URI $artistUri');
+
+        final args = {
+          'queue_id': playerId,
+          'media': [artistUri],
+          'option': 'replace',
+          'radio_mode': true,
+        };
+
+        await _sendCommand(
+          'player_queues/play_media',
+          args: args,
+        );
+      },
+    );
+  }
+
+  /// Add artist radio to queue (instead of replacing)
+  Future<void> playArtistRadioToQueue(String playerId, Artist artist) async {
+    return await RetryHelper.retryCritical(
+      operation: () async {
+        final artistUri = _buildArtistRadioUri(artist);
+        _logger.log('Radio: Adding artist radio to queue with URI $artistUri');
+
+        final args = {
+          'queue_id': playerId,
+          'media': [artistUri],
+          'option': 'add',  // Add to queue instead of replace
+          'radio_mode': true,
+        };
+
+        await _sendCommand(
+          'player_queues/play_media',
+          args: args,
+        );
+      },
+    );
+  }
+
+  /// Build URI for artist radio mode, preferring streaming providers
+  /// Note: Qobuz does NOT support radio mode (no dynamic_tracks API)
+  String _buildArtistRadioUri(Artist artist) {
+    if (artist.providerMappings != null && artist.providerMappings!.isNotEmpty) {
+      // Qobuz is excluded - it doesn't support similar tracks API
+      const radioProviders = ['spotify', 'tidal', 'deezer', 'apple', 'ytmusic', 'subsonic', 'opensubsonic'];
+
+      for (final providerPrefix in radioProviders) {
+        final mapping = artist.providerMappings!.firstWhere(
+          (m) => m.available && m.providerInstance.toLowerCase().startsWith(providerPrefix),
+          orElse: () => ProviderMapping(providerInstance: '', providerDomain: '', itemId: '', available: false),
+        );
+        if (mapping.providerInstance.isNotEmpty) {
+          return '${mapping.providerInstance}://artist/${mapping.itemId}';
+        }
+      }
+
+      final nonLibraryMapping = artist.providerMappings!.firstWhere(
+        (m) => m.available && m.providerInstance != 'library',
+        orElse: () => ProviderMapping(providerInstance: '', providerDomain: '', itemId: '', available: false),
+      );
+      if (nonLibraryMapping.providerInstance.isNotEmpty) {
+        return '${nonLibraryMapping.providerInstance}://artist/${nonLibraryMapping.itemId}';
+      }
+    }
+
+    return artist.uri ?? '${artist.provider}://artist/${artist.itemId}';
+  }
+
   /// Build track URI from provider mappings
   String _buildTrackUri(Track track) {
     // Use provider mappings to get the actual provider instance
@@ -1971,13 +2114,39 @@ class MusicAssistantAPI {
   }
 
   Future<void> _reconnect() async {
+    // Don't reconnect if disposed
+    if (_isDisposed) {
+      _logger.log('Reconnect: API disposed, skipping');
+      return;
+    }
+
+    // Don't reconnect if already connected or connecting
+    if (_currentState == MAConnectionState.connected ||
+        _currentState == MAConnectionState.authenticated ||
+        _currentState == MAConnectionState.connecting) {
+      _logger.log('Reconnect: Already connected/connecting, skipping');
+      return;
+    }
+
+    // Don't reconnect if another connection is in progress
+    if (_connectionInProgress != null && !_connectionInProgress!.isCompleted) {
+      _logger.log('Reconnect: Connection already in progress, skipping');
+      return;
+    }
+
     await Future.delayed(Timings.reconnectDelay);
-    if (_currentState != MAConnectionState.connected) {
-      try {
-        await connect();
-      } catch (e) {
-        _logger.log('Reconnection failed: $e');
-      }
+
+    // Check again after delay
+    if (_isDisposed ||
+        _currentState == MAConnectionState.connected ||
+        _currentState == MAConnectionState.authenticated) {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    try {
+      await connect();
+    } catch (e) {
+      _logger.log('Reconnection failed: $e');
     }
   }
 
@@ -1990,7 +2159,13 @@ class MusicAssistantAPI {
   }
 
   void dispose() {
+    _isDisposed = true;
     _stopHeartbeat();
+    // Complete any pending connection to prevent hanging futures
+    if (_connectionInProgress != null && !_connectionInProgress!.isCompleted) {
+      _connectionInProgress!.completeError(Exception('API disposed'));
+    }
+    _connectionInProgress = null;
     disconnect();
     _connectionStateController.close();
     for (final stream in _eventStreams.values) {

lib/services/settings_service.dart

@@ -21,6 +21,12 @@ class SettingsService {
   static const String _keyLocalPlayerName = 'local_player_name';
   static const String _keyOwnerName = 'owner_name';
   static const String _keyLastSelectedPlayerId = 'last_selected_player_id';
+  static const String _keyShowRecentAlbums = 'show_recent_albums';
+  static const String _keyShowDiscoverArtists = 'show_discover_artists';
+  static const String _keyShowDiscoverAlbums = 'show_discover_albums';
+  static const String _keyShowFavoriteAlbums = 'show_favorite_albums';
+  static const String _keyShowFavoriteArtists = 'show_favorite_artists';
+  static const String _keyShowFavoriteTracks = 'show_favorite_tracks';
 
   static Future<String?> getServerUrl() async {
     final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
@@ -313,4 +319,66 @@ class SettingsService {
     final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
     await prefs.clear();
   }
+
+  // Home Screen Row Settings (Main rows - default on)
+  static Future<bool> getShowRecentAlbums() async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    return prefs.getBool(_keyShowRecentAlbums) ?? true;
+  }
+
+  static Future<void> setShowRecentAlbums(bool show) async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    await prefs.setBool(_keyShowRecentAlbums, show);
+  }
+
+  static Future<bool> getShowDiscoverArtists() async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    return prefs.getBool(_keyShowDiscoverArtists) ?? true;
+  }
+
+  static Future<void> setShowDiscoverArtists(bool show) async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    await prefs.setBool(_keyShowDiscoverArtists, show);
+  }
+
+  static Future<bool> getShowDiscoverAlbums() async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    return prefs.getBool(_keyShowDiscoverAlbums) ?? true;
+  }
+
+  static Future<void> setShowDiscoverAlbums(bool show) async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    await prefs.setBool(_keyShowDiscoverAlbums, show);
+  }
+
+  // Home Screen Favorites Settings (default off)
+  static Future<bool> getShowFavoriteAlbums() async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    return prefs.getBool(_keyShowFavoriteAlbums) ?? false;
+  }
+
+  static Future<void> setShowFavoriteAlbums(bool show) async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    await prefs.setBool(_keyShowFavoriteAlbums, show);
+  }
+
+  static Future<bool> getShowFavoriteArtists() async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    return prefs.getBool(_keyShowFavoriteArtists) ?? false;
+  }
+
+  static Future<void> setShowFavoriteArtists(bool show) async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    await prefs.setBool(_keyShowFavoriteArtists, show);
+  }
+
+  static Future<bool> getShowFavoriteTracks() async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    return prefs.getBool(_keyShowFavoriteTracks) ?? false;
+  }
+
+  static Future<void> setShowFavoriteTracks(bool show) async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    await prefs.setBool(_keyShowFavoriteTracks, show);
+  }
 }

lib/theme/palette_helper.dart

@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
 import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
 import 'package:palette_generator/palette_generator.dart';
+import '../services/debug_logger.dart';
+
+final _logger = DebugLogger();
 
