Bump version to 2.7.4-beta

🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.com/claude-code) Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>
Improve accessibility and touch targets
2026-01-01 23:19:33 +00:00 · 2026-01-01 22:58:12 +00:00 · 2026-01-01 22:55:59 +00:00 · 2026-01-01 22:28:49 +00:00 · 2026-01-01 22:16:36 +00:00 · 2026-01-01 21:24:46 +00:00
61 changed files with 8391 additions and 1727 deletions
@@ -0,0 +1,391 @@
+# Ensemble Codebase Intensive Audit Prompt
+
+## Overview
+
+You are tasked with conducting an intensive, comprehensive audit of the **Ensemble** Flutter application - a Music Assistant client for Android with multi-device synchronization, local playback, and Sendspin raw audio streaming capabilities.
+
+**Codebase Statistics:**
+- 90 Dart files, ~40,583 lines of code
+- 18 screens, 27 services, 6 providers
+- Architecture: Provider pattern with ChangeNotifier
+- Audio: just_audio + flutter_pcm_sound + audio_service
+- Networking: WebSocket (JSON-RPC) + HTTP + Sendspin binary protocol
+
+---
+
+## Audit Scope
+
+Perform a thorough audit covering ALL of the following areas. For each issue found, provide:
+1. **File path and line number(s)**
+2. **Severity**: CRITICAL / HIGH / MEDIUM / LOW
+3. **Description** of the issue
+4. **Impact** if left unfixed
+5. **Recommended fix** with code example where applicable
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 1: SECURITY AUDIT
+
+### 1.1 Credential Storage (CRITICAL PRIORITY)
+Audit `/lib/services/settings_service.dart` for:
+- [ ] Plaintext password storage in SharedPreferences (lines 209-222)
+- [ ] Auth tokens stored without encryption
+- [ ] Serialized credentials in JSON format (lines 169-190)
+
+**Expected Finding:** Credentials stored insecurely. Recommend flutter_secure_storage.
+
+### 1.2 Certificate Validation
+Audit `/lib/services/auth/auth_manager.dart` for:
+- [ ] HTTPS redirect handling for local IPs
+- [ ] Certificate validation disabled scenarios
+- [ ] MITM vulnerability exposure
+
+### 1.3 Authentication Strategies
+Audit all files in `/lib/services/auth/`:
+- [ ] `basic_auth_strategy.dart` - Base64 encoding (not encryption)
+- [ ] `authelia_strategy.dart` - Session cookie handling, timing attack (line 159)
+- [ ] `ma_auth_strategy.dart` - Token refresh mechanism
+- [ ] `no_auth_strategy.dart` - Public server exposure
+
+### 1.4 Input Validation
+Audit `/lib/services/music_assistant_api.dart`:
+- [ ] URI construction without validation (lines 1346-1360)
+- [ ] Provider/itemId injection risks
+- [ ] WebSocket message validation
+
+### 1.5 Information Disclosure
+- [ ] Debug logs exposing sensitive data (check all `_logger.log()` calls)
+- [ ] Server version exposure via `server_info`
+- [ ] Error messages leaking technical details
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 2: MEMORY MANAGEMENT AUDIT
+
+### 2.1 Static Memory Leaks
+Audit `/lib/models/player.dart`:
+- [ ] `_playerCreationTimes` static map (lines 96-144) - grows unbounded
+- [ ] Cleanup only removes 50 of 100+ entries
+
+### 2.2 Unbounded Caches
+Audit `/lib/services/cache_service.dart`:
+- [ ] `_albumTracksCache` - no size limit
+- [ ] `_artistAlbumsCache` - no TTL expiration
+- [ ] `_searchCache` - never evicted
+- [ ] `_playerTrackCache` - only cleared on disconnect
+
+### 2.3 Stream/Timer Cleanup
+Audit `/lib/providers/music_assistant_provider.dart`:
+- [ ] `_playerStateTimer` disposal (line 4435-4445)
+- [ ] `_notificationPositionTimer` multiple creation paths (lines 2925-2940)
+- [ ] `_localPlayerEventSubscription` cleanup
+- [ ] `_playerUpdatedEventSubscription` cleanup
+- [ ] `_playerAddedEventSubscription` cleanup
+
+Audit `/lib/services/hardware_volume_service.dart`:
+- [ ] `_volumeUpController` never closed (lines 74-85)
+- [ ] `_volumeDownController` never closed
+
+### 2.4 Stream Subscription Leaks
+Audit `/lib/providers/music_assistant_provider.dart`:
+- [ ] `_api!.connectionState.listen()` - subscription not stored
+- [ ] Old subscriptions not cancelled before new API instance
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 3: RACE CONDITION AUDIT
+
+### 3.1 Player State Dual Updates
+Audit `/lib/providers/music_assistant_provider.dart`:
+- [ ] Timer polling (every 5s) vs WebSocket events racing
+- [ ] `_updatePlayerState()` called from both paths
+- [ ] No mutex/lock protection
+
+### 3.2 Async Method Reentrancy
+Audit `selectPlayer()` method:
+- [ ] `async` method without guard against concurrent calls
+- [ ] `_selectedPlayer` modified before and after `await`
+- [ ] State could change during await
+
+### 3.3 Fire-and-Forget Operations
+Search for `unawaited(` and `() async {` patterns:
+- [ ] `_persistPlaybackState()` - database save not awaited
+- [ ] Pause operations fire-and-forget (lines 3876-3894)
+- [ ] Preload operations (line 2707)
+
+### 3.4 PCM Player State Machine
+Audit `/lib/services/pcm_audio_player.dart`:
+- [ ] 9-state machine with complex transitions (lines 32-37)
+- [ ] Auto-recovery race condition (lines 215-229)
+- [ ] Feed loop during pause transition (lines 174-179)
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 4: ERROR HANDLING AUDIT
+
+### 4.1 Silent Exception Handlers (CRITICAL)
+Find all instances of:
+```dart
+} catch (e) {}
+} catch (_) {}
+```
+
+Known locations:
+- [ ] `music_assistant_provider.dart` (multiple)
+- [ ] `player_provider.dart` (3 instances)
+- [ ] `recently_played_service.dart`
+
+### 4.2 Missing Error Recovery
+- [ ] No exponential backoff on connection retry
+- [ ] No retry logic for failed API calls
+- [ ] WebSocket timeout handling (30 seconds - too long?)
+
+### 4.3 Null Safety Violations
+Find all `!` (null assertion) operators:
+- [ ] `search_screen.dart` (20+ instances)
+- [ ] `models/media_item.dart`
+- [ ] `models/player.dart`
+- [ ] `item.mediaItem! as Artist` patterns
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 5: ARCHITECTURAL ISSUES
+
+### 5.1 God Class
+Audit `/lib/providers/music_assistant_provider.dart`:
+- [ ] 4,469 lines - violates Single Responsibility
+- [ ] 386 conditional branches
+- [ ] Mixing: connection, players, library, sync, audio, position tracking
+
+**Recommend splitting into:**
+- ConnectionProvider (~500 LOC)
+- PlayerManager (~800 LOC)
+- LibraryProvider (~1000 LOC)
+- LocalPlaybackManager (~600 LOC)
+
+### 5.2 Oversized Widget Files
+- [ ] `expandable_player.dart` - 2,485 lines (should be <500)
+- [ ] `global_player_overlay.dart` - 737 lines
+- [ ] `new_library_screen.dart` - 2,521 lines
+
+### 5.3 Global Key Anti-Pattern
+Audit `/lib/widgets/global_player_overlay.dart`:
+- [ ] `globalPlayerKey` for state access
+- [ ] `_overlayStateKey` for overlay state
+- [ ] Should use Provider/context instead
+
+### 5.4 Primitive Obsession
+- [ ] View modes as strings ('grid2', 'grid3', 'list')
+- [ ] Media types as strings ('track', 'album', 'artist')
+- [ ] Should be strongly-typed enums
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 6: CODE QUALITY ISSUES
+
+### 6.1 Testing (CRITICAL)
+- [ ] **ZERO test files exist** - confirm this
+- [ ] No unit tests, widget tests, or integration tests
+- [ ] flutter_test dependency exists but unused
+
+### 6.2 Hardcoded Values
+Find and document all:
+- [ ] Color hex codes (50+ instances of `Color(0xFF...`)
+- [ ] Duration values not using `Timings` constants
+- [ ] Magic numbers (16, 4, 5, 100, 50)
+- [ ] String literals for media types
+
+### 6.3 Mixed Async Patterns
+- [ ] `.then()` chains alongside async/await
+- [ ] `.whenComplete()` usage
+- [ ] Consolidate to async/await
+
+### 6.4 Dead Code
+- [ ] `@Deprecated` methods still implemented
+- [ ] `animation_debugger.dart` - dev-only?
+- [ ] Unused imports
+
+### 6.5 TODO Comments
+Document all actionable TODOs:
+- [ ] `queue_screen.dart:214` - queue item removal
+- [ ] `audiobook_detail_screen.dart:261,312` - progress sync
+- [ ] `music_assistant_provider.dart:793,799` - playlist modification
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 7: UI/UX AUDIT
+
+### 7.1 Accessibility (CRITICAL)
+Audit for missing:
+- [ ] `Semantics` widgets on interactive elements
+- [ ] `Tooltip` on icon buttons
+- [ ] Screen reader support
+- [ ] Touch target sizes (minimum 48dp)
+- [ ] Color contrast validation (WCAG AA)
+
+### 7.2 Performance Issues
+Audit `/lib/widgets/expandable_player.dart`:
+- [ ] No `RepaintBoundary` wrappers
+- [ ] 55+ `setState()` calls
+- [ ] 3 AnimationControllers with multiple listeners
+- [ ] Title height cache invalidation (lines 118+)
+
+### 7.3 Double Opacity Bug
+Audit `/lib/widgets/player/player_controls.dart`:
+```dart
+color: (shuffle == true ? primaryColor : textColor.withOpacity(0.5))
+    .withOpacity(expandedElementsOpacity),
+```
+- [ ] Double `.withOpacity()` application
+
+### 7.4 Missing Features
+- [ ] No landscape orientation support
+- [ ] No tablet layout optimization
+- [ ] No loading skeleton animations
+- [ ] No haptic feedback (except one location)
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 8: AUDIO PLAYBACK AUDIT
+
+### 8.1 Position Interpolation
+Audit `/lib/services/position_tracker.dart`:
+- [ ] No timeout on anchor updates - unbounded drift possible
+- [ ] Duration interpolation can exceed track duration
+- [ ] Stale timestamp handling (>30 seconds)
+
+### 8.2 Sendspin Protocol
+Audit `/lib/services/sendspin_service.dart`:
+- [ ] Proxy auth retry without deduplication (lines 188-209)
+- [ ] WebSocket binary frame parsing
+- [ ] Clock synchronization accuracy
+
+### 8.3 Audio Resource Cleanup
+Audit `/lib/services/audio/massiv_audio_handler.dart`:
+- [ ] Audio session interrupt listeners not disposed
+- [ ] Audio focus not explicitly released
+
+### 8.4 Mixed Playback Modes
+- [ ] just_audio initialized but unused during Sendspin
+- [ ] Resource allocation for unused player
+- [ ] Potential audio focus conflicts
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 9: NETWORKING AUDIT
+
+### 9.1 WebSocket Lifecycle
+Audit `/lib/services/music_assistant_api.dart`:
+- [ ] Heartbeat interval (30s) - appropriate?
+- [ ] Reconnection logic and timing
+- [ ] Pending request cleanup on disconnect
+
+### 9.2 Caching Strategy
+- [ ] No incremental/delta sync (full library every 5 minutes)
+- [ ] Cache staleness not communicated to UI
+- [ ] No query result pagination (fetches up to 5000 items)
+
+### 9.3 Rate Limiting
+- [ ] No client-side rate limiting
+- [ ] Search requests not throttled
+- [ ] Could overload server
+
+### 9.4 Offline Support
+Audit `/lib/services/offline_action_queue.dart`:
+- [ ] Queue execution not atomic (lines 118-130)
+- [ ] Action could execute twice on crash
+- [ ] Queue stored unencrypted
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 10: DATABASE AUDIT
+
+### 10.1 Schema Review
+Audit `/lib/database/database.dart`:
+- [ ] Table indexes for query performance
+- [ ] Foreign key constraints
+- [ ] Migration strategy
+
+### 10.2 Query Patterns
+- [ ] N+1 query prevention
+- [ ] Transaction usage for atomic operations
+- [ ] Connection pooling
+
+### 10.3 Data Consistency
+- [ ] Tier 1 (DB) vs Tier 2 (API sync) race conditions
+- [ ] User modifications during background sync
+- [ ] Conflict resolution strategy
+
+---
+
+## Deliverables
+
+After completing the audit, provide:
+
+### 1. Executive Summary
+- Overall code quality score (1-10)
+- Top 5 critical issues requiring immediate attention
+- Estimated technical debt in developer-hours
+
+### 2. Issue Tracker
+Create a prioritized list of all issues found:
+| ID | Severity | Category | File:Line | Description | Effort |
+|----|----------|----------|-----------|-------------|--------|
+
+### 3. Recommended Roadmap
+Sprint-based plan to address findings:
+- Sprint 1 (Immediate): Security fixes, silent exception handlers
+- Sprint 2-3: God class decomposition, test infrastructure
+- Sprint 4-6: Memory leak fixes, accessibility
+- Long-term: Performance optimization, monitoring
+
+### 4. Code Examples
+For each CRITICAL and HIGH severity issue, provide:
+- Current problematic code
+- Recommended refactored code
+- Migration steps
+
+---
+
+## Files to Prioritize
+
+Start your audit with these critical files:
+
+1. `/lib/providers/music_assistant_provider.dart` (4,469 LOC) - God class
+2. `/lib/services/settings_service.dart` - Credential storage
+3. `/lib/services/music_assistant_api.dart` (2,929 LOC) - Networking
+4. `/lib/widgets/expandable_player.dart` (2,485 LOC) - UI complexity
+5. `/lib/services/auth/` directory - Security
+6. `/lib/models/player.dart` - Memory leaks
+7. `/lib/services/cache_service.dart` - Unbounded caches
+8. `/lib/services/position_tracker.dart` - Audio sync issues
+
+---
+
+## Known Critical Issues (Pre-Identified)
+
+These issues have been identified and MUST be verified and documented:
+
+1. **CRITICAL: Plaintext credential storage** - SharedPreferences without encryption
+2. **CRITICAL: Zero test coverage** - No unit, widget, or integration tests
+3. **CRITICAL: 4,469 line god class** - MusicAssistantProvider violates SRP
+4. **CRITICAL: Silent exception handlers** - `catch (e) {}` patterns
+5. **HIGH: Static memory leak** - `_playerCreationTimes` unbounded growth
+6. **HIGH: Race conditions** - Player state polling vs events
+7. **HIGH: No accessibility** - Missing Semantics, screen reader support
+8. **HIGH: Certificate validation disabled** - MITM vulnerability for local IPs
+9. **MEDIUM: Double opacity bug** - `.withOpacity().withOpacity()` in player controls
+10. **MEDIUM: Position tracker drift** - No timeout on anchor updates
+
+---
+
+## Audit Execution Notes
+
+- Use `Grep` tool to search for patterns across the codebase
+- Use `Read` tool to examine specific file sections
+- Document line numbers for all findings
+- Provide code snippets for context
+- Cross-reference related issues across files
+- Verify pre-identified issues exist and document their exact locations
+
+**Total estimated audit time: 4-6 hours for thorough coverage**
@@ -0,0 +1,419 @@
+# Ensemble Codebase - Comprehensive Audit Report
+
+**Audit Date:** 2026-01-01
+**Codebase:** Ensemble Flutter App (Music Assistant Client)
+**Version:** 2.7.3-beta+35
+**Total Lines of Code:** ~40,583 Dart
+**Files Analyzed:** 90 Dart files
+
+---
+
+## Executive Summary
+
+### Overall Code Quality Score: 5.5/10
+