 /// Extracted adaptive colors from album art
 class AdaptiveColors {
@@ -40,7 +43,7 @@ class PaletteHelper {
       );
       return palette;
     } catch (e) {
-      print('⚠️ Failed to extract palette: $e');
+      _logger.warning('Failed to extract palette: $e', context: 'Palette');
       return null;
     }
   }

lib/theme/system_theme_helper.dart

@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
 import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
 import 'package:dynamic_color/dynamic_color.dart';
+import '../services/debug_logger.dart';
+
+final _systemThemeLogger = DebugLogger();
 
 class SystemThemeHelper {
   /// Attempts to get system color schemes from the device (Android 12+)
@@ -35,7 +38,7 @@ class SystemThemeHelper {
         }
       }
     } catch (e) {
-      print('⚠️ Failed to get system colors: $e');
+      _systemThemeLogger.warning('Failed to get system colors: $e', context: 'Theme');
     }
 
     return null;

lib/theme/theme_provider.dart

@@ -2,8 +2,11 @@ import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
 import 'package:provider/provider.dart';
 import 'package:cached_network_image/cached_network_image.dart';
 import '../services/settings_service.dart';
+import '../services/debug_logger.dart';
 import 'palette_helper.dart';
 
+final _themeLogger = DebugLogger();
+
 /// Global function to update adaptive colors from an image URL
 /// This can be called from anywhere in the app (e.g., when tapping an album/artist)
 Future<void> updateAdaptiveColorsFromImage(BuildContext context, String? imageUrl) async {
@@ -17,7 +20,7 @@ Future<void> updateAdaptiveColorsFromImage(BuildContext context, String? imageUr
     }
   } catch (e) {
     // Silently fail - colors will update when track plays
-    print('Failed to extract colors on tap: $e');
+    _themeLogger.debug('Failed to extract colors on tap: $e', context: 'Theme');
   }
 }
 

lib/widgets/album_row.dart

@@ -2,18 +2,21 @@ import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
 import 'package:provider/provider.dart';
 import '../models/media_item.dart';
 import '../providers/music_assistant_provider.dart';
+import '../services/debug_logger.dart';
 import 'album_card.dart';
 
 class AlbumRow extends StatefulWidget {
   final String title;
   final Future<List<Album>> Function() loadAlbums;
   final String? heroTagSuffix;
+  final double? rowHeight;
 
   const AlbumRow({
     super.key,
     required this.title,
     required this.loadAlbums,
     this.heroTagSuffix,
+    this.rowHeight,
   });
 
   @override
@@ -44,79 +47,103 @@ class _AlbumRowState extends State<AlbumRow> with AutomaticKeepAliveClientMixin
     }
   }
 
+  static final _logger = DebugLogger();
+
   @override
   Widget build(BuildContext context) {
+    _logger.startBuild('AlbumRow:${widget.title}');
     super.build(context); // Required for AutomaticKeepAliveClientMixin
     final textTheme = Theme.of(context).textTheme;
     final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
 
-    return Column(
-      crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
-      children: [
-        Padding(
-          padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 16.0, vertical: 8.0),
-          child: Text(
-            widget.title,
-            style: textTheme.titleLarge?.copyWith(
-              fontWeight: FontWeight.bold,
-              color: colorScheme.onBackground,
+    // Total row height includes title + content
+    final totalHeight = widget.rowHeight ?? 237.0; // Default: 44 title + 193 content
+    const titleHeight = 44.0; // 12 top padding + ~24 text + 8 bottom padding
+    final contentHeight = totalHeight - titleHeight;
+
+    final result = RepaintBoundary(
+      child: SizedBox(
+        height: totalHeight,
+        child: Column(
+        crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
+        children: [
+          Padding(
+            padding: const EdgeInsets.fromLTRB(16.0, 12.0, 16.0, 8.0),
+            child: Text(
+              widget.title,
+              style: textTheme.titleLarge?.copyWith(
+                fontWeight: FontWeight.bold,
+                color: colorScheme.onBackground,
+              ),
             ),
           ),
-        ),
-        SizedBox(
-          height: 193,
-          child: FutureBuilder<List<Album>>(
-            future: _albumsFuture,
-            builder: (context, snapshot) {
-              // Use cached data immediately if available (prevents flash on rebuild)
-              final albums = snapshot.data ?? _cachedAlbums;
+          Expanded(
+            child: FutureBuilder<List<Album>>(
+              future: _albumsFuture,
+              builder: (context, snapshot) {
+                // Use cached data immediately if available (prevents flash on rebuild)
+                final albums = snapshot.data ?? _cachedAlbums;
 
-              // Only show loading if we have no data at all
-              if (albums == null && snapshot.connectionState == ConnectionState.waiting) {
-                return const Center(child: CircularProgressIndicator());
-              }
+                // Only show loading if we have no data at all
+                if (albums == null && snapshot.connectionState == ConnectionState.waiting) {
+                  return const Center(child: CircularProgressIndicator());
+                }
 
-              if (snapshot.hasError && albums == null) {
-                return Center(
-                  child: Text('Error: ${snapshot.error}'),
-                );
-              }
+                if (snapshot.hasError && albums == null) {
+                  return Center(
+                    child: Text('Error: ${snapshot.error}'),
+                  );
+                }
 
-              if (albums == null || albums.isEmpty) {
-                return Center(
-                  child: Text(
-                    'No albums found',
-                    style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.5)),
+                if (albums == null || albums.isEmpty) {
+                  return Center(
+                    child: Text(
+                      'No albums found',
+                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.5)),
+                    ),
+                  );
+                }
+
+                // Card layout: square artwork + text below
+                // Text area: 8px gap + ~18px title + ~18px artist = ~44px
+                const textAreaHeight = 44.0;
+                final artworkSize = contentHeight - textAreaHeight;
+                final cardWidth = artworkSize; // Card width = artwork width (square)
+                final itemExtent = cardWidth + 12; // width + horizontal margins
+
+                return ScrollConfiguration(
+                  behavior: const _StretchScrollBehavior(),
+                  child: ListView.builder(
+                    scrollDirection: Axis.horizontal,
+                    padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 12.0),
+                    itemCount: albums.length,
+                    itemExtent: itemExtent,
+                    cacheExtent: 500, // Preload ~3 items ahead for smoother scrolling
+                    addAutomaticKeepAlives: false, // Row already uses AutomaticKeepAliveClientMixin
+                    addRepaintBoundaries: false, // Cards already have RepaintBoundary
+                    itemBuilder: (context, index) {
+                      final album = albums[index];
+                      return Container(
+                        key: ValueKey(album.uri ?? album.itemId),
+                        width: cardWidth,
+                        margin: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 6.0),
+                        child: AlbumCard(
+                          album: album,
+                          heroTagSuffix: widget.heroTagSuffix,
+                        ),
+                      );
+                    },
                   ),
                 );
-              }
-
-              return ScrollConfiguration(
-                behavior: const _StretchScrollBehavior(),
-                child: ListView.builder(
-                  scrollDirection: Axis.horizontal,
-                  padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 12.0),
-                  itemCount: albums.length,
-                  itemExtent: 162, // 150px width + 12px horizontal margins
-                  itemBuilder: (context, index) {
-                    final album = albums[index];
-                    return Container(
-                      key: ValueKey(album.uri ?? album.itemId),
-                      width: 150,
-                      margin: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 6.0),
-                      child: AlbumCard(
-                        album: album,
-                        heroTagSuffix: widget.heroTagSuffix,
-                      ),
-                    );
-                  },
-                ),
-              );
-            },
+              },
+            ),
           ),
+          ],
         ),
-      ],
+      ),
     );
+    _logger.endBuild('AlbumRow:${widget.title}');
+    return result;
   }
 }
 