+The Ensemble codebase demonstrates **strong architectural foundations** with a well-organized service layer, effective caching strategies, and sophisticated audio handling. However, the audit revealed **critical security vulnerabilities**, **zero test coverage**, and significant **technical debt** that must be addressed before production release.
+
+### Critical Statistics
+
+| Metric | Value | Status |
+|--------|-------|--------|
+| Test Coverage | 0% | CRITICAL |
+| God Class Size | 4,469 LOC | CRITICAL |
+| Silent Exception Handlers | 7 | CRITICAL |
+| Plaintext Credentials | 4 locations | CRITICAL |
+| Memory Leak Locations | 6 | HIGH |
+| Race Conditions | 4 | HIGH |
+| Accessibility (Semantics) | 0 widgets | CRITICAL |
+
+---
+
+## Issue Summary by Severity
+
+| Severity | Count | Categories |
+|----------|-------|------------|
+| **CRITICAL** | 12 | Security, Testing, Architecture, Accessibility |
+| **HIGH** | 18 | Memory, Race Conditions, Networking, Audio |
+| **MEDIUM** | 22 | Error Handling, UI, Caching, Code Quality |
+| **LOW** | 14 | Naming, Documentation, Minor Improvements |
+
+---
+
+## CRITICAL ISSUES (Immediate Action Required)
+
+### 1. Plaintext Credential Storage
+**File:** `/lib/services/settings_service.dart`
+**Lines:** 131-143, 147-159, 169-190, 209-222
+
+Passwords and auth tokens stored in SharedPreferences without encryption.
+
+```dart
+// VULNERABLE CODE
+static Future<void> setPassword(String? password) async {
+  final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+  await prefs.setString(_keyPassword, password);  // PLAINTEXT!
+}
+```
+
+**Fix:** Use `flutter_secure_storage` for all sensitive data.
+
+---
+
+### 2. Zero Test Coverage
+**Location:** Entire codebase
+
+No unit tests, widget tests, or integration tests exist. The `flutter_test` dependency is unused.
+
+**Impact:** Cannot safely refactor, high regression risk, no confidence in correctness.
+
+**Fix:** Establish test infrastructure immediately. Start with:
+- Unit tests for `MusicAssistantAPI`, `CacheService`, `ErrorHandler`
+- Widget tests for player controls
+- Integration tests for playback flows
+
+---
+
+### 3. God Class - MusicAssistantProvider
+**File:** `/lib/providers/music_assistant_provider.dart`
+**Size:** 4,469 lines, ~140 methods, 744 conditional branches
+
+Single class handles: connection, players, library, cache, audio, sync, offline queue.
+
+**Fix:** Split into:
+- `ConnectionManager` (~500 LOC)
+- `PlayerManager` (~800 LOC)
+- `LibraryCacheService` (~600 LOC)
+- `SendspinManager` (~400 LOC)
+- `MusicAssistantProvider` - Facade composing above (~800 LOC)
+
+---
+
+### 4. Zero Accessibility Support
+**Files:** `/lib/widgets/`, `/lib/screens/` (all)
+
+- **0** `Semantics` widgets
+- **0** `semanticLabel` properties
+- **1** `Tooltip` (entire app)
+- Screen readers cannot navigate the app
+
+**Fix:** Add Semantics to all interactive elements:
+```dart
+Semantics(
+  button: true,
+  label: isPlaying ? 'Pause playback' : 'Play',
+  child: IconButton(...)
+)
+```
+
+---
+
+### 5. Silent Exception Handlers
+**Locations:** 7 instances across codebase
+
+| File | Line | Code |
+|------|------|------|
+| player_provider.dart | 567, 575, 584 | `catch (e) {}` |
+| music_assistant_provider.dart | 2690 | `catch (e) {}` |
+| music_assistant_api.dart | 2542 | `catch (e) {}` |
+| recently_played_service.dart | 154, 206 | `catch (_) {}` |
+
+**Fix:** Add logging or use `firstWhereOrNull` instead of try/catch around `firstWhere`.
+
+---
+
+### 6. Audio Session Listeners Not Disposed
+**File:** `/lib/services/audio/massiv_audio_handler.dart`
+**Lines:** 45-73
+
+Stream subscriptions created but never cancelled - causes memory leaks and zombie listeners.
+
+**Fix:** Store subscriptions and cancel in dispose():
+```dart
+StreamSubscription? _interruptionSubscription;
+_interruptionSubscription = session.interruptionEventStream.listen(...);
+
+void dispose() {
+  _interruptionSubscription?.cancel();
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+## HIGH SEVERITY ISSUES
+
+### 7. Connection State Subscription Not Stored
+**File:** `/lib/providers/music_assistant_provider.dart:575-614`
+
+The `connectionState.listen()` return value is not stored - causes listener accumulation on reconnect.
+
+---
+
+### 8. Player State Race Condition
+**File:** `/lib/providers/music_assistant_provider.dart`
+
+Timer polling (every 5s) and WebSocket events can race to update `_selectedPlayer` and `_currentTrack` without mutex protection.
+
+---
+
+### 9. Async Method Reentrancy
+**File:** `/lib/providers/music_assistant_provider.dart:2713-2841`
+
+`selectPlayer()` is `void async` with no guard against concurrent calls. Multiple rapid player switches can interleave.
+
+---
+
+### 10. Unbounded Search Cache
+**File:** `/lib/services/cache_service.dart:31-32`
+
+`_searchCache` map has no size limit or proactive TTL eviction. Grows indefinitely with user searches.
+
+---
+
+### 11. Static Memory Leak
+**File:** `/lib/models/player.dart:96, 139-144`
+
+`_playerCreationTimes` static map cleanup only removes 50 of 100+ entries, allowing unbounded growth.
+
+---
+
+### 12. No Database Indexes
+**File:** `/lib/database/database.dart`
+
+No secondary indexes defined. Query performance degrades as database grows.
+
+---
+
+### 13. No Incremental Sync
+**File:** `/lib/services/sync_service.dart:150-165`
+
+Full library fetch (up to 4000 items) on every sync instead of delta updates.
+
+---
+
+### 14. Offline Queue Not Atomic
+**File:** `/lib/services/offline_action_queue.dart:80-108`
+
+Queue persistence happens after all processing - crash during processing loses successful actions.
+
+---
+
+### 15. Auth Retry Without Deduplication
+**File:** `/lib/services/sendspin_service.dart:189-209`
+
+Multiple auth messages can be sent during rapid reconnection attempts.
+
+---
+
+### 16. Pending Requests Not Completed on Disconnect
+**File:** `/lib/services/music_assistant_api.dart:2911`
+
+`_pendingRequests.clear()` abandons Completers without completing them with errors.
+
+---
+
+### 17. HTTP Fallback for Local IPs
+**File:** `/lib/services/auth/auth_manager.dart:51-58`
+
+HTTPS failures silently fall back to HTTP on local networks - MITM vulnerability.
+
+---
+
+### 18. Certificate Validation Bypassed
+**File:** `/lib/services/auth/auth_manager.dart:210-236`
+
+HTTPS redirects explicitly refused for local IPs due to expected certificate failures.
+
+---
+
+## MEDIUM SEVERITY ISSUES
+
+### 19. Double Opacity Bug
+**File:** `/lib/widgets/player/player_controls.dart:62-63, 99-100`
+
+```dart
+// BUG: .withOpacity(0.5).withOpacity(expandedElementsOpacity) compounds opacity
+color: (shuffle == true ? primaryColor : textColor.withOpacity(0.5))
+    .withOpacity(expandedElementsOpacity),
+```
+
+---
+
+### 20. Mixed Async Patterns
+**Locations:** 13 instances
+
+`.then()` chains mixed with `async/await` throughout the codebase.
+
+---
+
+### 21. Hardcoded Colors
+**Locations:** 55 instances
+
+`Color(0xFF604CEC)`, `Color(0xFF1a1a1a)` scattered across theme files and widgets.
+
+---
+
+### 22. View Modes as Strings
+**Locations:** 80+ instances
+
+`'grid2'`, `'grid3'`, `'list'` should be enums.
+
+---
+
+### 23. Fire-and-Forget Pause Commands
+**File:** `/lib/providers/music_assistant_provider.dart:3875-3894`
+
+Server pause command uses `unawaited()` - errors are silently lost.
+
+---
+
+### 24. Position Tracker Anchor Timeout Missing
+**File:** `/lib/services/position_tracker.dart:24-26`
+
+No timeout on stale anchor - interpolation can drift indefinitely.
+
+---
+
+### 25. PCM Buffer No Overflow Protection
+**File:** `/lib/services/pcm_audio_player.dart:68, 236-247`
+
+Audio buffer grows unbounded if data arrives faster than consumption.
+
+---
+
+### 26. No Client-Side Rate Limiting
+**Location:** App-wide
+
+No throttling on API requests during rapid user interactions.
+
+---
+
+### 27. Portrait-Only Lock
+**File:** `/lib/main.dart:64-68`
+
+No landscape orientation support.
+
+---
+
+### 28. Touch Targets Below 48dp
+**Files:** player_controls.dart, queue_panel.dart, player_card.dart
+
+Multiple buttons at 28x28 and 44x44 instead of minimum 48x48.
+
+---
+
+### 29. WCAG Contrast Not Validated
+**File:** `/lib/theme/palette_helper.dart`
+
+Uses 0.4 threshold instead of proper WCAG 4.5:1 contrast ratio calculation.
+
+---
+
+### 30. StreamControllers Not Closed
+**File:** `/lib/services/hardware_volume_service.dart:18-19, 74-85`
+
+`_volumeUpController` and `_volumeDownController` never closed in dispose().
+
+---
+
+## LOW SEVERITY ISSUES
+
+### 31-34. Naming Inconsistencies
+Mixed patterns: `_isLoading` vs `_isLoadingPlaylists`, various cache variable names.
+
+### 35-38. Missing TODO Implementations
+6 actionable TODOs identified (queue removal, audiobook progress sync, playlist modification).
+
+### 39-42. Dead/Unused Code
+- `@Deprecated` methods still implemented
+- `library_stats.dart` appears unused
+- `animation_debugger.dart` disabled by default
+
+### 43-44. Minor Documentation Gaps
+Missing method documentation, no architecture diagram.
+
+---
+
+## Recommended Remediation Roadmap
+
+### Sprint 1 (Week 1-2): Security & Critical Fixes
+1. Migrate credentials to `flutter_secure_storage`
+2. Add logging to all silent catch blocks
+3. Store connection state subscription
+4. Fix audio session listener disposal
+5. Add basic test infrastructure (10% coverage target)
+
+### Sprint 2 (Week 3-4): Memory & Race Conditions
+6. Add mutex to player state updates
+7. Add reentrancy guard to `selectPlayer()`
+8. Implement bounded caches with LRU eviction
+9. Fix static memory leak in Player model
+10. Store and cancel all stream subscriptions
+
+### Sprint 3 (Week 5-6): Architecture Refactoring
+11. Split `MusicAssistantProvider` into 5 smaller classes
+12. Split `expandable_player.dart` into component widgets
+13. Replace GlobalKey anti-patterns with Provider
+14. Convert string constants to enums
+15. Extract hardcoded colors to constants file
+
+### Sprint 4 (Week 7-8): Accessibility & UI
+16. Add Semantics to all interactive elements
+17. Increase touch targets to 48dp minimum
+18. Implement WCAG contrast validation
+19. Fix double opacity bug
+20. Add landscape orientation support
+
+### Sprint 5 (Week 9-10): Performance & Polish
+21. Add database indexes
+22. Implement incremental sync
+23. Add client-side rate limiting
+24. Fix atomic offline queue processing
+25. Achieve 30% test coverage target
+
+---
+
+## Files Requiring Most Attention
+
+| File | LOC | Issues | Priority |
+|------|-----|--------|----------|
+| `music_assistant_provider.dart` | 4,469 | 12 | CRITICAL |
+| `settings_service.dart` | 811 | 4 | CRITICAL |
+| `expandable_player.dart` | 2,485 | 6 | HIGH |
+| `music_assistant_api.dart` | 2,929 | 5 | HIGH |
+| `cache_service.dart` | 370 | 4 | HIGH |
+| `massiv_audio_handler.dart` | 296 | 2 | CRITICAL |
+| `player.dart` | 422 | 2 | HIGH |
+| `auth_manager.dart` | 300 | 3 | HIGH |
+
+---
+
+## Estimated Technical Debt
+
+| Category | Effort (Dev-Days) |
+|----------|-------------------|
+| Security Fixes | 3-5 |
+| Test Infrastructure | 10-15 |
+| Architecture Refactoring | 15-20 |
+| Memory Leak Fixes | 3-5 |
+| Accessibility | 5-8 |
+| UI/UX Polish | 3-5 |
+| Performance | 5-8 |
+| **Total** | **44-66 dev-days** |
+
+---
+
+## Conclusion
+
+The Ensemble app has a solid foundation with well-designed patterns for caching, audio handling, and multi-device synchronization. However, **critical security vulnerabilities** (plaintext credentials), **zero test coverage**, and a **4,469-line god class** represent significant risks that must be addressed before any production deployment.
+
+The most urgent priorities are:
+1. **Secure credential storage** - immediate security risk
+2. **Add test infrastructure** - enables safe refactoring
+3. **Split the god class** - enables maintainability
+4. **Add accessibility** - legal/compliance requirement
+
+With focused effort over 8-10 weeks, the codebase can be brought to production-quality standards.
+
+---
+
+*Audit conducted using 6 parallel specialized sub-agents analyzing security, memory management, race conditions, architecture, UI/UX, and audio/networking.*
@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
+# Search Improvements
+
+Branch: `feature/search-improvements`
+
+## Completed
+
+- [x] Add playlists and audiobooks to search results
+  - Parse from MA API response
+  - Filter chips for each type
+  - Tile builders with navigation to detail screens
+
+- [x] Unified Relevance-Based "All" Results
+  - Scoring algorithm implemented:
+    - Exact match: 100 points
+    - Starts with query: 80 points
+    - Contains query (word boundary): 60 points
+    - Contains query (anywhere): 40 points
+    - Fuzzy match: 20 points
+    - Bonus for library items (albums): +10 points
+    - Bonus for favorites: +5 points
+    - Secondary field matching (artist name in albums/tracks)
+  - Merged all results into single sorted list
+  - Type indicators in subtitle (e.g., "Artist • Album")
+
+- [x] Smart Cross-Referencing
+  - Extracts unique artists from matched tracks/albums
+  - Filters to artists whose name contains query words (min 3 chars)
+  - Adds cross-referenced artists with lower relevance score (25)
+  - Avoids duplicates with direct search results
+
+- [x] Past Searches Row
+  - Added SearchHistory table to database (schema v4)
+  - Saves successful searches (deduplicated, max 10)
+  - Displays as ActionChips in empty state
+  - Clicking chip performs that search
+
+## Remaining Ideas (Lower Priority)
+
+- **Library-only toggle:** Add switch to filter search to library items only (MA API supports this)
+- **Voice search:** Add microphone button if platform supports speech recognition
+- **Search suggestions:** Typeahead from library as user types
+- **Quick actions:** Long-press result for play/queue options without navigating
+- **Clear history in settings:** Add option to clear search history
+
+## Files Modified
+
+| File | Changes |
+|------|---------|
+| `lib/database/database.dart` | Added SearchHistory table, schema v4 |
+| `lib/services/database_service.dart` | Added search history methods |
+| `lib/screens/search_screen.dart` | Relevance scoring, cross-refs, history UI |
+| `lib/l10n/app_en.arb` | Added localization strings |
@@ -25,6 +25,8 @@ class Profiles extends Table {
 }

 /// Recently played items - scoped by profile
+@TableIndex(name: 'idx_recently_played_profile', columns: {#profileUsername})
+@TableIndex(name: 'idx_recently_played_profile_played', columns: {#profileUsername, #playedAt})
 class RecentlyPlayed extends Table {
  /// Auto-incrementing ID
  IntColumn get id => integer().autoIncrement()();
@@ -55,6 +57,8 @@ class RecentlyPlayed extends Table {
 }

 /// Cached library items for fast startup
+@TableIndex(name: 'idx_library_cache_type', columns: {#itemType})
+@TableIndex(name: 'idx_library_cache_type_deleted', columns: {#itemType, #isDeleted})
 class LibraryCache extends Table {
  /// Composite key: provider + item_id
  TextColumn get cacheKey => text()();
@@ -93,12 +97,101 @@ class SyncMetadata extends Table {
  Set<Column> get primaryKey => {syncType};
 }

-@DriftDatabase(tables: [Profiles, RecentlyPlayed, LibraryCache, SyncMetadata])
+/// Persisted playback state - survives app restarts and disconnects
+class PlaybackState extends Table {
+  /// Always 'current' - single row table
+  TextColumn get id => text().withDefault(const Constant('current'))();
+
+  /// Selected player ID
+  TextColumn get playerId => text().nullable()();
+
+  /// Selected player name (for display if player unavailable)
+  TextColumn get playerName => text().nullable()();
+
+  /// Current track as JSON
+  TextColumn get currentTrackJson => text().nullable()();
+
+  /// Current position in seconds
+  RealColumn get positionSeconds => real().withDefault(const Constant(0.0))();
+
+  /// Whether playback was active
+  BoolColumn get isPlaying => boolean().withDefault(const Constant(false))();
+
+  /// When this state was saved
+  DateTimeColumn get savedAt => dateTime()();
+
+  @override
+  Set<Column> get primaryKey => {id};
+}
+
+/// Cached player list - for instant display on app resume
+class CachedPlayers extends Table {
+  /// Player ID from Music Assistant
+  TextColumn get playerId => text()();
+
+  /// Player data as JSON
+  TextColumn get playerJson => text()();
+
+  /// Current track for this player as JSON (for mini player display)
+  TextColumn get currentTrackJson => text().nullable()();
+
+  /// When this was last updated
+  DateTimeColumn get lastUpdated => dateTime()();
+
+  @override
+  Set<Column> get primaryKey => {playerId};
+}
+
+/// Cached queue items for selected player
+@TableIndex(name: 'idx_cached_queue_player', columns: {#playerId})
+@TableIndex(name: 'idx_cached_queue_player_position', columns: {#playerId, #position})
+class CachedQueue extends Table {
+  /// Auto-incrementing ID for ordering
+  IntColumn get id => integer().autoIncrement()();
+
+  /// Player ID this queue belongs to
+  TextColumn get playerId => text()();
+
+  /// Queue item as JSON
+  TextColumn get itemJson => text()();
+
+  /// Position in queue
+  IntColumn get position => integer()();
+}
+
+/// Cached home row data for instant display on startup
+class HomeRowCache extends Table {
+  /// Row type: 'recent_albums', 'discover_artists', 'discover_albums'
+  TextColumn get rowType => text()();
+
+  /// Serialized list of items as JSON array
+  TextColumn get itemsJson => text()();
+
+  /// When this was last updated
+  DateTimeColumn get lastUpdated => dateTime()();
+
+  @override
+  Set<Column> get primaryKey => {rowType};
+}
+
+/// Search history for quick access to recent searches
+class SearchHistory extends Table {
+  /// Auto-incrementing ID
+  IntColumn get id => integer().autoIncrement()();
+
+  /// The search query
+  TextColumn get query => text()();
+
+  /// When the search was performed
+  DateTimeColumn get searchedAt => dateTime()();
+}
+
+@DriftDatabase(tables: [Profiles, RecentlyPlayed, LibraryCache, SyncMetadata, PlaybackState, CachedPlayers, CachedQueue, HomeRowCache, SearchHistory])
 class AppDatabase extends _$AppDatabase {
  AppDatabase([QueryExecutor? executor]) : super(executor ?? _openConnection());

  @override
-  int get schemaVersion => 1;
+  int get schemaVersion => 5;

  @override
  MigrationStrategy get migration {
@@ -107,7 +200,32 @@ class AppDatabase extends _$AppDatabase {
        await m.createAll();
      },
      onUpgrade: (Migrator m, int from, int to) async {
-        // Future migrations will go here
+        // Migration from v1 to v2: Add playback state, cached players, cached queue tables
+        if (from < 2) {
+          await m.createTable(playbackState);
+          await m.createTable(cachedPlayers);
+          await m.createTable(cachedQueue);
+        }
+        // Migration from v2 to v3: Add home row cache table
+        if (from < 3) {
+          await m.createTable(homeRowCache);
+        }
+        // Migration from v3 to v4: Add search history table
+        if (from < 4) {
+          await m.createTable(searchHistory);
+        }
+        // Migration from v4 to v5: Add indexes for query performance
+        if (from < 5) {
+          // RecentlyPlayed indexes
+          await customStatement('CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_recently_played_profile ON recently_played (profile_username)');
+          await customStatement('CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_recently_played_profile_played ON recently_played (profile_username, played_at)');
+          // LibraryCache indexes
+          await customStatement('CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_library_cache_type ON library_cache (item_type)');
+          await customStatement('CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_library_cache_type_deleted ON library_cache (item_type, is_deleted)');
+          // CachedQueue indexes
+          await customStatement('CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_cached_queue_player ON cached_queue (player_id)');
+          await customStatement('CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_cached_queue_player_position ON cached_queue (player_id, position)');
+        }
      },
    );
  }
@@ -327,4 +445,209 @@ class AppDatabase extends _$AppDatabase {
    if (lastSync == null) return true;
    return DateTime.now().difference(lastSync) > maxAge;
  }
+
+  // ============================================
+  // Playback State Operations
+  // ============================================
+
+  /// Save current playback state
+  Future<void> savePlaybackState({
+    String? playerId,
+    String? playerName,
+    String? currentTrackJson,
+    double positionSeconds = 0.0,
+    bool isPlaying = false,
+  }) async {
+    await into(playbackState).insertOnConflictUpdate(PlaybackStateCompanion.insert(
+      id: const Value('current'),
+      playerId: Value(playerId),
+      playerName: Value(playerName),
+      currentTrackJson: Value(currentTrackJson),
+      positionSeconds: Value(positionSeconds),
+      isPlaying: Value(isPlaying),
+      savedAt: DateTime.now(),
+    ));
+  }
+
+  /// Get saved playback state
+  Future<PlaybackStateData?> getPlaybackState() async {
+    return (select(playbackState)..where((p) => p.id.equals('current')))
+        .getSingleOrNull();
+  }
+
+  /// Clear playback state
+  Future<void> clearPlaybackState() async {
+    await delete(playbackState).go();
+  }
+
+  // ============================================
+  // Cached Players Operations
+  // ============================================
+
+  /// Cache a player with its current track
+  Future<void> cachePlayer({
+    required String playerId,
+    required String playerJson,
+    String? currentTrackJson,
+  }) async {
+    await into(cachedPlayers).insertOnConflictUpdate(CachedPlayersCompanion.insert(
+      playerId: playerId,
+      playerJson: playerJson,
+      currentTrackJson: Value(currentTrackJson),
+      lastUpdated: DateTime.now(),
+    ));
+  }
+
+  /// Cache multiple players at once
+  Future<void> cachePlayers(List<Map<String, dynamic>> players) async {
+    await transaction(() async {
+      for (final player in players) {
+        await into(cachedPlayers).insertOnConflictUpdate(CachedPlayersCompanion.insert(
+          playerId: player['playerId'] as String,
+          playerJson: player['playerJson'] as String,
+          currentTrackJson: Value(player['currentTrackJson'] as String?),
+          lastUpdated: DateTime.now(),
+        ));
+      }
+    });
+  }
+
+  /// Get all cached players
+  Future<List<CachedPlayer>> getCachedPlayers() async {
+    return (select(cachedPlayers)
+      ..orderBy([(p) => OrderingTerm.desc(p.lastUpdated)]))
+      .get();
+  }
+
+  /// Get a specific cached player
+  Future<CachedPlayer?> getCachedPlayer(String playerId) async {
+    return (select(cachedPlayers)..where((p) => p.playerId.equals(playerId)))
+        .getSingleOrNull();
+  }
+
+  /// Update cached track for a player
+  Future<void> updateCachedPlayerTrack(String playerId, String? trackJson) async {
+    await (update(cachedPlayers)..where((p) => p.playerId.equals(playerId)))
+        .write(CachedPlayersCompanion(
+          currentTrackJson: Value(trackJson),
+          lastUpdated: Value(DateTime.now()),
+        ));
+  }
+
+  /// Clear all cached players
+  Future<void> clearCachedPlayers() async {
+    await delete(cachedPlayers).go();
+  }
+
+  // ============================================
+  // Cached Queue Operations
+  // ============================================
+
+  /// Save queue for a player
+  Future<void> saveQueue(String playerId, List<String> itemJsonList) async {
+    await transaction(() async {
+      // Clear existing queue for this player
+      await (delete(cachedQueue)..where((q) => q.playerId.equals(playerId))).go();
+
+      // Insert new queue items
+      for (var i = 0; i < itemJsonList.length; i++) {
+        await into(cachedQueue).insert(CachedQueueCompanion.insert(
+          playerId: playerId,
+          itemJson: itemJsonList[i],
+          position: i,
+        ));
+      }
+    });
+  }
+
+  /// Get cached queue for a player
+  Future<List<CachedQueueData>> getCachedQueue(String playerId) async {
+    return (select(cachedQueue)
+      ..where((q) => q.playerId.equals(playerId))
+      ..orderBy([(q) => OrderingTerm.asc(q.position)]))
+      .get();
+  }
+
+  /// Clear queue for a player
+  Future<void> clearCachedQueue(String playerId) async {
+    await (delete(cachedQueue)..where((q) => q.playerId.equals(playerId))).go();
+  }
+
+  /// Clear all cached queues
+  Future<void> clearAllCachedQueues() async {
+    await delete(cachedQueue).go();
+  }
+
+  // ============================================
+  // Home Row Cache Operations
+  // ============================================
+
+  /// Save home row data
+  Future<void> saveHomeRowCache(String rowType, String itemsJson) async {
+    await into(homeRowCache).insertOnConflictUpdate(
+      HomeRowCacheCompanion(
+        rowType: Value(rowType),
+        itemsJson: Value(itemsJson),
+        lastUpdated: Value(DateTime.now()),
+      ),
+    );
+  }
+
+  /// Get cached home row data
+  Future<HomeRowCacheData?> getHomeRowCache(String rowType) async {
+    return (select(homeRowCache)..where((h) => h.rowType.equals(rowType)))
+        .getSingleOrNull();
+  }
+
+  /// Clear all home row cache
+  Future<void> clearHomeRowCache() async {
+    await delete(homeRowCache).go();
+  }
+
+  // ============================================
+  // Search History Operations
+  // ============================================
+
+  /// Save a search query to history (deduplicates and limits to 10)
+  Future<void> saveSearchQuery(String query) async {
+    final trimmedQuery = query.trim();
+    if (trimmedQuery.isEmpty) return;
+
+    await transaction(() async {
+      // Delete existing entry with same query (case-insensitive)
+      await (delete(searchHistory)
+            ..where((s) => s.query.lower().equals(trimmedQuery.toLowerCase())))
+          .go();
+
+      // Insert the new search
+      await into(searchHistory).insert(SearchHistoryCompanion.insert(
+        query: trimmedQuery,
+        searchedAt: DateTime.now(),
+      ));
+
+      // Keep only the 10 most recent searches
+      final allSearches = await (select(searchHistory)
+            ..orderBy([(s) => OrderingTerm.desc(s.searchedAt)]))
+          .get();
+
+      if (allSearches.length > 10) {
+        final toDelete = allSearches.skip(10).map((s) => s.id).toList();
+        await (delete(searchHistory)..where((s) => s.id.isIn(toDelete))).go();
+      }
+    });
+  }
+
+  /// Get recent search queries (up to 10, most recent first)
+  Future<List<String>> getRecentSearches() async {
+    final searches = await (select(searchHistory)
+          ..orderBy([(s) => OrderingTerm.desc(s.searchedAt)])
+          ..limit(10))
+        .get();
+    return searches.map((s) => s.query).toList();
+  }
+
+  /// Clear all search history
+  Future<void> clearSearchHistory() async {
+    await delete(searchHistory).go();
+  }
 }
@@ -126,6 +126,7 @@

  "playing": "Spiele {name}",
  "playingTrack": "Spiele Song",
+  "nowPlaying": "Wird gespielt",

  "markedAsFinished": "{name} als beendet markiert",
  "failedToMarkFinished": "Konnte nicht als beendet markieren: {error}",
@@ -269,8 +270,23 @@
  "audiobookSingular": "Hörbuch",
  "trackCount": "{count} {count, plural, =1{Song} other{Songs}}",
  "materialYouDescription": "Systemfarben verwenden (Android 12+)",
+  "accentColor": "Akzentfarbe",
+  "players": "Geräte",
+  "preferLocalPlayer": "Lokales Gerät bevorzugen",
+  "preferLocalPlayerDescription": "Dieses Gerät immer zuerst auswählen, wenn verfügbar",
+  "smartSortPlayers": "Intelligente Sortierung",
+  "smartSortPlayersDescription": "Nach Status sortieren (spielt, an, aus) statt alphabetisch",
  "playerStateUnavailable": "Nicht verfügbar",
  "playerStateOff": "Aus",
  "playerStateIdle": "Inaktiv",
-  "playerSelected": "Ausgewählt"
+  "playerStateExternalSource": "Externe Quelle",
+  "playerSelected": "Ausgewählt",
+  "actionQueuedForSync": "Wird synchronisiert wenn online",
+  "pendingOfflineActions": "{count} ausstehende Synchronisierung",
+  "hintsAndTips": "Tipps & Hinweise",
+  "showHints": "Hinweise anzeigen",
+  "showHintsDescription": "Hilfreiche Tipps zum Entdecken von Funktionen anzeigen",
+  "pullToSelectPlayers": "Ziehen um Geräte auszuwählen",
+  "holdToSync": "Gedrückt halten zum Sync",
+  "swipeToAdjustVolume": "Wischen für Lautstärke"
 }
@@ -261,6 +261,26 @@
    "description": "Search hint text"
  },

+  "recentSearches": "Recent Searches",
+  "@recentSearches": {
+    "description": "Label for recent search history section"
+  },
+
+  "clearSearchHistory": "Clear Search History",
+  "@clearSearchHistory": {
+    "description": "Button to clear search history"
+  },
+
+  "searchHistoryCleared": "Search history cleared",
+  "@searchHistoryCleared": {
+    "description": "Confirmation message after clearing search history"
+  },
+
+  "libraryOnly": "Library only",
+  "@libraryOnly": {
+    "description": "Toggle to search only in library"
+  },
+
  "retry": "Retry",
  "@retry": {
    "description": "Retry button label"
@@ -610,6 +630,11 @@
    "description": "Radio button label"
  },

+  "addedToQueue": "Added to queue",
+  "@addedToQueue": {
+    "description": "Confirmation when item added to queue"
+  },
+
  "inLibrary": "In Library",
  "@inLibrary": {
    "description": "In library section title"
@@ -635,6 +660,11 @@
    "description": "Status when playing track"
  },

+  "nowPlaying": "Now playing",
+  "@nowPlaying": {
+    "description": "Label shown when device selector is open to indicate current player"
+  },
+
  "markedAsFinished": "{name} marked as finished",
  "@markedAsFinished": {
    "description": "Audiobook marked finished",
@@ -1073,7 +1103,7 @@
    "description": "Hint for Last.fm API key field"
  },

-  "swipeToSwitchDevice": "Swipe to switch device",
+  "swipeToSwitchDevice": "Swipe to change player",
  "@swipeToSwitchDevice": {
    "description": "Hint for device switching gesture"
  },
@@ -1128,6 +1158,16 @@
    "description": "Singular form of audiobook"
  },

+  "albumSingular": "Album",
+  "@albumSingular": {
+    "description": "Singular form of album for search type indicator"
+  },
+
+  "trackSingular": "Track",
+  "@trackSingular": {
+    "description": "Singular form of track for search type indicator"
+  },
+
  "trackCount": "{count} {count, plural, =1{track} other{tracks}}",
  "@trackCount": {
    "description": "Track count with plural",
@@ -1143,6 +1183,36 @@
    "description": "Description for Material You theme option"
  },