lib/widgets/artist_avatar.dart

@@ -0,0 +1,89 @@
+import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
+import 'package:cached_network_image/cached_network_image.dart';
+import 'package:provider/provider.dart';
+import '../models/media_item.dart';
+import '../providers/music_assistant_provider.dart';
+import '../services/metadata_service.dart';
+
+/// A CircleAvatar that shows artist image with automatic fallback to Deezer/Fanart.tv
+class ArtistAvatar extends StatefulWidget {
+  final Artist artist;
+  final double radius;
+  final int imageSize;
+  final String? heroTag;
+  final ValueChanged<String?>? onImageLoaded;
+
+  const ArtistAvatar({
+    super.key,
+    required this.artist,
+    this.radius = 24,
+    this.imageSize = 128,
+    this.heroTag,
+    this.onImageLoaded,
+  });
+
+  @override
+  State<ArtistAvatar> createState() => _ArtistAvatarState();
+}
+
+class _ArtistAvatarState extends State<ArtistAvatar> {
+  String? _imageUrl;
+  bool _triedFallback = false;
+
+  @override
+  void initState() {
+    super.initState();
+    _loadImage();
+  }
+
+  Future<void> _loadImage() async {
+    final provider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
+
+    // Try MA first
+    final maUrl = provider.getImageUrl(widget.artist, size: widget.imageSize);
+    if (maUrl != null) {
+      if (mounted) {
+        setState(() {
+          _imageUrl = maUrl;
+        });
+        widget.onImageLoaded?.call(maUrl);
+      }
+      return;
+    }
+
+    // Fallback to external sources
+    if (!_triedFallback) {
+      _triedFallback = true;
+      final fallbackUrl = await MetadataService.getArtistImageUrl(widget.artist.name);
+      if (fallbackUrl != null && mounted) {
+        setState(() {
+          _imageUrl = fallbackUrl;
+        });
+        widget.onImageLoaded?.call(fallbackUrl);
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  @override
+  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
+    final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
+
+    final avatar = CircleAvatar(
+      radius: widget.radius,
+      backgroundColor: colorScheme.surfaceVariant,
+      backgroundImage: _imageUrl != null ? CachedNetworkImageProvider(_imageUrl!) : null,
+      child: _imageUrl == null
+          ? Icon(Icons.person_rounded, color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant)
+          : null,
+    );
+
+    if (widget.heroTag != null) {
+      return Hero(
+        tag: widget.heroTag!,
+        child: avatar,
+      );
+    }
+
+    return avatar;
+  }
+}

lib/widgets/artist_card.dart

@@ -1,44 +1,87 @@
 import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
 import 'package:provider/provider.dart';
+import 'package:cached_network_image/cached_network_image.dart';
 import '../models/media_item.dart';
 import '../providers/music_assistant_provider.dart';
 import '../screens/artist_details_screen.dart';
 import '../constants/hero_tags.dart';
 import '../theme/theme_provider.dart';
 import '../utils/page_transitions.dart';
+import '../services/metadata_service.dart';
+import '../services/debug_logger.dart';
 
-class ArtistCard extends StatelessWidget {
+class ArtistCard extends StatefulWidget {
   final Artist artist;
   final VoidCallback? onTap;
   final String? heroTagSuffix;
+  final double? imageSize;
 
   const ArtistCard({
     super.key,
     required this.artist,
     this.onTap,
     this.heroTagSuffix,
+    this.imageSize,
   });
 
+  @override
+  State<ArtistCard> createState() => _ArtistCardState();
+}
+
+class _ArtistCardState extends State<ArtistCard> {
+  static final _logger = DebugLogger();
+  String? _fallbackImageUrl;
+  bool _triedFallback = false;
+  String? _cachedMaImageUrl;
+
+  @override
+  void initState() {
+    super.initState();
+    // Fetch fallback image once in initState, not during build
+    _initFallbackImage();
+  }
+
+  void _initFallbackImage() {
+    // We'll check if MA has an image after first build, then fetch fallback if needed
+    WidgetsBinding.instance.addPostFrameCallback((_) {
+      if (!mounted) return;
+      final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
+      final maImageUrl = maProvider.api?.getImageUrl(widget.artist, size: 256);
+      _cachedMaImageUrl = maImageUrl;
+
+      if (maImageUrl == null && !_triedFallback) {
+        _triedFallback = true;
+        _logger.debug('No MA image for "${widget.artist.name}", trying fallback', context: 'ArtistCard');
+        _fetchFallbackImage();
+      }
+    });
+  }
+
   @override
   Widget build(BuildContext context) {
     final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    final imageUrl = maProvider.api?.getImageUrl(artist, size: 256);
+    // Use cached URL if available, otherwise get fresh (but don't trigger fetches during build)
+    final maImageUrl = _cachedMaImageUrl ?? maProvider.api?.getImageUrl(widget.artist, size: 256);
     final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
     final textTheme = Theme.of(context).textTheme;
 
-    final suffix = heroTagSuffix != null ? '_$heroTagSuffix' : '';
+    final suffix = widget.heroTagSuffix != null ? '_${widget.heroTagSuffix}' : '';
+
+    // Use MA image if available, otherwise try fallback
+    final imageUrl = maImageUrl ?? _fallbackImageUrl;
 