+  "accentColor": "Accent Color",
+  "@accentColor": {
+    "description": "Accent color selection label"
+  },
+
+  "players": "Players",
+  "@players": {
+    "description": "Players settings section title"
+  },
+
+  "preferLocalPlayer": "Prefer Local Player",
+  "@preferLocalPlayer": {
+    "description": "Setting to always prefer local player"
+  },
+
+  "preferLocalPlayerDescription": "Always select this device first when available",
+  "@preferLocalPlayerDescription": {
+    "description": "Description for prefer local player setting"
+  },
+
+  "smartSortPlayers": "Smart Sort",
+  "@smartSortPlayers": {
+    "description": "Setting to sort players by status"
+  },
+
+  "smartSortPlayersDescription": "Sort by status (playing, on, off) instead of alphabetically",
+  "@smartSortPlayersDescription": {
+    "description": "Description for smart sort players setting"
+  },
+
  "playerStateUnavailable": "Unavailable",
  "@playerStateUnavailable": {
    "description": "Player state when unavailable"
@@ -1158,8 +1228,83 @@
    "description": "Player state when idle"
  },

+  "playerStateExternalSource": "External Source",
+  "@playerStateExternalSource": {
+    "description": "Player state when playing from external source (optical, Spotify, etc.)"
+  },
+
  "playerSelected": "Selected",
  "@playerSelected": {
    "description": "Label for selected player"
+  },
+
+  "actionQueuedForSync": "Will sync when online",
+  "@actionQueuedForSync": {
+    "description": "Message when action is queued for sync while offline"
+  },
+
+  "pendingOfflineActions": "{count} pending sync",
+  "@pendingOfflineActions": {
+    "description": "Shows number of pending offline actions",
+    "placeholders": {
+      "count": {
+        "type": "int"
+      }
+    }
+  },
+
+  "hintsAndTips": "Hints & Tips",
+  "@hintsAndTips": {
+    "description": "Settings section title for hints"
+  },
+
+  "showHints": "Show Hints",
+  "@showHints": {
+    "description": "Toggle label for showing hints"
+  },
+
+  "showHintsDescription": "Display helpful tips for discovering features",
+  "@showHintsDescription": {
+    "description": "Description for show hints toggle"
+  },
+
+  "pullToSelectPlayers": "Pull to select players",
+  "@pullToSelectPlayers": {
+    "description": "Hint shown when mini player bounces"
+  },
+
+  "holdToSync": "Long-press to sync",
+  "@holdToSync": {
+    "description": "Hint for long-press to sync players"
+  },
+
+  "swipeToAdjustVolume": "Swipe to adjust volume",
+  "@swipeToAdjustVolume": {
+    "description": "Hint for swiping left/right to adjust player volume"
+  },
+
+  "selectPlayerHint": "Choose a player, or dismiss by swiping down",
+  "@selectPlayerHint": {
+    "description": "First-time hint for selecting a player in device selector"
+  },
+
+  "welcomeToEnsemble": "Welcome to Ensemble",
+  "@welcomeToEnsemble": {
+    "description": "Welcome message title for onboarding"
+  },
+
+  "welcomeMessage": "By default your phone is the selected player.\nPull the mini player down to select another player.",
+  "@welcomeMessage": {
+    "description": "Welcome message body explaining how to select players"
+  },
+
+  "skip": "Skip",
+  "@skip": {
+    "description": "Button to skip onboarding or hints"
+  },
+
+  "dismissPlayerHint": "Swipe down, tap outside, or press back to return",
+  "@dismissPlayerHint": {
+    "description": "Hint explaining how to dismiss the player selector"
  }
 }
@@ -225,6 +225,7 @@
    }
  },
  "playingTrack": "Reproduciendo canción",
+  "nowPlaying": "Reproduciendo ahora",
  "markedAsFinished": "{name} marcado como terminado",
  "@markedAsFinished": {
    "placeholders": {
@@ -433,7 +434,7 @@
  "metadataApisDescription": "Las imágenes de artistas se obtienen automáticamente de Deezer. Añade claves API a continuación para biografías de artistas y descripciones de álbumes.",
  "lastFmApiKey": "Clave API de Last.fm",
  "lastFmApiKeyHint": "Obtén una clave gratuita en last.fm/api",
-  "swipeToSwitchDevice": "Desliza para cambiar de dispositivo",
+  "swipeToSwitchDevice": "Desliza para cambiar dispositivo",
  "chapterNumber": "Capítulo {number}",
  "@chapterNumber": {
    "placeholders": {
@@ -465,8 +466,23 @@
    }
  },
  "materialYouDescription": "Usar colores del sistema (Android 12+)",
+  "accentColor": "Color de acento",
+  "players": "Dispositivos",
+  "preferLocalPlayer": "Preferir dispositivo local",
+  "preferLocalPlayerDescription": "Seleccionar siempre este dispositivo primero cuando esté disponible",
+  "smartSortPlayers": "Orden inteligente",
+  "smartSortPlayersDescription": "Ordenar por estado (reproduciendo, encendido, apagado) en lugar de alfabéticamente",
  "playerStateUnavailable": "No disponible",
  "playerStateOff": "Apagado",
  "playerStateIdle": "Inactivo",
-  "playerSelected": "Seleccionado"
+  "playerStateExternalSource": "Fuente Externa",
+  "playerSelected": "Seleccionado",
+  "actionQueuedForSync": "Se sincronizará cuando esté en línea",
+  "pendingOfflineActions": "{count} sincronización pendiente",
+  "hintsAndTips": "Consejos y Sugerencias",
+  "showHints": "Mostrar Sugerencias",
+  "showHintsDescription": "Mostrar consejos útiles para descubrir funciones",
+  "pullToSelectPlayers": "Desliza para seleccionar dispositivos",
+  "holdToSync": "Mantén presionado para sync",
+  "swipeToAdjustVolume": "Desliza para ajustar volumen"
 }
@@ -40,6 +40,10 @@ Future<void> main() async {
  // Migrate existing ownerName to profile (one-time for existing users)
  await ProfileService.instance.migrateFromOwnerName();

+  // Migrate credentials to secure storage (one-time for existing users)
+  await SettingsService.migrateToSecureStorage();
+  _logger.log('🔐 Secure storage migration complete');
+
  // Load library from cache for instant startup
  await SyncService.instance.loadFromCache();
  _logger.log('📦 Library cache loaded');
@@ -230,9 +234,9 @@ class _MusicAssistantAppState extends State<MusicAssistantApp> with WidgetsBindi
                lightColorScheme = light;
                darkColorScheme = dark;
              } else {
-                // Use brand color schemes
-                lightColorScheme = brandLightColorScheme;
-                darkColorScheme = brandDarkColorScheme;
+                // Use custom color from theme provider
+                lightColorScheme = generateLightColorScheme(themeProvider.customColor);
+                darkColorScheme = generateDarkColorScheme(themeProvider.customColor);
              }

              return SystemUIWrapper(
@@ -348,7 +352,16 @@ class _SystemUIWrapperState extends State<SystemUIWrapper> {
  }
 }

-/// Startup widget that checks if user is logged in and auto-connects
+/// Startup widget that checks if user is logged in and auto-connects.
+///
+/// CRITICAL: This widget is the single source of truth for the startup transition.
+/// It loads settings FIRST (before connection), then waits for the appropriate
+/// conditions before showing HomeScreen. This eliminates the race condition between
+/// AppStartup and GlobalPlayerOverlay that caused the home screen flash.
+///
+/// For first-time users: Holds dark screen until connected + player selected,
+/// so the welcome overlay can appear seamlessly.
+/// For returning users: Transitions as soon as connection is established.
 class AppStartup extends StatefulWidget {
  const AppStartup({super.key});

@@ -361,9 +374,32 @@ class _AppStartupState extends State<AppStartup> {
  String? _savedServerUrl;
  bool _connectionAttempted = false;

+  // Welcome system state - loaded FIRST before connection check
+  bool _settingsLoaded = false;
+  bool _hasCompletedOnboarding = true; // Default to true (no welcome needed)
+
  @override
  void initState() {
    super.initState();
+    _loadSettingsFirst();
+  }
+
+  /// Load settings BEFORE checking connection.
+  /// This ensures we know if this is a first-time user before transitioning.
+  Future<void> _loadSettingsFirst() async {
+    // Load onboarding state first - this is critical for determining
+    // when to transition to HomeScreen
+    _hasCompletedOnboarding = await SettingsService.getHasCompletedOnboarding();
+
+    if (!mounted) return;
+
+    setState(() {
+      _settingsLoaded = true;
+    });
+
+    _logger.log('🚀 AppStartup: Settings loaded, hasCompletedOnboarding=$_hasCompletedOnboarding');
+
+    // Now check connection
    _checkAndConnect();
  }

@@ -388,14 +424,30 @@ class _AppStartupState extends State<AppStartup> {
      // Just wait for it to complete or timeout
      _logger.log('🚀 AppStartup: Waiting for provider auto-connection to $serverUrl');

+      // For first-time users, we need to wait for both connection AND player selection
+      // so the welcome overlay can appear immediately without home screen flash.
+      // For returning users, just wait for connection.
+      final needsWelcome = !_hasCompletedOnboarding;
+
      // 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;
+
+        if (needsWelcome) {
+          // First-time user: wait for connection + player selection
+          if (provider.isConnected && provider.selectedPlayer != null) {
+            _logger.log('🚀 AppStartup: First-time user ready (connected + player selected)');
+            break;
+          }
+        } else {
+          // Returning user: just wait for connection
+          if (provider.isConnected) {
+            _logger.log('🚀 AppStartup: Connection established');
+            break;
+          }
        }
+
        if (provider.connectionState == MAConnectionState.error) {
          _logger.log('🚀 AppStartup: Connection failed with error');
          break;
@@ -422,7 +474,8 @@ class _AppStartupState extends State<AppStartup> {
  @override
  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
    // Show loading while checking settings or connecting
-    if (!_connectionAttempted || _isConnecting) {
+    // CRITICAL: Don't transition until settings are loaded - this prevents the race
+    if (!_settingsLoaded || !_connectionAttempted || _isConnecting) {
      return Scaffold(
        backgroundColor: const Color(0xFF1a1a1a),
        body: Center(
@@ -110,7 +110,8 @@ class MediaItem {
      'media_type': mediaType.name,
      if (sortName != null) 'sort_name': sortName,
      if (uri != null) 'uri': uri,
-      if (providerMappings != null) 'provider_mappings': providerMappings,
+      if (providerMappings != null)
+        'provider_mappings': providerMappings!.map((m) => m.toJson()).toList(),
      if (metadata != null) 'metadata': metadata,
      if (favorite != null) 'favorite': favorite,
      if (position != null) 'position': position,
@@ -12,6 +12,11 @@ class Player {
  final bool? volumeMuted;
  final double? elapsedTime; // Seconds elapsed in current track
  final double? elapsedTimeLastUpdated; // Unix timestamp when elapsed_time was last updated
+  final List<String>? groupMembers; // List of player IDs in sync group (includes self)
+  final String? syncedTo; // Player ID this player is synced to (null if leader or not synced)
+  final String? activeSource; // The currently active source for this player
+  final bool isExternalSource; // True when an external source (optical, Spotify, etc.) is active
+  final String? appId; // The app_id from MA - 'music_assistant' when MA is playing, else external source

  Player({
    required this.playerId,
@@ -25,6 +30,11 @@ class Player {
    this.volumeMuted,
    this.elapsedTime,
    this.elapsedTimeLastUpdated,
+    this.groupMembers,
+    this.syncedTo,
+    this.activeSource,
+    this.isExternalSource = false,
+    this.appId,
  });

  /// Create a copy of this Player with some fields replaced
@@ -40,6 +50,11 @@ class Player {
    bool? volumeMuted,
    double? elapsedTime,
    double? elapsedTimeLastUpdated,
+    List<String>? groupMembers,
+    String? syncedTo,
+    String? activeSource,
+    bool? isExternalSource,
+    String? appId,
  }) {
    return Player(
      playerId: playerId ?? this.playerId,
@@ -53,6 +68,11 @@ class Player {
      volumeMuted: volumeMuted ?? this.volumeMuted,
      elapsedTime: elapsedTime ?? this.elapsedTime,
      elapsedTimeLastUpdated: elapsedTimeLastUpdated ?? this.elapsedTimeLastUpdated,
+      groupMembers: groupMembers ?? this.groupMembers,
+      syncedTo: syncedTo ?? this.syncedTo,
+      activeSource: activeSource ?? this.activeSource,
+      isExternalSource: isExternalSource ?? this.isExternalSource,
+      appId: appId ?? this.appId,
    );
  }

@@ -61,8 +81,37 @@ class Player {
  bool get isMuted => volumeMuted ?? false;
  int get volume => volumeLevel ?? 0;

+  // Group properties
+  // A player is grouped if it's a leader with members OR a child synced to another
+  bool get isGrouped => (groupMembers != null && groupMembers!.length > 1) || syncedTo != null;
+  bool get isGroupLeader => groupMembers != null && groupMembers!.length > 1 && syncedTo == null;
+  bool get isGroupChild => syncedTo != null;
+
+  // A player is manually synced if it's synced TO another player (child of a sync group)
+  // This excludes pre-configured MA speaker groups which have groupMembers but no syncedTo
+  // Used for yellow border highlight - only shows for players the user manually synced
+  bool get isManuallySynced => syncedTo != null;
+
  // Track when this Player object was created (for local interpolation fallback)
  static final Map<String, double> _playerCreationTimes = {};
+  static const int _maxCreationTimesEntries = 50;
+
+  /// Clean up old creation time entries using LRU eviction
+  static void _cleanupCreationTimes() {
+    if (_playerCreationTimes.length <= _maxCreationTimesEntries) return;
+
+    // Sort by timestamp value (oldest first) for true LRU eviction
+    final sortedEntries = _playerCreationTimes.entries.toList()
+      ..sort((a, b) => a.value.compareTo(b.value));
+
+    // Remove oldest entries until we're at target size
+    final entriesToRemove = sortedEntries.take(
+      _playerCreationTimes.length - _maxCreationTimesEntries,
+    );
+    for (final entry in entriesToRemove) {
+      _playerCreationTimes.remove(entry.key);
+    }
+  }

  // Calculate current elapsed time (interpolated if playing)
  double get currentElapsedTime {
@@ -104,13 +153,8 @@ class Player {
    if (!_playerCreationTimes.containsKey(creationKey)) {
      // First time seeing this elapsed_time - record when we saw it
      _playerCreationTimes[creationKey] = now;
-      // Clean up old entries to prevent memory leak
-      if (_playerCreationTimes.length > 100) {
-        final keysToRemove = _playerCreationTimes.keys.take(50).toList();
-        for (final key in keysToRemove) {
-          _playerCreationTimes.remove(key);
-        }
-      }
+      // Clean up old entries to prevent memory leak (LRU eviction)
+      _cleanupCreationTimes();
    }

    final creationTime = _playerCreationTimes[creationKey]!;
@@ -164,6 +208,68 @@ class Player {
    elapsedTime ??= topLevelElapsedTime;
    elapsedTimeLastUpdated ??= topLevelLastUpdated;

+    // Parse group members - MA returns this as a list of player IDs
+    final groupMembersList = json['group_members'] as List<dynamic>?;
+    final groupMembers = groupMembersList?.map((e) => e.toString()).toList();
+
+    // Parse synced_to - the player ID this player is synced to
+    final syncedTo = json['synced_to'] as String?;
+
+    // Parse active_source - the currently active source for this player
+    final activeSource = json['active_source'] as String?;
+
+    // Detect external source (optical, Spotify, AirPlay, etc.)
+    // Primary indicator: app_id - if not 'music_assistant', it's an external source
+    // Secondary indicators: URI patterns and media_type
+    bool isExternalSource = false;
+
+    // Check app_id first - this is the most reliable indicator for DLNA players
+    // When MA is playing: app_id = 'music_assistant'
+    // When external source: app_id = 'http', 'spotify', etc.
+    final appId = json['app_id'] as String?;
+    if (appId != null && appId.isNotEmpty && appId != 'music_assistant') {
+      // app_id is set but not 'music_assistant' - external source is active
+      isExternalSource = true;
+    }
+
+    // Also check current_media for additional external source indicators
+    if (!isExternalSource && json.containsKey('current_media')) {
+      final currentMedia = json['current_media'] as Map<String, dynamic>?;
+      if (currentMedia != null) {
+        final uri = currentMedia['uri'] as String?;
+        final mediaType = currentMedia['media_type'] as String?;
+
+        // External source indicators:
+        // 1. URI is a simple identifier like 'optical', 'line_in', 'bluetooth', 'hdmi'
+        // 2. URI starts with external protocols: 'spotify://', 'airplay://', etc.
+        // 3. Media type is 'unknown' (MA doesn't recognize the source)
+        if (uri != null) {
+          final uriLower = uri.toLowerCase();
+          // Simple external source identifiers (no :// or /)
+          final isSimpleExternalId = !uri.contains('://') && !uri.contains('/') &&
+              (uriLower == 'optical' || uriLower == 'line_in' || uriLower == 'bluetooth' ||
+               uriLower == 'hdmi' || uriLower == 'tv' || uriLower == 'aux' ||
+               uriLower == 'coaxial' || uriLower == 'toslink');
+          // External streaming protocols
+          final isExternalProtocol = uriLower.startsWith('spotify://') ||
+              uriLower.startsWith('airplay://') ||
+              uriLower.startsWith('cast://') ||
+              uriLower.startsWith('bluetooth://');
+
+          isExternalSource = isSimpleExternalId || isExternalProtocol;
+        }
+
+        // Also check media_type - 'unknown' often indicates external source
+        if (!isExternalSource && mediaType == 'unknown') {
+          // If media_type is unknown and URI doesn't look like MA content, it's external
+          final uri = currentMedia['uri'] as String?;
+          if (uri != null && !uri.startsWith('library://') && !uri.contains('://track/')) {
+            isExternalSource = true;
+          }
+        }
+      }
+    }
+
    return Player(
      playerId: json['player_id'] as String,
      name: json['name'] as String,
@@ -176,6 +282,11 @@ class Player {
      volumeMuted: json['volume_muted'] as bool?,
      elapsedTime: elapsedTime,
      elapsedTimeLastUpdated: elapsedTimeLastUpdated,
+      groupMembers: groupMembers,
+      syncedTo: syncedTo,
+      activeSource: activeSource,
+      isExternalSource: isExternalSource,
+      appId: appId,
    );
  }

@@ -192,6 +303,11 @@ class Player {
      if (volumeMuted != null) 'volume_muted': volumeMuted,
      if (elapsedTime != null) 'elapsed_time': elapsedTime,
      if (elapsedTimeLastUpdated != null) 'elapsed_time_last_updated': elapsedTimeLastUpdated,
+      if (groupMembers != null) 'group_members': groupMembers,
+      if (syncedTo != null) 'synced_to': syncedTo,
+      if (activeSource != null) 'active_source': activeSource,
+      'is_external_source': isExternalSource,
+      if (appId != null) 'app_id': appId,
    };
  }
 }
@@ -189,7 +189,9 @@ class ConnectionProvider with ChangeNotifier {
            _logger.log('✅ MA authentication successful');
            onAuthenticated?.call();
          } else if (state == MAConnectionState.disconnected) {
-            _cacheService.clearAll();
+            // DON'T clear caches on disconnect - keep showing cached data
+            // This allows instant UI display when app resumes or reconnects
+            // Caches will be refreshed when connection is restored
            onDisconnected?.call();
          }
        },
@@ -215,6 +217,12 @@ class ConnectionProvider with ChangeNotifier {
  Future<void> disconnect() async {
    await _api?.disconnect();
    _connectionState = MAConnectionState.disconnected;
+    // DON'T clear caches on disconnect - keep showing cached data for instant reconnect
+    notifyListeners();
+  }
+
+  /// Clear all caches and state (for logout or server change)
+  void clearCachesOnLogout() {
    _cacheService.clearAll();
    notifyListeners();
  }
@@ -559,28 +559,28 @@ class PlayerProvider with ChangeNotifier {
        if (playerToSelect == null) {
          final lastSelectedPlayerId = await SettingsService.getLastSelectedPlayerId();

+          // Priority 1: Last selected player
          if (lastSelectedPlayerId != null) {
-            try {
-              playerToSelect = _availablePlayers.firstWhere(
-                (p) => p.playerId == lastSelectedPlayerId && p.available,
-              );
-            } catch (e) {}
+            playerToSelect = _availablePlayers.cast<Player?>().firstWhere(
+              (p) => p!.playerId == lastSelectedPlayerId && p.available,
+              orElse: () => null,
+            );
          }

+          // Priority 2: Built-in (local) player
          if (playerToSelect == null && builtinPlayerId != null) {
-            try {
-              playerToSelect = _availablePlayers.firstWhere(
-                (p) => p.playerId == builtinPlayerId && p.available,
-              );
-            } catch (e) {}
+            playerToSelect = _availablePlayers.cast<Player?>().firstWhere(
+              (p) => p!.playerId == builtinPlayerId && p.available,
+              orElse: () => null,
+            );
          }

+          // Priority 3: Currently playing player (exclude external sources - not playing MA content)
          if (playerToSelect == null) {
-            try {
-              playerToSelect = _availablePlayers.firstWhere(
-                (p) => p.state == 'playing' && p.available,
-              );
-            } catch (e) {}
+            playerToSelect = _availablePlayers.cast<Player?>().firstWhere(
+              (p) => p!.state == 'playing' && p.available && !p.isExternalSource,
+              orElse: () => null,
+            );
          }

          if (playerToSelect == null) {
@@ -906,10 +906,10 @@ class PlayerProvider with ChangeNotifier {
    }
  }

-  Future<void> toggleShuffle(String queueId) async {
+  Future<void> toggleShuffle(String queueId, bool shuffleEnabled) async {
    if (_api == null) return;
    try {
-      await _api!.toggleShuffle(queueId);
+      await _api!.toggleShuffle(queueId, shuffleEnabled);
    } catch (e) {
      ErrorHandler.logError('Toggle shuffle', e);
      rethrow;
@@ -10,17 +10,21 @@ import '../services/metadata_service.dart';
 import '../services/debug_logger.dart';
 import '../services/recently_played_service.dart';
 import '../widgets/global_player_overlay.dart';
+import '../widgets/player_picker_sheet.dart';
 import '../l10n/app_localizations.dart';
 import 'artist_details_screen.dart';

 class AlbumDetailsScreen extends StatefulWidget {
  final Album album;
  final String? heroTagSuffix;
+  /// Initial image URL from the source (e.g., AlbumCard) for seamless hero animation
+  final String? initialImageUrl;

  const AlbumDetailsScreen({
    super.key,
    required this.album,
    this.heroTagSuffix,
+    this.initialImageUrl,
  });

  @override
@@ -37,6 +41,10 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick
  int? _expandedTrackIndex;
  bool _isDescriptionExpanded = false;
  String? _albumDescription;
+  Album? _freshAlbum; // Full album data with image metadata
+
+  /// Get the best album data available (fresh with images, or widget.album as fallback)
+  Album get _displayAlbum => _freshAlbum ?? widget.album;

  String get _heroTagSuffix => widget.heroTagSuffix != null ? '_${widget.heroTagSuffix}' : '';

@@ -46,29 +54,31 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick
    _isFavorite = widget.album.favorite ?? false;
    _loadTracks();
    _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
+    // CRITICAL FIX: Defer both fresh data loading AND color extraction until
+    // after the hero animation completes. This prevents:
+    // 1. setState with new image URL during animation → grey icon flash
+    // 2. Expensive palette extraction blocking animation frames
    WidgetsBinding.instance.addPostFrameCallback((_) {
-      // Add small delay to ensure transition is complete
+      // 350ms matches FadeSlidePageRoute duration (300ms) + buffer
      Future.delayed(const Duration(milliseconds: 350), () {
        if (mounted) {
+          _loadFreshAlbumData();
          _extractColors();
        }
      });
    });
  }

-  Future<void> _refreshFavoriteStatus() async {
+  /// Load fresh album data from API to get full metadata including images
+  Future<void> _loadFreshAlbumData() 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');
+      _logger.log('Cannot load fresh album: album has no URI');
      return;
    }

@@ -76,17 +86,20 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick
      final freshAlbum = await maProvider.api!.getAlbumByUri(albumUri);
      if (freshAlbum != null && mounted) {
        setState(() {
+          _freshAlbum = freshAlbum;
          _isFavorite = freshAlbum.favorite ?? false;
        });
+        // Re-extract colors now that we have fresh album with images
+        _extractColors();
      }
    } catch (e) {
-      _logger.log('Error refreshing favorite status: $e');
+      _logger.log('Error loading fresh album data: $e');
    }
  }

  Future<void> _extractColors() async {
    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    final imageUrl = maProvider.getImageUrl(widget.album, size: 512);
+    final imageUrl = maProvider.getImageUrl(_displayAlbum, size: 512);

    if (imageUrl == null) return;

@@ -108,10 +121,10 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick

  Future<void> _toggleFavorite() async {
    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    if (maProvider.api == null) return;

    try {
      final newState = !_isFavorite;
+      bool success;

      if (newState) {
        // For adding: use the actual provider and itemId from provider_mappings
@@ -132,17 +145,18 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick
        }

        _logger.log('Adding to favorites: provider=$actualProvider, itemId=$actualItemId');
-        await maProvider.api!.addToFavorites('album', actualItemId, actualProvider);
+        success = await maProvider.addToFavorites(
+          mediaType: 'album',
+          itemId: actualItemId,
+          provider: 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,
@@ -158,25 +172,34 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick
        }

        _logger.log('Removing from favorites: libraryItemId=$libraryItemId');
-        await maProvider.api!.removeFromFavorites('album', libraryItemId);
+        success = await maProvider.removeFromFavorites(
+          mediaType: 'album',
+          libraryItemId: libraryItemId,
+        );
      }

-      setState(() {
-        _isFavorite = newState;
-      });
+      if (success) {
+        // Optimistically update UI regardless of online/offline state
+        setState(() {
+          _isFavorite = newState;
+        });

-      // Invalidate home cache so the home screen shows updated favorite status
-      maProvider.invalidateHomeCache();
+        // Invalidate home cache so the home screen shows updated favorite status
+        maProvider.invalidateHomeCache();

-      if (mounted) {
-        ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
-          SnackBar(
-            content: Text(
-              _isFavorite ? S.of(context)!.addedToFavorites : S.of(context)!.removedFromFavorites,
+        if (mounted) {
+          final isOffline = !maProvider.isConnected;
+          ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+            SnackBar(
+              content: Text(
+                isOffline
+                    ? S.of(context)!.actionQueuedForSync
+                    : (_isFavorite ? S.of(context)!.addedToFavorites : S.of(context)!.removedFromFavorites),
+              ),
+              duration: const Duration(seconds: 1),
            ),
-            duration: const Duration(seconds: 1),
-          ),
-        );
+          );
+        }
      }
    } catch (e) {
      _logger.log('Error toggling favorite: $e');
@@ -196,11 +219,11 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick

    final track = _tracks[trackIndex];
    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    if (maProvider.api == null) return;
-
    final currentFavorite = track.favorite ?? false;

    try {
+      bool success;
+
      if (currentFavorite) {
        // Remove from favorites - need library_item_id
        int? libraryItemId;
@@ -217,7 +240,12 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick
        }

        if (libraryItemId != null) {
-          await maProvider.api!.removeFromFavorites('track', libraryItemId);
+          success = await maProvider.removeFromFavorites(
+            mediaType: 'track',
+            libraryItemId: libraryItemId,
+          );
+        } else {
+          success = false;
        }
      } else {
        // Add to favorites
@@ -236,33 +264,42 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick
          actualItemId = mapping.itemId;
        }

-        await maProvider.api!.addToFavorites('track', actualItemId, actualProvider);
+        success = await maProvider.addToFavorites(
+          mediaType: 'track',
+          itemId: actualItemId,
+          provider: 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 (success) {
+        // Optimistically update local state
+        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 ? S.of(context)!.addedToFavorites : S.of(context)!.removedFromFavorites,
+        if (mounted) {
+          final isOffline = !maProvider.isConnected;
+          ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+            SnackBar(
+              content: Text(
+                isOffline
+                    ? S.of(context)!.actionQueuedForSync
+                    : (!currentFavorite ? S.of(context)!.addedToFavorites : S.of(context)!.removedFromFavorites),
+              ),
+              duration: const Duration(seconds: 1),
            ),
-            duration: const Duration(seconds: 1),
-          ),
-        );
+          );
+        }
      }
    } catch (e) {
      _logger.log('Error toggling track favorite: $e');
@@ -279,16 +316,46 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick

  Future<void> _loadTracks() async {
    final provider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    final tracks = await provider.getAlbumTracksWithCache(
-      widget.album.provider,
-      widget.album.itemId,
-    );
+    final cacheKey = '${widget.album.provider}_${widget.album.itemId}';

-    if (mounted) {
-      setState(() {
-        _tracks = tracks;
-        _isLoading = false;
-      });
+    // 1. Show cached data immediately (if available)
+    final cachedTracks = provider.getCachedAlbumTracks(cacheKey);
+    if (cachedTracks != null && cachedTracks.isNotEmpty) {
+      if (mounted) {
+        setState(() {
+          _tracks = cachedTracks;
+          _isLoading = false;
+        });
+      }
+    }
+
+    // 2. Fetch fresh data in background (silent refresh)
+    try {
+      final freshTracks = await provider.getAlbumTracksWithCache(
+        widget.album.provider,
+        widget.album.itemId,
+        forceRefresh: cachedTracks != null, // Force refresh if we had cache
+      );
+
+      // 3. Update if we got different data
+      if (mounted && freshTracks.isNotEmpty) {
+        final tracksChanged = _tracks.length != freshTracks.length ||
+            (_tracks.isNotEmpty && freshTracks.isNotEmpty &&
+             _tracks.first.itemId != freshTracks.first.itemId);
+        if (tracksChanged || _tracks.isEmpty) {
+          setState(() {
+            _tracks = freshTracks;
+            _isLoading = false;
+          });
+        }
+      }
+    } catch (e) {
+      _logger.log('⚠️ Background refresh failed: $e');
+    }
+
+    // Ensure loading is false even if everything failed
+    if (mounted && _isLoading) {
+      setState(() => _isLoading = false);
    }
  }

@@ -492,7 +559,7 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick
                  },
                ),
              ),
-            const SizedBox(height: 16),
+            SizedBox(height: MediaQuery.of(context).padding.bottom + 16),
          ],
        ),
      ),
@@ -595,9 +662,12 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick
  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
    // 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),
+    // Use _displayAlbum which has fresh data with images if available
+    final providerImageUrl = context.select<MusicAssistantProvider, String?>(
+      (provider) => provider.getImageUrl(_displayAlbum, size: 512),
    );
+    // Use initialImageUrl as fallback for seamless hero animation
+    final imageUrl = providerImageUrl ?? widget.initialImageUrl;
    final adaptiveTheme = context.select<ThemeProvider, bool>(
      (provider) => provider.adaptiveTheme,
    );
@@ -634,10 +704,16 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick
      },
      child: Scaffold(
        backgroundColor: colorScheme.background,
-        body: CustomScrollView(
+        body: LayoutBuilder(
+          builder: (context, constraints) {
+            // Responsive cover size: 50% of screen width, clamped between 200-320
+            final coverSize = (constraints.maxWidth * 0.5).clamp(200.0, 320.0);
+            final expandedHeight = coverSize + 70;
+
+            return CustomScrollView(
        slivers: [
          SliverAppBar(
-            expandedHeight: 350, // Increased height for bigger art
+            expandedHeight: expandedHeight,
            pinned: true,
            backgroundColor: colorScheme.background,
            leading: IconButton(
@@ -658,11 +734,11 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick
                    child: Hero(
                      tag: HeroTags.albumCover + (widget.album.uri ?? widget.album.itemId) + _heroTagSuffix,
                      child: Container(
-                        width: 280, // Increased size
-                        height: 280,
+                        width: coverSize,
+                        height: coverSize,
                        decoration: BoxDecoration(
                          color: colorScheme.surfaceVariant,
-                          borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(16), // Slightly more rounded
+                          borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(16),
                          boxShadow: [
                            BoxShadow(
                              color: Colors.black.withOpacity(0.3),
@@ -680,7 +756,7 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick
                        child: imageUrl == null
                            ? Icon(
                                Icons.album_rounded,
-                                size: 120,
+                                size: coverSize * 0.43,
                                color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
                              )
                            : null,
@@ -837,14 +913,6 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick
                    ],
                  ),
                  const SizedBox(height: 24),
-                  Text(
-                    S.of(context)!.tracks,
-                    style: textTheme.titleLarge?.copyWith(
-                      color: colorScheme.onBackground,
-                      fontWeight: FontWeight.bold,
-                    ),
-                  ),
-                  const SizedBox(height: 12),
                ],
              ),
            ),
@@ -1011,118 +1079,71 @@ class _AlbumDetailsScreenState extends State<AlbumDetailsScreen> with SingleTick
            ),
          const SliverToBoxAdapter(child: SizedBox(height: 164)), // Space for bottom nav + mini player
        ],
-      ),
+      );
+          },
+        ),
      ),
    );
  }

  void _showPlayAlbumFromHereMenu(BuildContext context, int startIndex) {
    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    final players = maProvider.availablePlayers;