     return RepaintBoundary(
       child: GestureDetector(
-        onTap: onTap ?? () {
+        onTap: widget.onTap ?? () {
           // Update adaptive colors immediately on tap
           updateAdaptiveColorsFromImage(context, imageUrl);
           Navigator.push(
             context,
             FadeSlidePageRoute(
               child: ArtistDetailsScreen(
-                artist: artist,
-                heroTagSuffix: heroTagSuffix,
+                artist: widget.artist,
+                heroTagSuffix: widget.heroTagSuffix,
+                initialImageUrl: imageUrl,
               ),
             ),
           );
@@ -46,44 +89,61 @@ class ArtistCard extends StatelessWidget {
         child: Column(
           crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.center,
           children: [
-            // Artist image - circular
-            Hero(
-              tag: HeroTags.artistImage + (artist.uri ?? artist.itemId) + suffix,
-              child: ClipOval(
-                child: Container(
-                  width: 110,
-                  height: 110,
-                  color: colorScheme.surfaceVariant,
-                  child: imageUrl != null
-                      ? Image.network(
-                          imageUrl,
-                          fit: BoxFit.cover,
-                          cacheWidth: 256,
-                          cacheHeight: 256,
-                          errorBuilder: (_, __, ___) => Icon(
-                            Icons.person_rounded,
-                            size: 60,
-                            color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
-                          ),
-                        )
-                      : Icon(Icons.person_rounded, size: 60, color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant),
+            // Artist image - circular, constrained to be a proper circle
+            Expanded(
+              child: Center(
+                child: LayoutBuilder(
+                  builder: (context, constraints) {
+                    // Use the smaller dimension to ensure a circle
+                    final size = constraints.maxWidth < constraints.maxHeight
+                        ? constraints.maxWidth
+                        : constraints.maxHeight;
+                    return Hero(
+                      tag: HeroTags.artistImage + (widget.artist.uri ?? widget.artist.itemId) + suffix,
+                      child: ClipOval(
+                        child: Container(
+                          width: size,
+                          height: size,
+                          color: colorScheme.surfaceVariant,
+                          child: imageUrl != null
+                              ? CachedNetworkImage(
+                                  imageUrl: imageUrl,
+                                  fit: BoxFit.cover,
+                                  memCacheWidth: 256,
+                                  memCacheHeight: 256,
+                                  fadeInDuration: const Duration(milliseconds: 150),
+                                  placeholder: (context, url) => const SizedBox(),
+                                  errorWidget: (context, url, error) => Icon(
+                                    Icons.person_rounded,
+                                    size: size * 0.55,
+                                    color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
+                                  ),
+                                )
+                              : Icon(Icons.person_rounded, size: size * 0.55, color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant),
+                        ),
+                      ),
+                    );
+                  },
                 ),
               ),
             ),
-          const SizedBox(height: 12),
-          // Artist name
-          Hero(
-            tag: HeroTags.artistName + (artist.uri ?? artist.itemId) + suffix,
-            child: Material(
-              color: Colors.transparent,
-              child: Text(
-                artist.name,
-                maxLines: 2,
-                overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
-                textAlign: TextAlign.center,
-                style: textTheme.titleSmall?.copyWith(
-                  color: colorScheme.onSurface,
-                  fontWeight: FontWeight.w500,
+          const SizedBox(height: 8),
+          // Artist name - fixed height container so image size is consistent
+          SizedBox(
+            height: 36, // Fixed height for 2 lines of text
+            child: Hero(
+              tag: HeroTags.artistName + (widget.artist.uri ?? widget.artist.itemId) + suffix,
+              child: Material(
+                color: Colors.transparent,
+                child: Text(
+                  widget.artist.name,
+                  maxLines: 2,
+                  overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
+                  textAlign: TextAlign.center,
+                  style: textTheme.titleSmall?.copyWith(
+                    color: colorScheme.onSurface,
+                    fontWeight: FontWeight.w500,
+                  ),
                 ),
               ),
             ),
@@ -93,4 +153,14 @@ class ArtistCard extends StatelessWidget {
       ),
     );
   }
+
+  Future<void> _fetchFallbackImage() async {
+    final fallbackUrl = await MetadataService.getArtistImageUrl(widget.artist.name);
+    if (fallbackUrl != null && mounted) {
+      _logger.debug('Found fallback image for "${widget.artist.name}"', context: 'ArtistCard');
+      setState(() {
+        _fallbackImageUrl = fallbackUrl;
+      });
+    }
+  }
 }

lib/widgets/artist_row.dart

@@ -2,18 +2,21 @@ import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
 import 'package:provider/provider.dart';
 import '../models/media_item.dart';
 import '../providers/music_assistant_provider.dart';
+import '../services/debug_logger.dart';
 import 'artist_card.dart';
 
 class ArtistRow extends StatefulWidget {
   final String title;
   final Future<List<Artist>> Function() loadArtists;
   final String? heroTagSuffix;
+  final double? rowHeight;
 
   const ArtistRow({
     super.key,
     required this.title,
     required this.loadArtists,
     this.heroTagSuffix,
+    this.rowHeight,
   });
 
   @override
@@ -44,79 +47,103 @@ class _ArtistRowState extends State<ArtistRow> with AutomaticKeepAliveClientMixi
     }
   }
 
+  static final _logger = DebugLogger();
+
   @override
   Widget build(BuildContext context) {
+    _logger.startBuild('ArtistRow:${widget.title}');
     super.build(context); // Required for AutomaticKeepAliveClientMixin
     final textTheme = Theme.of(context).textTheme;
     final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
 
-    return Column(
-      crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
-      children: [
-        Padding(
-          padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 16.0, vertical: 8.0),
-          child: Text(
-            widget.title,
-            style: textTheme.titleLarge?.copyWith(
-              fontWeight: FontWeight.bold,
-              color: colorScheme.onBackground,
+    // Total row height includes title + content
+    final totalHeight = widget.rowHeight ?? 207.0; // Default: 44 title + 163 content
+    const titleHeight = 44.0; // 12 top padding + ~24 text + 8 bottom padding
+    final contentHeight = totalHeight - titleHeight;
+
+    final result = RepaintBoundary(
+      child: SizedBox(
+        height: totalHeight,
+        child: Column(
+          crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
+          children: [
+            Padding(
+              padding: const EdgeInsets.fromLTRB(16.0, 12.0, 16.0, 8.0),
+              child: Text(
+                widget.title,
+                style: textTheme.titleLarge?.copyWith(
+                fontWeight: FontWeight.bold,
+                color: colorScheme.onBackground,
+              ),
             ),
           ),
-        ),
-        SizedBox(
-          height: 163,
-          child: FutureBuilder<List<Artist>>(
-            future: _artistsFuture,
-            builder: (context, snapshot) {
-              // Use cached data immediately if available (prevents flash on rebuild)
-              final artists = snapshot.data ?? _cachedArtists;
+          Expanded(
+            child: FutureBuilder<List<Artist>>(
+              future: _artistsFuture,
+              builder: (context, snapshot) {
+                // Use cached data immediately if available (prevents flash on rebuild)
+                final artists = snapshot.data ?? _cachedArtists;
 
-              // Only show loading if we have no data at all
-              if (artists == null && snapshot.connectionState == ConnectionState.waiting) {
-                return const Center(child: CircularProgressIndicator());
-              }
+                // Only show loading if we have no data at all
+                if (artists == null && snapshot.connectionState == ConnectionState.waiting) {
+                  return const Center(child: CircularProgressIndicator());
+                }
 
-              if (snapshot.hasError && artists == null) {
-                return Center(
-                  child: Text('Error: ${snapshot.error}'),
-                );
-              }
+                if (snapshot.hasError && artists == null) {
+                  return Center(
+                    child: Text('Error: ${snapshot.error}'),
+                  );
+                }
 
-              if (artists == null || artists.isEmpty) {
-                return Center(
-                  child: Text(
-                    'No artists found',
-                    style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.5)),
+                if (artists == null || artists.isEmpty) {
+                  return Center(
+                    child: Text(
+                      'No artists found',
+                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.5)),
+                    ),
+                  );
+                }
+
+                // Card layout: circle image + name below
+                // Text area: 8px gap + ~36px for 2-line name = ~44px
+                const textAreaHeight = 44.0;
+                final imageSize = contentHeight - textAreaHeight;
+                final cardWidth = imageSize; // Card width = image width (circle)
+                final itemExtent = cardWidth + 16; // width + horizontal margins
+
+                return ScrollConfiguration(
+                  behavior: const _StretchScrollBehavior(),
+                  child: ListView.builder(
+                    scrollDirection: Axis.horizontal,
+                    padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 12.0),
+                    itemCount: artists.length,
+                    itemExtent: itemExtent,
+                    cacheExtent: 500, // Preload ~3 items ahead for smoother scrolling
+                    addAutomaticKeepAlives: false, // Row already uses AutomaticKeepAliveClientMixin
+                    addRepaintBoundaries: false, // Cards already have RepaintBoundary
+                    itemBuilder: (context, index) {
+                      final artist = artists[index];
+                      return Container(
+                        key: ValueKey(artist.uri ?? artist.itemId),
+                        width: cardWidth,
+                        margin: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 8.0),
+                        child: ArtistCard(
+                          artist: artist,
+                          heroTagSuffix: widget.heroTagSuffix,
+                        ),
+                      );
+                    },
                   ),
                 );
-              }
-
-              return ScrollConfiguration(
-                behavior: const _StretchScrollBehavior(),
-                child: ListView.builder(
-                  scrollDirection: Axis.horizontal,
-                  padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 12.0),
-                  itemCount: artists.length,
-                  itemExtent: 136, // 120px width + 16px horizontal margins
-                  itemBuilder: (context, index) {
-                    final artist = artists[index];
-                    return Container(
-                      key: ValueKey(artist.uri ?? artist.itemId),
-                      width: 120,
-                      margin: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 8.0),
-                      child: ArtistCard(
-                        artist: artist,
-                        heroTagSuffix: widget.heroTagSuffix,
-                      ),
-                    );
-                  },
-                ),
-              );
-            },
+              },
+            ),
           ),
+          ],
         ),
-      ],
+      ),
     );
+    _logger.endBuild('ArtistRow:${widget.title}');
+    return result;
   }
 }
 

lib/widgets/common/empty_state.dart

@@ -64,6 +64,20 @@ class EmptyState extends StatelessWidget {
         message: 'No results found',
       );
 