-    _showPlayOnSheet(
-      context,
-      players,
-      onPlayerSelected: (player) {
+    GlobalPlayerOverlay.hidePlayer();
+
+    showPlayerPickerSheet(
+      context: context,
+      title: S.of(context)!.playOn,
+      players: maProvider.availablePlayers,
+      selectedPlayer: maProvider.selectedPlayer,
+      onPlayerSelected: (player) async {
        maProvider.selectPlayer(player);
-        maProvider.playTracks(
+        await maProvider.playTracks(
          player.playerId,
          _tracks,
          startIndex: startIndex,
        );
      },
-    );
+    ).whenComplete(() {
+      GlobalPlayerOverlay.showPlayer();
+    });
  }

  void _showPlayRadioMenu(BuildContext context, int trackIndex) {
    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    final players = maProvider.availablePlayers;
    final track = _tracks[trackIndex];

-    _showPlayOnSheet(
-      context,
-      players,
-      onPlayerSelected: (player) {
+    GlobalPlayerOverlay.hidePlayer();
+
+    showPlayerPickerSheet(
+      context: context,
+      title: S.of(context)!.playOn,
+      players: maProvider.availablePlayers,
+      selectedPlayer: maProvider.selectedPlayer,
+      onPlayerSelected: (player) async {
        maProvider.selectPlayer(player);
-        maProvider.playRadio(player.playerId, track);
+        await maProvider.playRadio(player.playerId, track);
      },
-    );
+    ).whenComplete(() {
+      GlobalPlayerOverlay.showPlayer();
+    });
  }

  void _showPlayOnMenu(BuildContext context) {
    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    final players = maProvider.availablePlayers;

-    _showPlayOnSheet(
-      context,
-      players,
-      onPlayerSelected: (player) {
-        maProvider.selectPlayer(player);
-        maProvider.playTracks(player.playerId, _tracks);
-      },
-    );
-  }
-
-  /// Shared "Play on..." bottom sheet with fixed height and scrollable list
-  void _showPlayOnSheet(
-    BuildContext context,
-    List players, {
-    required void Function(dynamic player) onPlayerSelected,
-  }) {
-    // Slide mini player down out of the way
    GlobalPlayerOverlay.hidePlayer();

-    final screenHeight = MediaQuery.of(context).size.height;
-    final bottomPadding = MediaQuery.of(context).padding.bottom;
-    final sheetHeight = (screenHeight * 0.45) + bottomPadding; // Fixed 45% + safe area
-
-    showModalBottomSheet(
+    showPlayerPickerSheet(
      context: context,
-      backgroundColor: Colors.transparent,
-      isScrollControlled: true,
-      builder: (context) => Container(
-        height: sheetHeight,
-        decoration: BoxDecoration(
-          color: Theme.of(context).colorScheme.surface,
-          borderRadius: const BorderRadius.vertical(top: Radius.circular(20)),
-        ),
-        child: Column(
-          children: [
-            const SizedBox(height: 16),
-            Text(
-              S.of(context)!.playOn,
-              style: Theme.of(context).textTheme.titleLarge,
-            ),
-            const SizedBox(height: 16),
-            Expanded(
-              child: players.isEmpty
-                  ? Center(
-                      child: Text(S.of(context)!.noPlayersAvailable),
-                    )
-                  : ListView.builder(
-                      padding: EdgeInsets.only(bottom: bottomPadding + 16),
-                      itemCount: players.length,
-                      itemBuilder: (context, index) {
-                        final player = players[index];
-                        return ListTile(
-                          leading: Icon(
-                            Icons.speaker,
-                            color: Theme.of(context).colorScheme.onSurface,
-                          ),
-                          title: Text(player.name),
-                          onTap: () {
-                            Navigator.pop(context);
-                            onPlayerSelected(player);
-                          },
-                        );
-                      },
-                    ),
-            ),
-          ],
-        ),
-      ),
+      title: S.of(context)!.playOn,
+      players: maProvider.availablePlayers,
+      selectedPlayer: maProvider.selectedPlayer,
+      onPlayerSelected: (player) async {
+        maProvider.selectPlayer(player);
+        await maProvider.playTracks(player.playerId, _tracks);
+      },
    ).whenComplete(() {
-      // Slide mini player back up when sheet is dismissed
      GlobalPlayerOverlay.showPlayer();
    });
  }
@@ -155,10 +155,10 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {

  Future<void> _toggleFavorite() async {
    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    if (maProvider.api == null) return;

    try {
      final newState = !_isFavorite;
+      bool success;

      if (newState) {
        String actualProvider = widget.artist.provider;
@@ -177,7 +177,11 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
        }

        _logger.log('Adding artist to favorites: provider=$actualProvider, itemId=$actualItemId');
-        await maProvider.api!.addToFavorites('artist', actualItemId, actualProvider);
+        success = await maProvider.addToFavorites(
+          mediaType: 'artist',
+          itemId: actualItemId,
+          provider: actualProvider,
+        );
      } else {
        int? libraryItemId;

@@ -199,24 +203,32 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
        }

        _logger.log('Removing artist from favorites: libraryItemId=$libraryItemId');
-        await maProvider.api!.removeFromFavorites('artist', libraryItemId);
+        success = await maProvider.removeFromFavorites(
+          mediaType: 'artist',
+          libraryItemId: libraryItemId,
+        );
      }

-      setState(() {
-        _isFavorite = newState;
-      });
+      if (success) {
+        setState(() {
+          _isFavorite = newState;
+        });

-      maProvider.invalidateHomeCache();
+        maProvider.invalidateHomeCache();

-      if (mounted) {
-        ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
-          SnackBar(
-            content: Text(
-              _isFavorite ? S.of(context)!.addedToFavorites : S.of(context)!.removedFromFavorites,
+        if (mounted) {
+          final isOffline = !maProvider.isConnected;
+          ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+            SnackBar(
+              content: Text(
+                isOffline
+                    ? S.of(context)!.actionQueuedForSync
+                    : (_isFavorite ? S.of(context)!.addedToFavorites : S.of(context)!.removedFromFavorites),
+              ),
+              duration: const Duration(seconds: 1),
            ),
-            duration: const Duration(seconds: 1),
-          ),
-        );
+          );
+        }
      }
    } catch (e) {
      _logger.log('Error toggling artist favorite: $e');
@@ -231,57 +243,25 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
    }
  }

-  Future<void> _startArtistRadio() async {
-    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    final selectedPlayer = maProvider.selectedPlayer;
-
-    if (selectedPlayer == null) {
-      ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
-        SnackBar(content: Text(S.of(context)!.noPlayerSelected)),
-      );
-      return;
-    }
-
-    try {
-      await maProvider.playArtistRadio(selectedPlayer.playerId, widget.artist);
-      if (mounted) {
-        ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
-          SnackBar(
-            content: Text(S.of(context)!.startingRadio(widget.artist.name)),
-            duration: const Duration(seconds: 1),
-          ),
-        );
-      }
-    } catch (e) {
-      _logger.log('Error starting artist radio: $e');
-      if (mounted) {
-        ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
-          SnackBar(
-            content: Text(S.of(context)!.failedToStartRadio(e.toString())),
-            backgroundColor: Colors.red,
-          ),
-        );
-      }
-    }
-  }
-
-  void _showPlayOnMenu(BuildContext context) {
+  void _showRadioMenu(BuildContext context) {
    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
    final players = maProvider.availablePlayers;
-    final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
+
+    // Slide mini player down out of the way
+    GlobalPlayerOverlay.hidePlayer();

    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),
+      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,
-          crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
          children: [
+            const SizedBox(height: 16),
            Text(
              S.of(context)!.startRadioOn(widget.artist.name),
              style: Theme.of(context).textTheme.titleLarge,
@@ -302,7 +282,7 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
                    return ListTile(
                      leading: Icon(
                        Icons.speaker,
-                        color: colorScheme.onSurface,
+                        color: Theme.of(context).colorScheme.onSurface,
                      ),
                      title: Text(player.name),
                      onTap: () async {
@@ -333,46 +313,103 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
                  },
                ),
              ),
-            const SizedBox(height: 16),
+            SizedBox(height: MediaQuery.of(context).padding.bottom + 16),
          ],
        ),
      ),
-    );
+    ).whenComplete(() {
+      // Slide mini player back up when sheet is dismissed
+      GlobalPlayerOverlay.showPlayer();
+    });
  }

-  Future<void> _addArtistRadioToQueue() async {
+  void _showAddToQueueMenu(BuildContext context) {
    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    final selectedPlayer = maProvider.selectedPlayer;
+    final players = maProvider.availablePlayers;

-    if (selectedPlayer == null) {
-      ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
-        SnackBar(content: Text(S.of(context)!.noPlayerSelected)),
-      );
-      return;
-    }
+    // Slide mini player down out of the way
+    GlobalPlayerOverlay.hidePlayer();

-    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(S.of(context)!.addedRadioToQueue(widget.artist.name)),
-            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(S.of(context)!.failedToAddToQueue(e.toString())),
-            backgroundColor: Colors.red,
-          ),
-        );
-      }
-    }
+    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(
+              S.of(context)!.addToQueueOn,
+              style: Theme.of(context).textTheme.titleLarge,
+            ),
+            const SizedBox(height: 16),
+            if (players.isEmpty)
+              Padding(
+                padding: const EdgeInsets.all(32.0),
+                child: Text(S.of(context)!.noPlayersAvailable),
+              )
+            else
+              Flexible(
+                child: ListView.builder(
+                  shrinkWrap: true,
+                  itemCount: players.length,
+                  itemBuilder: (context, index) {
+                    final player = players[index];
+                    return ListTile(
+                      leading: Icon(
+                        Icons.speaker,
+                        color: Theme.of(context).colorScheme.onSurface,
+                      ),
+                      title: Text(player.name),
+                      onTap: () async {
+                        Navigator.pop(context);
+                        final api = maProvider.api;
+                        if (api == null) {
+                          if (mounted) {
+                            ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+                              SnackBar(content: Text(S.of(context)!.notConnected)),
+                            );
+                          }
+                          return;
+                        }
+                        try {
+                          await api.playArtistRadioToQueue(player.playerId, widget.artist);
+                          if (mounted) {
+                            ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+                              SnackBar(
+                                content: Text(S.of(context)!.addedRadioToQueue(widget.artist.name)),
+                                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(S.of(context)!.failedToAddToQueue(e.toString())),
+                                backgroundColor: Colors.red,
+                              ),
+                            );
+                          }
+                        }
+                      },
+                    );
+                  },
+                ),
+              ),
+            SizedBox(height: MediaQuery.of(context).padding.bottom + 16),
+          ],
+        ),
+      ),
+    ).whenComplete(() {
+      // Slide mini player back up when sheet is dismissed
+      GlobalPlayerOverlay.showPlayer();
+    });
  }

  Future<void> _loadArtistImage() async {
@@ -427,20 +464,51 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
  Future<void> _loadArtistAlbums() async {
    final provider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();

-    // Use cached artist albums method
-    final allAlbums = await provider.getArtistAlbumsWithCache(widget.artist.name);
+    // 1. Show cached data immediately (if available)
+    final cachedAlbums = provider.getCachedArtistAlbums(widget.artist.name);
+    if (cachedAlbums != null && cachedAlbums.isNotEmpty) {
+      final libraryAlbums = cachedAlbums.where((a) => a.inLibrary).toList();
+      final providerOnlyAlbums = cachedAlbums.where((a) => !a.inLibrary).toList();

-    if (mounted) {
-      // Separate library albums from provider-only albums
-      final libraryAlbums = allAlbums.where((a) => a.inLibrary).toList();
-      final providerOnlyAlbums = allAlbums.where((a) => !a.inLibrary).toList();
+      if (mounted) {
+        setState(() {
+          _albums = libraryAlbums;
+          _providerAlbums = providerOnlyAlbums;
+          _sortAlbums();
+          _isLoading = false;
+        });
+      }
+    }

-      setState(() {
-        _albums = libraryAlbums;
-        _providerAlbums = providerOnlyAlbums;
-        _sortAlbums(); // Apply saved sort order
-        _isLoading = false;
-      });
+    // 2. Fetch fresh data in background (silent refresh)
+    try {
+      final allAlbums = await provider.getArtistAlbumsWithCache(
+        widget.artist.name,
+        forceRefresh: cachedAlbums != null,
+      );
+
+      if (mounted && allAlbums.isNotEmpty) {
+        // Check if data actually changed
+        final albumsChanged = _albums.length != allAlbums.where((a) => a.inLibrary).length;
+
+        if (albumsChanged || _albums.isEmpty) {
+          final libraryAlbums = allAlbums.where((a) => a.inLibrary).toList();
+          final providerOnlyAlbums = allAlbums.where((a) => !a.inLibrary).toList();
+
+          setState(() {
+            _albums = libraryAlbums;
+            _providerAlbums = providerOnlyAlbums;
+            _sortAlbums();
+            _isLoading = false;
+          });
+        }
+      }
+    } catch (e) {
+      // Silent failure - keep showing cached data
+    }
+
+    if (mounted && _isLoading) {
+      setState(() => _isLoading = false);
    }
  }

@@ -483,10 +551,16 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
      },
      child: Scaffold(
        backgroundColor: colorScheme.background,
-        body: CustomScrollView(
+        body: LayoutBuilder(
+          builder: (context, constraints) {
+            // Responsive cover size: 40% of screen width, clamped between 160-280 (smaller for circular artist image)
+            final coverSize = (constraints.maxWidth * 0.4).clamp(160.0, 280.0);
+            final expandedHeight = coverSize + 100;
+
+            return CustomScrollView(
          slivers: [
            SliverAppBar(
-              expandedHeight: 300,
+              expandedHeight: expandedHeight,
              pinned: true,
              backgroundColor: colorScheme.background,
              leading: IconButton(
@@ -506,22 +580,24 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
                    tag: HeroTags.artistImage + (widget.artist.uri ?? widget.artist.itemId) + _heroTagSuffix,
                    child: ClipOval(
                      child: Container(
-                        width: 200,
-                        height: 200,
+                        width: coverSize,
+                        height: coverSize,
                        color: colorScheme.surfaceVariant,
                        child: imageUrl != null
-                            ? Image.network(
-                                imageUrl,
+                            ? CachedNetworkImage(
+                                imageUrl: imageUrl,
                                fit: BoxFit.cover,
-                                errorBuilder: (_, __, ___) => Icon(
+                                fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                                fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
+                                errorWidget: (_, __, ___) => Icon(
                                  Icons.person_rounded,
-                                  size: 100,
+                                  size: coverSize * 0.5,
                                  color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
                                ),
                              )
                            : Icon(
                                Icons.person_rounded,
-                                size: 100,
+                                size: coverSize * 0.5,
                                color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
                              ),
                      ),
@@ -582,7 +658,7 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
                        child: SizedBox(
                          height: 50,
                          child: ElevatedButton.icon(
-                            onPressed: _startArtistRadio,
+                            onPressed: () => _showRadioMenu(context),
                            icon: const Icon(Icons.radio),
                            label: Text(S.of(context)!.radio),
                            style: ElevatedButton.styleFrom(
@@ -595,23 +671,6 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
                          ),
                        ),
                      ),
-                      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),

@@ -620,7 +679,7 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
                        height: 50,
                        width: 50,
                        child: FilledButton.tonal(
-                          onPressed: _addArtistRadioToQueue,
+                          onPressed: () => _showAddToQueueMenu(context),
                          style: FilledButton.styleFrom(
                            padding: EdgeInsets.zero,
                            shape: RoundedRectangleBorder(
@@ -794,6 +853,8 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
            ],
          ],
        ],
+        );
+          },
        ),
      ),
    );
@@ -817,6 +878,7 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
            child: AlbumDetailsScreen(
              album: album,
              heroTagSuffix: heroSuffix,
+              initialImageUrl: imageUrl,
            ),
          ),
        );
@@ -833,12 +895,14 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
                child: Container(
                  color: colorScheme.surfaceVariant,
                  child: imageUrl != null
-                      ? Image.network(
-                          imageUrl,
+                      ? CachedNetworkImage(
+                          imageUrl: imageUrl,
                          fit: BoxFit.cover,
                          width: double.infinity,
                          height: double.infinity,
-                          errorBuilder: (_, __, ___) => Center(
+                          fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                          fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
+                          errorWidget: (_, __, ___) => Center(
                            child: Icon(
                              Icons.album_rounded,
                              size: 64,
@@ -940,10 +1004,12 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
          height: 56,
          color: colorScheme.surfaceVariant,
          child: imageUrl != null
-              ? Image.network(
-                  imageUrl,
+              ? CachedNetworkImage(
+                  imageUrl: imageUrl,
                  fit: BoxFit.cover,
-                  errorBuilder: (_, __, ___) => Icon(
+                  fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                  fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
+                  errorWidget: (_, __, ___) => Icon(
                    Icons.album_rounded,
                    color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
                  ),
@@ -979,6 +1045,7 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
            child: AlbumDetailsScreen(
              album: album,
              heroTagSuffix: 'artist_albums',
+              initialImageUrl: imageUrl,
            ),
          ),
        );
@@ -19,12 +19,14 @@ class AudiobookAuthorScreen extends StatefulWidget {
  final String authorName;
  final List<Audiobook> audiobooks;
  final String? heroTagSuffix;
+  final String? initialAuthorImageUrl;

  const AudiobookAuthorScreen({
    super.key,
    required this.authorName,
    required this.audiobooks,
    this.heroTagSuffix,
+    this.initialAuthorImageUrl,
  });

  @override
@@ -48,6 +50,8 @@ class _AudiobookAuthorScreenState extends State<AudiobookAuthorScreen> {
  void initState() {
    super.initState();
    _audiobooks = List.from(widget.audiobooks);
+    // Use initial image URL immediately for smooth hero animation
+    _authorImageUrl = widget.initialAuthorImageUrl;
    _loadViewPreferences();
    _sortAudiobooks();
    _loadAuthorImage();
@@ -181,6 +185,8 @@ class _AudiobookAuthorScreenState extends State<AudiobookAuthorScreen> {
                                  fit: BoxFit.cover,
                                  width: 200,
                                  height: 200,
+                                  fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                                  fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
                                  placeholder: (_, __) => Icon(
                                    MdiIcons.accountOutline,
                                    size: 100,
@@ -329,7 +335,7 @@ class _AudiobookAuthorScreenState extends State<AudiobookAuthorScreen> {
    final heroSuffix = 'author${_heroTagSuffix}';

    return InkWell(
-      onTap: () => _navigateToAudiobook(book, heroTagSuffix: heroSuffix),
+      onTap: () => _navigateToAudiobook(book, heroTagSuffix: heroSuffix, initialImageUrl: imageUrl),
      child: Column(
        crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
        children: [
@@ -349,6 +355,8 @@ class _AudiobookAuthorScreenState extends State<AudiobookAuthorScreen> {
                              fit: BoxFit.cover,
                              width: double.infinity,
                              height: double.infinity,
+                              fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                              fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
                              placeholder: (_, __) => Center(
                                child: Icon(
                                  MdiIcons.bookOutline,
@@ -443,6 +451,8 @@ class _AudiobookAuthorScreenState extends State<AudiobookAuthorScreen> {
                    ? CachedNetworkImage(
                        imageUrl: imageUrl,
                        fit: BoxFit.cover,
+                        fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                        fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
                        placeholder: (_, __) => Icon(
                          MdiIcons.bookOutline,
                          color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
@@ -508,17 +518,18 @@ class _AudiobookAuthorScreenState extends State<AudiobookAuthorScreen> {
              ),
            )
          : null,
-      onTap: () => _navigateToAudiobook(book, heroTagSuffix: heroSuffix),
+      onTap: () => _navigateToAudiobook(book, heroTagSuffix: heroSuffix, initialImageUrl: imageUrl),
    );
  }

-  void _navigateToAudiobook(Audiobook book, {String? heroTagSuffix}) {
+  void _navigateToAudiobook(Audiobook book, {String? heroTagSuffix, String? initialImageUrl}) {
    Navigator.push(
      context,
      FadeSlidePageRoute(
        child: AudiobookDetailScreen(
          audiobook: book,
          heroTagSuffix: heroTagSuffix,
+          initialImageUrl: initialImageUrl,
        ),
      ),
    );
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import 'package:material_design_icons_flutter/material_design_icons_flutter.dart
 import '../models/media_item.dart';
 import '../providers/music_assistant_provider.dart';
 import '../widgets/global_player_overlay.dart';
+import '../widgets/player_picker_sheet.dart';
 import '../theme/palette_helper.dart';
 import '../theme/theme_provider.dart';
 import '../services/debug_logger.dart';
@@ -15,11 +16,14 @@ import '../l10n/app_localizations.dart';
 class AudiobookDetailScreen extends StatefulWidget {
  final Audiobook audiobook;
  final String? heroTagSuffix;
+  /// Initial image URL from the source for seamless hero animation
+  final String? initialImageUrl;

  const AudiobookDetailScreen({
    super.key,
    required this.audiobook,
    this.heroTagSuffix,
+    this.initialImageUrl,
  });

  @override
@@ -119,10 +123,10 @@ class _AudiobookDetailScreenState extends State<AudiobookDetailScreen> {

  Future<void> _toggleFavorite() async {
    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    if (maProvider.api == null) return;

    try {
      final newState = !_isFavorite;
+      bool success;

      if (newState) {
        String actualProvider = widget.audiobook.provider;
@@ -141,7 +145,11 @@ class _AudiobookDetailScreenState extends State<AudiobookDetailScreen> {
        }

        _logger.log('Adding audiobook to favorites: provider=$actualProvider, itemId=$actualItemId');
-        await maProvider.api!.addToFavorites('audiobook', actualItemId, actualProvider);
+        success = await maProvider.addToFavorites(
+          mediaType: 'audiobook',
+          itemId: actualItemId,
+          provider: actualProvider,
+        );
      } else {
        int? libraryItemId;

@@ -162,22 +170,30 @@ class _AudiobookDetailScreenState extends State<AudiobookDetailScreen> {
        }

        _logger.log('Removing audiobook from favorites: libraryItemId=$libraryItemId');
-        await maProvider.api!.removeFromFavorites('audiobook', libraryItemId);
+        success = await maProvider.removeFromFavorites(
+          mediaType: 'audiobook',
+          libraryItemId: libraryItemId,
+        );
      }

-      setState(() {
-        _isFavorite = newState;
-      });
+      if (success) {
+        setState(() {
+          _isFavorite = newState;
+        });

-      if (mounted) {
-        ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
-          SnackBar(
-            content: Text(
-              _isFavorite ? S.of(context)!.addedToFavorites : S.of(context)!.removedFromFavorites,
+        if (mounted) {
+          final isOffline = !maProvider.isConnected;
+          ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+            SnackBar(
+              content: Text(
+                isOffline
+                    ? S.of(context)!.actionQueuedForSync
+                    : (_isFavorite ? S.of(context)!.addedToFavorites : S.of(context)!.removedFromFavorites),
+              ),
+              duration: const Duration(seconds: 1),
            ),
-            duration: const Duration(seconds: 1),
-          ),
-        );
+          );
+        }
      }
    } catch (e) {
      _logger.log('Error toggling audiobook favorite: $e');
@@ -194,62 +210,22 @@ class _AudiobookDetailScreenState extends State<AudiobookDetailScreen> {

  void _showPlayOnMenu(BuildContext context) {
    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    final players = maProvider.availablePlayers;

    GlobalPlayerOverlay.hidePlayer();

-    final screenHeight = MediaQuery.of(context).size.height;
-    final bottomPadding = MediaQuery.of(context).padding.bottom;
-    final sheetHeight = (screenHeight * 0.45) + bottomPadding;
-
-    showModalBottomSheet(
+    showPlayerPickerSheet(
      context: context,
-      backgroundColor: Colors.transparent,
-      isScrollControlled: true,
-      builder: (context) => Container(
-        height: sheetHeight,
-        decoration: BoxDecoration(
-          color: Theme.of(context).colorScheme.surface,
-          borderRadius: const BorderRadius.vertical(top: Radius.circular(20)),
-        ),
-        child: Column(
-          children: [
-            const SizedBox(height: 16),
-            Text(
-              S.of(context)!.playOn,
-              style: Theme.of(context).textTheme.titleLarge,
-            ),
-            const SizedBox(height: 16),
-            Expanded(
-              child: players.isEmpty
-                  ? Center(child: Text(S.of(context)!.noPlayersAvailable))
-                  : ListView.builder(
-                      padding: EdgeInsets.only(bottom: bottomPadding + 16),
-                      itemCount: players.length,
-                      itemBuilder: (context, index) {
-                        final player = players[index];
-                        return ListTile(
-                          leading: Icon(
-                            Icons.speaker,
-                            color: Theme.of(context).colorScheme.onSurface,
-                          ),
-                          title: Text(player.name),
-                          onTap: () async {
-                            Navigator.pop(context);
-                            maProvider.selectPlayer(player);
-                            maProvider.setCurrentAudiobook(_audiobook);
-                            await maProvider.api?.playAudiobook(
-                              player.playerId,
-                              widget.audiobook,
-                            );
-                          },
-                        );
-                      },
-                    ),
-            ),
-          ],
-        ),
-      ),
+      title: S.of(context)!.playOn,
+      players: maProvider.availablePlayers,
+      selectedPlayer: maProvider.selectedPlayer,
+      onPlayerSelected: (player) async {
+        maProvider.selectPlayer(player);
+        maProvider.setCurrentAudiobook(_audiobook);
+        await maProvider.api?.playAudiobook(
+          player.playerId,
+          widget.audiobook,
+        );
+      },
    ).whenComplete(() {
      GlobalPlayerOverlay.showPlayer();
    });
@@ -414,7 +390,9 @@ class _AudiobookDetailScreenState extends State<AudiobookDetailScreen> {
  @override
  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    final imageUrl = maProvider.getImageUrl(widget.audiobook, size: 512);
+    final providerImageUrl = maProvider.getImageUrl(widget.audiobook, size: 512);
+    // Use initialImageUrl as fallback for seamless hero animation
+    final imageUrl = providerImageUrl ?? widget.initialImageUrl;

    final adaptiveTheme = context.select<ThemeProvider, bool>(
      (provider) => provider.adaptiveTheme,
@@ -449,10 +427,16 @@ class _AudiobookDetailScreenState extends State<AudiobookDetailScreen> {
      },
      child: Scaffold(
        backgroundColor: colorScheme.surface,
-        body: CustomScrollView(
+        body: LayoutBuilder(
+          builder: (context, constraints) {
+            // Responsive cover size: 50% of screen width, clamped between 200-320
+            final coverSize = (constraints.maxWidth * 0.5).clamp(200.0, 320.0);
+            final expandedHeight = coverSize + 70;
+
+            return CustomScrollView(
          slivers: [
            SliverAppBar(
-              expandedHeight: 350,
+              expandedHeight: expandedHeight,
              pinned: true,
              backgroundColor: colorScheme.surface,
              leading: IconButton(
@@ -521,24 +505,26 @@ class _AudiobookDetailScreenState extends State<AudiobookDetailScreen> {
                      child: ClipRRect(
                        borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(8),
                        child: Container(
-                          width: 280,
-                          height: 280,
+                          width: coverSize,
+                          height: coverSize,
                          color: colorScheme.surfaceContainerHighest,
                          child: imageUrl != null
                              ? CachedNetworkImage(
                                  imageUrl: imageUrl,
                                  fit: BoxFit.cover,
+                                  fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                                  fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
                                  placeholder: (_, __) => Center(
                                    child: Icon(
                                      MdiIcons.bookOutline,
-                                      size: 120,
+                                      size: coverSize * 0.43,
                                      color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
                                    ),
                                  ),
                                  errorWidget: (_, __, ___) => Center(
                                    child: Icon(
                                      MdiIcons.bookOutline,
-                                      size: 120,
+                                      size: coverSize * 0.43,
                                      color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
                                    ),
                                  ),
@@ -546,7 +532,7 @@ class _AudiobookDetailScreenState extends State<AudiobookDetailScreen> {
                              : Center(
                                  child: Icon(
                                    MdiIcons.bookOutline,
-                                    size: 120,
+                                    size: coverSize * 0.43,
                                    color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
                                  ),
                                ),
@@ -790,6 +776,8 @@ class _AudiobookDetailScreenState extends State<AudiobookDetailScreen> {

            const SliverToBoxAdapter(child: SizedBox(height: 140)),
          ],
+        );
+          },
        ),
      ),
    );
@@ -275,11 +275,17 @@ class _AudiobookSeriesScreenState extends State<AudiobookSeriesScreen> {

    return Scaffold(
      backgroundColor: colorScheme.surface,
-      body: CustomScrollView(
+      body: LayoutBuilder(
+        builder: (context, constraints) {
+          // Responsive cover size: 50% of screen width, clamped between 200-320
+          final coverSize = (constraints.maxWidth * 0.5).clamp(200.0, 320.0);
+          final expandedHeight = coverSize + 70;
+
+          return CustomScrollView(
        slivers: [
          // App bar with series cover collage (matches audiobook detail screen)
          SliverAppBar(
-            expandedHeight: 350,
+            expandedHeight: expandedHeight,
            pinned: true,
            backgroundColor: colorScheme.surface,
            leading: IconButton(
@@ -292,12 +298,12 @@ class _AudiobookSeriesScreenState extends State<AudiobookSeriesScreen> {
                mainAxisAlignment: MainAxisAlignment.center,
                children: [
                  const SizedBox(height: 60),
-                  // Series cover collage - same size as audiobook detail cover
+                  // Series cover collage - responsive size
                  Hero(
                    tag: widget.heroTag ?? 'series_cover_${widget.series.id}',
                    child: Container(
-                      width: 280,
-                      height: 280,
+                      width: coverSize,
+                      height: coverSize,
                      decoration: BoxDecoration(
                        color: colorScheme.surfaceContainerHighest,
                        borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(12),
@@ -445,10 +451,12 @@ class _AudiobookSeriesScreenState extends State<AudiobookSeriesScreen> {
            _buildAudiobookSliver(maProvider),

          // Bottom padding for mini player
-          const SliverToBoxAdapter(
+          SliverToBoxAdapter(
            child: SizedBox(height: BottomSpacing.withMiniPlayer),
          ),
        ],
+      );
+        },
      ),
    );
  }
@@ -517,6 +525,8 @@ class _AudiobookSeriesScreenState extends State<AudiobookSeriesScreen> {
                      ? CachedNetworkImage(
                          imageUrl: coverUrl,
                          fit: BoxFit.cover,
+                          fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                          fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
                          placeholder: (_, __) => Container(
                            color: colorScheme.surfaceContainerHighest,
                          ),
@@ -633,7 +643,7 @@ class _AudiobookSeriesScreenState extends State<AudiobookSeriesScreen> {
    final heroSuffix = 'series_${widget.series.id}';

    return InkWell(
-      onTap: () => _navigateToAudiobook(book, heroTagSuffix: heroSuffix),
+      onTap: () => _navigateToAudiobook(book, heroTagSuffix: heroSuffix, initialImageUrl: imageUrl),
      child: Column(
        crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
        children: [
@@ -653,6 +663,8 @@ class _AudiobookSeriesScreenState extends State<AudiobookSeriesScreen> {
                              fit: BoxFit.cover,
                              width: double.infinity,
                              height: double.infinity,
+                              fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                              fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
                              placeholder: (_, __) => Center(
                                child: Icon(
                                  MdiIcons.bookOutline,
@@ -746,6 +758,8 @@ class _AudiobookSeriesScreenState extends State<AudiobookSeriesScreen> {
                    ? CachedNetworkImage(
                        imageUrl: imageUrl,
                        fit: BoxFit.cover,
+                        fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                        fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
                        placeholder: (_, __) => Icon(
                          MdiIcons.bookOutline,
                          color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
@@ -811,17 +825,18 @@ class _AudiobookSeriesScreenState extends State<AudiobookSeriesScreen> {
              ),
            )
          : null,
-      onTap: () => _navigateToAudiobook(book, heroTagSuffix: heroSuffix),
+      onTap: () => _navigateToAudiobook(book, heroTagSuffix: heroSuffix, initialImageUrl: imageUrl),
    );
  }