+  /// Creates a custom empty state with title and subtitle
+  factory EmptyState.custom({
+    required IconData icon,
+    required String title,
+    String? subtitle,
+    VoidCallback? onRefresh,
+  }) =>
+      _CustomEmptyState(
+        icon: icon,
+        title: title,
+        subtitle: subtitle,
+        onRefresh: onRefresh,
+      );
+
   @override
   Widget build(BuildContext context) {
     final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
@@ -106,3 +120,71 @@ class EmptyState extends StatelessWidget {
     );
   }
 }
+
+/// A custom empty state with title and optional subtitle
+class _CustomEmptyState extends EmptyState {
+  final String title;
+  final String? subtitle;
+  final VoidCallback? onRefresh;
+
+  const _CustomEmptyState({
+    required super.icon,
+    required this.title,
+    this.subtitle,
+    this.onRefresh,
+  }) : super(message: title);
+
+  @override
+  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
+    final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
+
+    return Center(
+      child: Padding(
+        padding: Spacing.paddingAll24,
+        child: Column(
+          mainAxisAlignment: MainAxisAlignment.center,
+          children: [
+            Icon(
+              icon,
+              size: iconSize,
+              color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.38),
+            ),
+            Spacing.vGap16,
+            Text(
+              title,
+              style: TextStyle(
+                color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.6),
+                fontSize: 16,
+                fontWeight: FontWeight.w500,
+              ),
+              textAlign: TextAlign.center,
+            ),
+            if (subtitle != null) ...[
+              Spacing.vGap8,
+              Text(
+                subtitle!,
+                style: TextStyle(
+                  color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.4),
+                  fontSize: 14,
+                ),
+                textAlign: TextAlign.center,
+              ),
+            ],
+            if (onRefresh != null) ...[
+              Spacing.vGap24,
+              ElevatedButton.icon(
+                onPressed: onRefresh,
+                icon: const Icon(Icons.refresh_rounded),
+                label: const Text('Refresh'),
+                style: ElevatedButton.styleFrom(
+                  backgroundColor: colorScheme.surfaceVariant,
+                  foregroundColor: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
+                ),
+              ),
+            ],
+          ],
+        ),
+      ),
+    );
+  }
+}

lib/widgets/global_player_overlay.dart

@@ -5,6 +5,40 @@ import '../providers/navigation_provider.dart';
 import '../theme/theme_provider.dart';
 import 'expandable_player.dart';
 
+/// Cached color with contrast adjustment
+/// Avoids expensive HSL conversions during scroll
+class _CachedNavColor {
+  Color? _sourceColor;
+  bool? _isDark;
+  Color? _adjustedColor;
+
+  Color getAdjustedColor(Color sourceColor, bool isDark) {
+    // Return cached value if inputs haven't changed
+    if (_sourceColor == sourceColor && _isDark == isDark && _adjustedColor != null) {
+      return _adjustedColor!;
+    }
+
+    // Compute new adjusted color
+    var navSelectedColor = sourceColor;
+    if (isDark && navSelectedColor.computeLuminance() < 0.2) {
+      final hsl = HSLColor.fromColor(navSelectedColor);
+      navSelectedColor = hsl.withLightness((hsl.lightness + 0.3).clamp(0.0, 0.8)).toColor();
+    } else if (!isDark && navSelectedColor.computeLuminance() > 0.8) {
+      final hsl = HSLColor.fromColor(navSelectedColor);
+      navSelectedColor = hsl.withLightness((hsl.lightness - 0.3).clamp(0.2, 1.0)).toColor();
+    }
+
+    // Cache the result
+    _sourceColor = sourceColor;
+    _isDark = isDark;
+    _adjustedColor = navSelectedColor;
+
+    return navSelectedColor;
+  }
+}
+
+final _cachedNavColor = _CachedNavColor();
+
 /// A global key to access the player state from anywhere in the app
 final globalPlayerKey = GlobalKey<ExpandablePlayerState>();
 
@@ -23,7 +57,7 @@ class BottomSpacing {
   static const double navBarOnly = navBarHeight + 16.0;
 
   /// Space needed when mini player is also visible
-  static const double withMiniPlayer = navBarHeight + miniPlayerHeight + 14.0;
+  static const double withMiniPlayer = navBarHeight + miniPlayerHeight + 22.0;
 }
 
 /// ValueNotifier for player expansion progress (0.0 to 1.0) and background color
@@ -135,33 +169,73 @@ class _GlobalPlayerOverlayState extends State<GlobalPlayerOverlay>
               return Consumer<ThemeProvider>(
                 builder: (context, themeProvider, _) {
                   // Use adaptive primary color for bottom nav when adaptive theme is enabled
-                  var navSelectedColor = themeProvider.adaptiveTheme
+                  final sourceColor = themeProvider.adaptiveTheme
                       ? themeProvider.adaptivePrimaryColor
                       : colorScheme.primary;
 
-                  // Ensure nav color has sufficient contrast against the surface background
+                  // Use cached color computation to avoid expensive HSL operations during scroll
                   final isDark = Theme.of(context).brightness == Brightness.dark;
-                  if (isDark && navSelectedColor.computeLuminance() < 0.2) {
-                    final hsl = HSLColor.fromColor(navSelectedColor);
-                    navSelectedColor = hsl.withLightness((hsl.lightness + 0.3).clamp(0.0, 0.8)).toColor();
-                  } else if (!isDark && navSelectedColor.computeLuminance() > 0.8) {
-                    final hsl = HSLColor.fromColor(navSelectedColor);
-                    navSelectedColor = hsl.withLightness((hsl.lightness - 0.3).clamp(0.2, 1.0)).toColor();
-                  }
+                  final navSelectedColor = _cachedNavColor.getAdjustedColor(sourceColor, isDark);
+
+                  // Base background: use adaptive surface color if available, otherwise default surface
+                  final baseBgColor = (themeProvider.adaptiveTheme && themeProvider.adaptiveSurfaceColor != null)
+                      ? themeProvider.adaptiveSurfaceColor!
+                      : colorScheme.surface;
 
                   return ValueListenableBuilder<PlayerExpansionState>(
                     valueListenable: playerExpansionNotifier,
-                    builder: (context, expansionState, child) {
-                      // Base background: use adaptive surface color if available, otherwise default surface
-                      final baseBgColor = (themeProvider.adaptiveTheme && themeProvider.adaptiveSurfaceColor != null)
-                          ? themeProvider.adaptiveSurfaceColor!
-                          : colorScheme.surface;
-
-                      // Lerp between base color and player background when expanded
+                    // Pass BottomNavigationBar as child to avoid rebuilding it every frame
+                    child: BottomNavigationBar(
+                      currentIndex: navigationProvider.selectedIndex,
+                      onTap: (index) {
+                        if (GlobalPlayerOverlay.isPlayerExpanded) {
+                          GlobalPlayerOverlay.collapsePlayer();
+                        }
+                        navigationProvider.navigatorKey.currentState?.popUntil((route) => route.isFirst);
+                        if (index == 3) {
+                          GlobalPlayerOverlay.hidePlayer();
+                        } else if (navigationProvider.selectedIndex == 3) {
+                          GlobalPlayerOverlay.showPlayer();
+                        }
+                        navigationProvider.setSelectedIndex(index);
+                      },
+                      backgroundColor: Colors.transparent,
+                      selectedItemColor: navSelectedColor,
+                      unselectedItemColor: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.54),
+                      elevation: 0,
+                      type: BottomNavigationBarType.fixed,
+                      selectedFontSize: 12,
+                      unselectedFontSize: 12,
+                      items: const [
+                        BottomNavigationBarItem(
+                          icon: Icon(Icons.home_outlined),
+                          activeIcon: Icon(Icons.home_rounded),
+                          label: 'Home',
+                        ),
+                        BottomNavigationBarItem(
+                          icon: Icon(Icons.library_music_outlined),
+                          activeIcon: Icon(Icons.library_music_rounded),
+                          label: 'Library',
+                        ),
+                        BottomNavigationBarItem(
+                          icon: Icon(Icons.search_rounded),
+                          activeIcon: Icon(Icons.search_rounded),
+                          label: 'Search',
+                        ),
+                        BottomNavigationBarItem(
+                          icon: Icon(Icons.settings_outlined),
+                          activeIcon: Icon(Icons.settings_rounded),
+                          label: 'Settings',
+                        ),
+                      ],
+                    ),
+                    builder: (context, expansionState, navBar) {
+                      // Only compute colors during animation - this is the hot path
                       final navBgColor = expansionState.progress > 0 && expansionState.backgroundColor != null
                           ? Color.lerp(baseBgColor, expansionState.backgroundColor, expansionState.progress)!
                           : baseBgColor;
 
+                      // Use AnimatedContainer for smoother transitions instead of rebuilding
                       return Container(
                         decoration: BoxDecoration(
                           color: navBgColor,
@@ -175,56 +249,7 @@ class _GlobalPlayerOverlayState extends State<GlobalPlayerOverlay>
                                 ]
                               : null,
                         ),
-                        child: BottomNavigationBar(
-                          currentIndex: navigationProvider.selectedIndex,
-                          onTap: (index) {
-                            // Collapse player if expanded
-                            if (GlobalPlayerOverlay.isPlayerExpanded) {
-                              GlobalPlayerOverlay.collapsePlayer();
-                            }
-
-                            // Pop any pushed routes (album/artist details) first
-                            navigationProvider.navigatorKey.currentState?.popUntil((route) => route.isFirst);
-
-                            // Hide mini player on Settings screen, show on other screens
-                            if (index == 3) {
-                              GlobalPlayerOverlay.hidePlayer();
-                            } else if (navigationProvider.selectedIndex == 3) {
-                              GlobalPlayerOverlay.showPlayer();
-                            }
-
-                            navigationProvider.setSelectedIndex(index);
-                          },
-                          backgroundColor: Colors.transparent,
-                          selectedItemColor: navSelectedColor,
-                          unselectedItemColor: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.54),
-                          elevation: 0,
-                          type: BottomNavigationBarType.fixed,
-                          selectedFontSize: 12,
-                          unselectedFontSize: 12,
-                          items: const [
-                            BottomNavigationBarItem(
-                              icon: Icon(Icons.home_outlined),
-                              activeIcon: Icon(Icons.home_rounded),
-                              label: 'Home',
-                            ),
-                            BottomNavigationBarItem(
-                              icon: Icon(Icons.library_music_outlined),
-                              activeIcon: Icon(Icons.library_music_rounded),
-                              label: 'Library',
-                            ),
-                            BottomNavigationBarItem(
-                              icon: Icon(Icons.search_rounded),
-                              activeIcon: Icon(Icons.search_rounded),
-                              label: 'Search',
-                            ),
-                            BottomNavigationBarItem(
-                              icon: Icon(Icons.settings_outlined),
-                              activeIcon: Icon(Icons.settings_rounded),
-                              label: 'Settings',
-                            ),
-                          ],
-                        ),
+                        child: navBar, // Reuse pre-built navigation bar
                       );
                     },
                   );
@@ -234,17 +259,22 @@ class _GlobalPlayerOverlayState extends State<GlobalPlayerOverlay>
           ),
         ),
         // Global player overlay - slides down when hidden, renders ON TOP of bottom nav
-        AnimatedBuilder(
-          animation: _slideAnimation,
-          builder: (context, child) {
-            return Consumer<MusicAssistantProvider>(
-              builder: (context, maProvider, _) {
-                // Only show player if connected and has a selected player
-                // Mini player is now permanent - shows device selector even without a track
-                if (!maProvider.isConnected ||
-                    maProvider.selectedPlayer == null) {
-                  return const SizedBox.shrink();
-                }
+        // Use Selector instead of Consumer to avoid rebuilds during animation
+        Selector<MusicAssistantProvider, ({bool isConnected, bool hasPlayer})>(
+          selector: (_, provider) => (
+            isConnected: provider.isConnected,
+            hasPlayer: provider.selectedPlayer != null,
+          ),
+          builder: (context, state, child) {
+            // Only show player if connected and has a selected player
+            if (!state.isConnected || !state.hasPlayer) {
+              return const SizedBox.shrink();
+            }
+            return AnimatedBuilder(
+              animation: _slideAnimation,
+              child: ExpandablePlayer(key: globalPlayerKey, slideOffset: 0),
+              builder: (context, staticChild) {
+                // Only slideOffset changes during animation, player widget stays same
                 return ExpandablePlayer(
                   key: globalPlayerKey,
                   slideOffset: _slideAnimation.value,

lib/widgets/player/device_selector_bar.dart

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import '../../theme/design_tokens.dart';
 /// A compact device selector bar shown when no track is playing
 class DeviceSelectorBar extends StatelessWidget {
   final dynamic selectedPlayer;
+  final dynamic peekPlayer;
   final bool hasMultiplePlayers;
   final Color backgroundColor;
   final Color textColor;
@@ -11,11 +12,14 @@ class DeviceSelectorBar extends StatelessWidget {
   final double height;
   final double borderRadius;
   final double slideOffset;
+  final GestureDragStartCallback? onHorizontalDragStart;
+  final GestureDragUpdateCallback? onHorizontalDragUpdate;
   final GestureDragEndCallback? onHorizontalDragEnd;
 
   const DeviceSelectorBar({
     super.key,
     required this.selectedPlayer,
+    this.peekPlayer,
     required this.hasMultiplePlayers,
     required this.backgroundColor,
     required this.textColor,
@@ -23,12 +27,16 @@ class DeviceSelectorBar extends StatelessWidget {
     required this.height,
     required this.borderRadius,
     required this.slideOffset,
+    this.onHorizontalDragStart,
+    this.onHorizontalDragUpdate,
     this.onHorizontalDragEnd,
   });
 
   @override
   Widget build(BuildContext context) {
     return GestureDetector(
+      onHorizontalDragStart: hasMultiplePlayers ? onHorizontalDragStart : null,
+      onHorizontalDragUpdate: hasMultiplePlayers ? onHorizontalDragUpdate : null,
       onHorizontalDragEnd: hasMultiplePlayers ? onHorizontalDragEnd : null,
       child: Material(
         color: backgroundColor,
@@ -40,47 +48,56 @@ class DeviceSelectorBar extends StatelessWidget {
           width: width,
           height: height,
           child: ClipRect(
-            child: Transform.translate(
-              offset: Offset(slideOffset * width, 0),
-              child: Padding(
-                padding: Spacing.paddingH16,
-                child: Row(
-                  children: [
-                    Icon(
-                      _getPlayerIcon(selectedPlayer.name),
-                      color: textColor,
-                      size: IconSizes.md,
-                    ),
-                    Spacing.hGap12,
-                    Expanded(
-                      child: Column(
-                        mainAxisAlignment: MainAxisAlignment.center,
-                        crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
-                        children: [
-                          Text(
-                            selectedPlayer.name,
-                            style: TextStyle(
-                              color: textColor,
-                              fontSize: 16,
-                              fontWeight: FontWeight.w500,
-                            ),
-                            maxLines: 1,
-                            overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
-                          ),
-                          if (hasMultiplePlayers)
-                            Text(
-                              'Swipe to switch device',
-                              style: TextStyle(
-                                color: textColor.withOpacity(0.6),
-                                fontSize: 12,
+            child: Stack(
+              children: [
+                // Peek player content (shows when dragging)
+                if (slideOffset.abs() > 0.01 && peekPlayer != null)
+                  _buildPeekContent(),
+
+                // Current player content
+                Transform.translate(
+                  offset: Offset(slideOffset * width, 0),
+                  child: Padding(
+                    padding: Spacing.paddingH16,
+                    child: Row(
+                      children: [
+                        Icon(
+                          _getPlayerIcon(selectedPlayer.name),
+                          color: textColor,
+                          size: IconSizes.md,
+                        ),
+                        Spacing.hGap12,
+                        Expanded(
+                          child: Column(
+                            mainAxisAlignment: MainAxisAlignment.center,
+                            crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
+                            children: [
+                              Text(
+                                selectedPlayer.name,
+                                style: TextStyle(
+                                  color: textColor,
+                                  fontSize: 16,
+                                  fontWeight: FontWeight.w500,
+                                ),
+                                maxLines: 1,
+                                overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
                               ),
-                            ),
-                        ],
-                      ),
+                              if (hasMultiplePlayers)
+                                Text(
+                                  'Swipe to switch device',
+                                  style: TextStyle(
+                                    color: textColor.withOpacity(0.6),
+                                    fontSize: 12,
+                                  ),
+                                ),
+                            ],
+                          ),
+                        ),
+                      ],
                     ),
-                  ],
+                  ),
                 ),
-              ),
+              ],
             ),
           ),
         ),
@@ -88,6 +105,60 @@ class DeviceSelectorBar extends StatelessWidget {
     );
   }
 
+  /// Build peek player content that slides in from the edge
+  Widget _buildPeekContent() {
+    final isFromRight = slideOffset < 0;
+    final peekProgress = slideOffset.abs();
+
+    // Calculate peek position - slides in as main content slides out
+    final peekBaseOffset = isFromRight
+        ? width * (1 - peekProgress)
+        : -width * (1 - peekProgress);
+
+    return Transform.translate(
+      offset: Offset(peekBaseOffset, 0),
+      child: Padding(
+        padding: Spacing.paddingH16,
+        child: Row(
+          children: [
+            Icon(
+              _getPlayerIcon(peekPlayer.name),
+              color: textColor,
+              size: IconSizes.md,
+            ),
+            Spacing.hGap12,
+            Expanded(
+              child: Column(
+                mainAxisAlignment: MainAxisAlignment.center,
+                crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
+                children: [
+                  Text(
+                    peekPlayer.name,
+                    style: TextStyle(
+                      color: textColor,
+                      fontSize: 16,
+                      fontWeight: FontWeight.w500,
+                    ),
+                    maxLines: 1,
+                    overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
+                  ),
+                  if (hasMultiplePlayers)
+                    Text(
+                      'Swipe to switch device',
+                      style: TextStyle(
+                        color: textColor.withOpacity(0.6),
+                        fontSize: 12,
+                      ),
+                    ),
+                ],
+              ),
+            ),
+          ],
+        ),
+      ),
+    );
+  }
+
   /// Get appropriate icon for player based on name
   IconData _getPlayerIcon(String playerName) {
     final nameLower = playerName.toLowerCase();

lib/widgets/player/queue_panel.dart

@@ -89,6 +89,8 @@ class QueuePanel extends StatelessWidget {
     return ListView.builder(
       padding: Spacing.paddingH8,
       cacheExtent: 500,
+      addAutomaticKeepAlives: false, // Items don't need individual keep-alive
+      addRepaintBoundaries: false, // We add RepaintBoundary manually
       itemCount: items.length,
       itemBuilder: (context, index) {
         final item = items[index];
@@ -96,7 +98,8 @@ class QueuePanel extends StatelessWidget {
         final isPastItem = index < currentIndex;
         final imageUrl = maProvider.api?.getImageUrl(item.track, size: 80);
 
-        return Opacity(
+        return RepaintBoundary(
+          child: Opacity(
           opacity: isPastItem ? 0.5 : 1.0,
           child: Container(
             margin: EdgeInsets.symmetric(vertical: Spacing.xxs),
@@ -162,6 +165,7 @@ class QueuePanel extends StatelessWidget {
               },
             ),
           ),
+          ),
         );
       },
     );

lib/widgets/track_row.dart

@@ -0,0 +1,260 @@
+import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
+import 'package:provider/provider.dart';
+import 'package:cached_network_image/cached_network_image.dart';
+import '../models/media_item.dart';
+import '../providers/music_assistant_provider.dart';
+import '../services/debug_logger.dart';
+
+class TrackRow extends StatefulWidget {
+  final String title;
+  final Future<List<Track>> Function() loadTracks;
+  final double? rowHeight;
+
+  const TrackRow({
+    super.key,
+    required this.title,
+    required this.loadTracks,
+    this.rowHeight,
+  });
+
+  @override
+  State<TrackRow> createState() => _TrackRowState();
+}
+
+class _TrackRowState extends State<TrackRow> with AutomaticKeepAliveClientMixin {
+  late Future<List<Track>> _tracksFuture;
+  List<Track>? _cachedTracks;
+  bool _hasLoaded = false;
+
+  @override
+  bool get wantKeepAlive => true;
+
+  @override
+  void initState() {
+    super.initState();
+    _loadTracksOnce();
+  }
+
+  void _loadTracksOnce() {
+    if (!_hasLoaded) {
+      _tracksFuture = widget.loadTracks().then((tracks) {
+        _cachedTracks = tracks;
+        return tracks;
+      });
+      _hasLoaded = true;
+    }
+  }
+
+  static final _logger = DebugLogger();
+
+  @override
+  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
+    _logger.startBuild('TrackRow:${widget.title}');
+    super.build(context);
+    final textTheme = Theme.of(context).textTheme;
+    final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
+
+    // Total row height includes title + content
+    final totalHeight = widget.rowHeight ?? 224.0; // Default: 44 title + 180 content
+    const titleHeight = 44.0; // 12 top padding + ~24 text + 8 bottom padding
+    final contentHeight = totalHeight - titleHeight;
+
+    final result = RepaintBoundary(
+      child: SizedBox(
+        height: totalHeight,
+        child: Column(
+          crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
+          children: [
+            Padding(
+              padding: const EdgeInsets.fromLTRB(16.0, 12.0, 16.0, 8.0),
+              child: Text(
+                widget.title,
+                style: textTheme.titleLarge?.copyWith(
+                fontWeight: FontWeight.bold,
+                color: colorScheme.onBackground,
+              ),
+            ),
+          ),
+          Expanded(
+            child: FutureBuilder<List<Track>>(
+              future: _tracksFuture,
+              builder: (context, snapshot) {
+                final tracks = snapshot.data ?? _cachedTracks;
+
+                if (tracks == null && snapshot.connectionState == ConnectionState.waiting) {
+                  return const Center(child: CircularProgressIndicator());
+                }
+
+                if (snapshot.hasError && tracks == null) {
+                  return Center(
+                    child: Text('Error: ${snapshot.error}'),
+                  );
+                }
+
+                if (tracks == null || tracks.isEmpty) {
+                  return Center(
+                    child: Text(
+                      'No tracks found',
+                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.5)),
+                    ),
+                  );
+                }
+
+                // Card layout: square artwork + text below
+                // Text area: 8px gap + ~18px title + ~18px artist = ~44px
+                const textAreaHeight = 44.0;
+                final artworkSize = contentHeight - textAreaHeight;
+                final cardWidth = artworkSize; // Card width = artwork width (square)
+                final itemExtent = cardWidth + 12;
+
+                return ScrollConfiguration(
+                  behavior: const _StretchScrollBehavior(),
+                  child: ListView.builder(
+                    scrollDirection: Axis.horizontal,
+                    padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 12.0),
+                    itemCount: tracks.length,
+                    itemExtent: itemExtent,
+                    cacheExtent: 500, // Preload ~3 items ahead for smoother scrolling
+                    addAutomaticKeepAlives: false, // Row already uses AutomaticKeepAliveClientMixin
+                    addRepaintBoundaries: false, // Cards already have RepaintBoundary
+                    itemBuilder: (context, index) {
+                      final track = tracks[index];
+                      return Container(
+                        key: ValueKey(track.uri ?? track.itemId),
+                        width: cardWidth,
+                        margin: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 6.0),
+                        child: _TrackCard(
+                          track: track,
+                          tracks: tracks,
+                          index: index,
+                        ),
+                      );
+                    },
+                  ),
+                );
+              },
+            ),
+          ),
+          ],
+        ),
+      ),
+    );
+    _logger.endBuild('TrackRow:${widget.title}');
+    return result;
+  }
+}
+
+class _TrackCard extends StatelessWidget {
+  final Track track;
+  final List<Track> tracks;
+  final int index;
+
+  const _TrackCard({
+    required this.track,
+    required this.tracks,
+    required this.index,
+  });
+
+  @override
+  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
+    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
+    // Try track image first, then album image
+    final trackImageUrl = maProvider.getImageUrl(track, size: 256);
+    final albumImageUrl = track.album != null
+        ? maProvider.getImageUrl(track.album!, size: 256)
+        : null;
+    final imageUrl = trackImageUrl ?? albumImageUrl;
+    final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
+    final textTheme = Theme.of(context).textTheme;
+
+    return RepaintBoundary(
+      child: GestureDetector(
+        onTap: () => _playTrack(context, maProvider),
+        child: Column(
+          crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
+          children: [
+            // Album artwork
+            AspectRatio(
+              aspectRatio: 1.0,
+              child: ClipRRect(
+                borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(12.0),
+                child: Container(
+                  color: colorScheme.surfaceVariant,
+                  child: imageUrl != null
+                      ? CachedNetworkImage(
+                          imageUrl: imageUrl,
+                          fit: BoxFit.cover,
+                          memCacheWidth: 256,
+                          memCacheHeight: 256,
+                          fadeInDuration: const Duration(milliseconds: 150),
+                          placeholder: (context, url) => const SizedBox(),
+                          errorWidget: (context, url, error) => Icon(
+                            Icons.music_note_rounded,
+                            size: 64,
+                            color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
+                          ),
+                        )
+                      : Center(
+                          child: Icon(
+                            Icons.music_note_rounded,
+                            size: 64,
+                            color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
+                          ),
+                        ),
+                ),
+              ),
+            ),
+            const SizedBox(height: 8),
+            // Track title
+            Text(
+              track.name,
+              maxLines: 1,
+              overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
+              style: textTheme.titleSmall?.copyWith(
+                color: colorScheme.onSurface,
+                fontWeight: FontWeight.w500,
+              ),
+            ),
+            // Artist name
+            Text(
+              track.artistsString,
+              maxLines: 1,
+              overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
+              style: textTheme.bodySmall?.copyWith(
+                color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.7),
+              ),
+            ),
+          ],
+        ),
+      ),
+    );
+  }
+
+  Future<void> _playTrack(BuildContext context, MusicAssistantProvider maProvider) async {
+    if (maProvider.selectedPlayer == null) {
+      ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+        const SnackBar(content: Text('No player selected')),
+      );
+      return;
+    }
+
+    await maProvider.playTracks(
+      maProvider.selectedPlayer!.playerId,
+      tracks,
+      startIndex: index,
+    );
+  }
+}
+
+class _StretchScrollBehavior extends ScrollBehavior {
+  const _StretchScrollBehavior();
+
+  @override
+  Widget buildOverscrollIndicator(
+      BuildContext context, Widget child, ScrollableDetails details) {
+    return StretchingOverscrollIndicator(
+      axisDirection: details.direction,
+      child: child,
+    );
+  }
+}

lib/widgets/volume_control.dart

@@ -109,17 +109,19 @@ class _VolumeControlState extends State<VolumeControl> {
           },
         ),
         Expanded(
-          child: SliderTheme(
-            data: SliderThemeData(
-              trackHeight: 2,
-              thumbShape: const RoundSliderThumbShape(enabledThumbRadius: 6),
-              overlayShape: const RoundSliderOverlayShape(overlayRadius: 14),
-              activeTrackColor: Colors.white,
-              inactiveTrackColor: Colors.white.withOpacity(0.3),
-              thumbColor: Colors.white,
-              overlayColor: Colors.white.withOpacity(0.2),
-            ),
-            child: Slider(
+          child: SizedBox(
+            height: 48, // Increase touch target height
+            child: SliderTheme(
+              data: SliderThemeData(
+                trackHeight: 2,
+                thumbShape: const RoundSliderThumbShape(enabledThumbRadius: 6),
+                overlayShape: const RoundSliderOverlayShape(overlayRadius: 20),
+                activeTrackColor: Colors.white,
+                inactiveTrackColor: Colors.white.withOpacity(0.3),
+                thumbColor: Colors.white,
+                overlayColor: Colors.white.withOpacity(0.2),
+              ),
+              child: Slider(
               value: currentVolume.clamp(0.0, 1.0),
               onChanged: (value) {
                 setState(() {
@@ -163,6 +165,7 @@ class _VolumeControlState extends State<VolumeControl> {
                 }
               },
             ),
+            ),
           ),
         ),
         SizedBox(

pubspec.yaml

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 name: ensemble
 description: A minimalistic Music Assistant client built with Flutter
 publish_to: 'none'
-version: 1.4.0+4
+version: 1.8.0+9
 
 environment:
   sdk: '>=3.0.0 <4.0.0'
@@ -28,6 +28,9 @@ dependencies:
 
   # Utilities
   uuid: ^4.2.1
+  package_info_plus: ^8.0.0
+  device_info_plus: ^10.1.0
+  share_plus: ^9.0.0
 
   # Audio - Local Playback
   just_audio: ^0.9.36