-  void _navigateToAudiobook(Audiobook book, {String? heroTagSuffix}) {
+  void _navigateToAudiobook(Audiobook book, {String? heroTagSuffix, String? initialImageUrl}) {
    Navigator.push(
      context,
      FadeSlidePageRoute(
        child: AudiobookDetailScreen(
          audiobook: book,
          heroTagSuffix: heroTagSuffix,
+          initialImageUrl: initialImageUrl,
        ),
      ),
    );
@@ -47,7 +47,9 @@ class LibraryAlbumsScreen extends StatelessWidget {
  Widget _buildAlbumsList(BuildContext context, List<Album> albums, bool isLoading) {
    final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;

-    if (isLoading) {
+    // Show cached data immediately if available, even while loading
+    // Only show spinner if we have no data at all AND we're loading
+    if (albums.isEmpty && isLoading) {
      return Center(
        child: CircularProgressIndicator(color: colorScheme.primary),
      );
@@ -49,7 +49,9 @@ class LibraryArtistsScreen extends StatelessWidget {
  Widget _buildArtistsList(BuildContext context, List<Artist> artists, bool isLoading) {
    final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;

-    if (isLoading) {
+    // Show cached data immediately if available, even while loading
+    // Only show spinner if we have no data at all AND we're loading
+    if (artists.isEmpty && isLoading) {
      return Center(
        child: CircularProgressIndicator(color: colorScheme.primary),
      );
@@ -75,7 +75,9 @@ class _LibraryPlaylistsScreenState extends State<LibraryPlaylistsScreen> {
  Widget _buildPlaylistsList(BuildContext context, MusicAssistantProvider provider) {
    final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;

-    if (_isLoading) {
+    // Show cached data immediately if available, even while loading
+    // Only show spinner if we have no data at all AND we're loading
+    if (_playlists.isEmpty && _isLoading) {
      return Center(
        child: CircularProgressIndicator(color: colorScheme.primary),
      );
@@ -42,7 +42,9 @@ class LibraryTracksScreen extends StatelessWidget {
      BuildContext context, MusicAssistantProvider provider) {
    final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;

-    if (provider.isLoading) {
+    // Show cached data immediately if available, even while loading
+    // Only show spinner if we have no data at all AND we're loading
+    if (provider.tracks.isEmpty && provider.isLoading) {
      return Center(
        child: CircularProgressIndicator(color: colorScheme.primary),
      );
@@ -443,6 +443,18 @@ class _LoginScreenState extends State<LoginScreen> {
      }

      if (provider.isConnected) {
+        // For first-time users, wait for player selection so the welcome
+        // overlay can appear immediately without home screen flash.
+        // This matches the logic in AppStartup._checkAndConnect().
+        final hasCompletedOnboarding = await SettingsService.getHasCompletedOnboarding();
+        if (!hasCompletedOnboarding) {
+          // First-time user: wait for connection + player selection
+          for (int i = 0; i < 20; i++) {
+            await Future.delayed(const Duration(milliseconds: 250));
+            if (provider.selectedPlayer != null) break;
+          }
+        }
+
        // Navigate to home screen
        if (mounted) {
          // Ensure keyboard is closed before navigating
@@ -304,6 +304,7 @@ class _NewHomeScreenState extends State<NewHomeScreen> with AutomaticKeepAliveCl
          key: const ValueKey('recent-albums'),
          title: S.of(context)!.recentlyPlayed,
          loadAlbums: () => provider.getRecentAlbumsWithCache(),
+          getCachedAlbums: () => provider.getCachedRecentAlbums(),
          rowHeight: rowHeight,
        );
      case 'discover-artists':
@@ -312,6 +313,7 @@ class _NewHomeScreenState extends State<NewHomeScreen> with AutomaticKeepAliveCl
          key: const ValueKey('discover-artists'),
          title: S.of(context)!.discoverArtists,
          loadArtists: () => provider.getDiscoverArtistsWithCache(),
+          getCachedArtists: () => provider.getCachedDiscoverArtists(),
          rowHeight: rowHeight,
        );
      case 'discover-albums':
@@ -320,6 +322,7 @@ class _NewHomeScreenState extends State<NewHomeScreen> with AutomaticKeepAliveCl
          key: const ValueKey('discover-albums'),
          title: S.of(context)!.discoverAlbums,
          loadAlbums: () => provider.getDiscoverAlbumsWithCache(),
+          getCachedAlbums: () => provider.getCachedDiscoverAlbums(),
          rowHeight: rowHeight,
        );
      case 'continue-listening':
@@ -1005,6 +1005,8 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
                    fit: BoxFit.cover,
                    width: 48,
                    height: 48,
+                    fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                    fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
                    placeholder: (_, __) => Text(
                      authorName.isNotEmpty ? authorName[0].toUpperCase() : '?',
                      style: TextStyle(
@@ -1047,7 +1049,7 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
          color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.6),
        ),
      ),
-      onTap: () => _navigateToAuthor(authorName, books, heroTagSuffix: 'library$heroSuffix'),
+      onTap: () => _navigateToAuthor(authorName, books, heroTagSuffix: 'library$heroSuffix', initialAuthorImageUrl: authorImageUrl),
    );
  }

@@ -1059,7 +1061,7 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>

    // Match music artist card layout
    return GestureDetector(
-      onTap: () => _navigateToAuthor(authorName, books, heroTagSuffix: 'library$heroSuffix'),
+      onTap: () => _navigateToAuthor(authorName, books, heroTagSuffix: 'library$heroSuffix', initialAuthorImageUrl: authorImageUrl),
      child: Column(
        crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.center,
        children: [
@@ -1088,6 +1090,8 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
                                fit: BoxFit.cover,
                                width: size,
                                height: size,
+                                fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                                fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
                                placeholder: (_, __) => Center(
                                  child: Text(
                                    authorName.isNotEmpty ? authorName[0].toUpperCase() : '?',
@@ -1142,7 +1146,7 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
    );
  }

-  void _navigateToAuthor(String authorName, List<Audiobook> books, {String? heroTagSuffix}) {
+  void _navigateToAuthor(String authorName, List<Audiobook> books, {String? heroTagSuffix, String? initialAuthorImageUrl}) {
    Navigator.push(
      context,
      FadeSlidePageRoute(
@@ -1150,6 +1154,7 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
          authorName: authorName,
          audiobooks: books,
          heroTagSuffix: heroTagSuffix,
+          initialAuthorImageUrl: initialAuthorImageUrl,
        ),
      ),
    );
@@ -1222,17 +1227,18 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
              ),
            )
          : null,
-      onTap: () => _navigateToAudiobook(book, heroTagSuffix: 'library$heroSuffix'),
+      onTap: () => _navigateToAudiobook(book, heroTagSuffix: 'library$heroSuffix', initialImageUrl: imageUrl),
    );
  }

-  void _navigateToAudiobook(Audiobook book, {String? heroTagSuffix}) {
+  void _navigateToAudiobook(Audiobook book, {String? heroTagSuffix, String? initialImageUrl}) {
    Navigator.push(
      context,
      FadeSlidePageRoute(
        child: AudiobookDetailScreen(
          audiobook: book,
          heroTagSuffix: heroTagSuffix,
+          initialImageUrl: initialImageUrl,
        ),
      ),
    );
@@ -1325,7 +1331,7 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
    final heroSuffix = _showFavoritesOnly ? '_fav' : '';

    return GestureDetector(
-      onTap: () => _navigateToAudiobook(book, heroTagSuffix: 'library$heroSuffix'),
+      onTap: () => _navigateToAudiobook(book, heroTagSuffix: 'library$heroSuffix', initialImageUrl: imageUrl),
      child: Column(
        crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
        children: [
@@ -1346,6 +1352,8 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
                          ? CachedNetworkImage(
                              imageUrl: imageUrl,
                              fit: BoxFit.cover,
+                              fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                              fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
                              placeholder: (_, __) => const SizedBox(),
                              errorWidget: (_, __, ___) => Center(
                                child: Icon(
@@ -2188,7 +2196,10 @@ class _NewLibraryScreenState extends State<NewLibraryScreen>
        Navigator.push(
          context,
          FadeSlidePageRoute(
-            child: AlbumDetailsScreen(album: album),
+            child: AlbumDetailsScreen(
+              album: album,
+              initialImageUrl: imageUrl,
+            ),
          ),
        );
      },
@@ -35,21 +35,48 @@ class _PlaylistDetailsScreenState extends State<PlaylistDetailsScreen> {
  }

  Future<void> _loadTracks() async {
-    setState(() {
-      _isLoading = true;
-    });
-
    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    final tracks = await maProvider.getPlaylistTracksWithCache(
-      widget.provider,
-      widget.itemId,
-    );
+    final cacheKey = '${widget.provider}_${widget.itemId}';

-    if (mounted) {
-      setState(() {
-        _tracks = tracks;
-        _isLoading = false;
-      });
+    // 1. Show cached data immediately (if available)
+    final cachedTracks = maProvider.getCachedPlaylistTracks(cacheKey);
+    if (cachedTracks != null && cachedTracks.isNotEmpty) {
+      if (mounted) {
+        setState(() {
+          _tracks = cachedTracks;
+          _isLoading = false;
+        });
+      }
+    } else {
+      setState(() => _isLoading = true);
+    }
+
+    // 2. Fetch fresh data in background (silent refresh)
+    try {
+      final freshTracks = await maProvider.getPlaylistTracksWithCache(
+        widget.provider,
+        widget.itemId,
+        forceRefresh: cachedTracks != null,
+      );
+
+      // 3. Update if we got different data
+      if (mounted && freshTracks.isNotEmpty) {
+        final tracksChanged = _tracks.length != freshTracks.length ||
+            (_tracks.isNotEmpty && freshTracks.isNotEmpty &&
+             _tracks.first.itemId != freshTracks.first.itemId);
+        if (tracksChanged || _tracks.isEmpty) {
+          setState(() {
+            _tracks = freshTracks;
+            _isLoading = false;
+          });
+        }
+      }
+    } catch (e) {
+      // Silent failure - keep showing cached data
+    }
+
+    if (mounted && _isLoading) {
+      setState(() => _isLoading = false);
    }
  }

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import '../providers/music_assistant_provider.dart';
 import '../services/music_assistant_api.dart';
 import '../services/settings_service.dart';
 import '../theme/theme_provider.dart';
+import '../theme/app_theme.dart';
 import '../widgets/global_player_overlay.dart';
 import 'debug_log_screen.dart';
 import 'login_screen.dart';
@@ -37,6 +38,11 @@ class _SettingsScreenState extends State<SettingsScreen> {
  // Audiobook libraries
  List<Map<String, String>> _discoveredLibraries = [];
  Map<String, bool> _libraryEnabled = {};
+  // Player settings
+  bool _preferLocalPlayer = false;
+  bool _smartSortPlayers = false;
+  // Hint settings
+  bool _showHints = true;

  @override
  void initState() {
@@ -81,6 +87,13 @@ class _SettingsScreenState extends State<SettingsScreen> {
      libraryEnabled[path] = enabled == null || enabled.contains(path);
    }

+    // Load player settings
+    final preferLocal = await SettingsService.getPreferLocalPlayer();
+    final smartSort = await SettingsService.getSmartSortPlayers();
+
+    // Load hint settings
+    final showHints = await SettingsService.getShowHints();
+
    if (mounted) {
      setState(() {
        _showRecentAlbums = showRecent;
@@ -95,6 +108,9 @@ class _SettingsScreenState extends State<SettingsScreen> {
        _homeRowOrder = rowOrder;
        _discoveredLibraries = discovered;
        _libraryEnabled = libraryEnabled;
+        _preferLocalPlayer = preferLocal;
+        _smartSortPlayers = smartSort;
+        _showHints = showHints;
      });
    }
  }
@@ -410,7 +426,137 @@ class _SettingsScreenState extends State<SettingsScreen> {

            const SizedBox(height: 16),

-            // Language picker
+            // Accent color picker
+            Consumer<ThemeProvider>(
+              builder: (context, themeProvider, _) {
+                final isDisabled = themeProvider.useMaterialTheme;
+                return Container(
+                  padding: const EdgeInsets.all(16),
+                  decoration: BoxDecoration(
+                    color: colorScheme.surfaceVariant.withOpacity(0.3),
+                    borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(12),
+                  ),
+                  child: Column(
+                    crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
+                    children: [
+                      Text(
+                        S.of(context)!.accentColor,
+                        style: TextStyle(
+                          color: isDisabled
+                              ? colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.4)
+                              : colorScheme.onSurface,
+                          fontWeight: FontWeight.w500,
+                        ),
+                      ),
+                      const SizedBox(height: 12),
+                      Row(
+                        mainAxisAlignment: MainAxisAlignment.spaceEvenly,
+                        children: accentColorOptions.map((color) {
+                          final isSelected = themeProvider.customColor.value == color.value;
+                          return GestureDetector(
+                            onTap: isDisabled ? null : () {
+                              themeProvider.setCustomColor(color);
+                            },
+                            child: AnimatedContainer(
+                              duration: const Duration(milliseconds: 200),
+                              curve: Curves.easeInOut,
+                              width: 40,
+                              height: 40,
+                              decoration: BoxDecoration(
+                                color: isDisabled ? color.withOpacity(0.3) : color,
+                                shape: BoxShape.circle,
+                                border: isSelected && !isDisabled
+                                    ? Border.all(color: colorScheme.onSurface, width: 3)
+                                    : null,
+                                boxShadow: isSelected && !isDisabled
+                                    ? [BoxShadow(color: color.withOpacity(0.5), blurRadius: 8, spreadRadius: 2)]
+                                    : null,
+                              ),
+                              child: isSelected && !isDisabled
+                                  ? Icon(Icons.check, color: Colors.white, size: 20)
+                                  : null,
+                            ),
+                          );
+                        }).toList(),
+                      ),
+                    ],
+                  ),
+                );
+              },
+            ),
+
+            const SizedBox(height: 16),
+
+            Consumer<ThemeProvider>(
+              builder: (context, themeProvider, _) {
+                return Container(
+                  padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 16, vertical: 8),
+                  decoration: BoxDecoration(
+                    color: colorScheme.surfaceVariant.withOpacity(0.3),
+                    borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(12),
+                  ),
+                  child: SwitchListTile(
+                    title: Text(
+                      S.of(context)!.materialYou,
+                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface),
+                    ),
+                    subtitle: Text(
+                      S.of(context)!.materialYouDescription,
+                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.6), fontSize: 12),
+                    ),
+                    value: themeProvider.useMaterialTheme,
+                    onChanged: (value) {
+                      themeProvider.setUseMaterialTheme(value);
+                    },
+                    activeColor: colorScheme.primary,
+                    contentPadding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+                  ),
+                );
+              },
+            ),
+
+            const SizedBox(height: 16),
+
+            Consumer<ThemeProvider>(
+              builder: (context, themeProvider, _) {
+                return Container(
+                  padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 16, vertical: 8),
+                  decoration: BoxDecoration(
+                    color: colorScheme.surfaceVariant.withOpacity(0.3),
+                    borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(12),
+                  ),
+                  child: SwitchListTile(
+                    title: Text(
+                      S.of(context)!.adaptiveTheme,
+                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface),
+                    ),
+                    subtitle: Text(
+                      S.of(context)!.extractColorsFromArtwork,
+                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.6), fontSize: 12),
+                    ),
+                    value: themeProvider.adaptiveTheme,
+                    onChanged: (value) {
+                      themeProvider.setAdaptiveTheme(value);
+                    },
+                    activeColor: colorScheme.primary,
+                    contentPadding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+                  ),
+                );
+              },
+            ),
+
+            const SizedBox(height: 32),
+
+            // Language section
+            Text(
+              S.of(context)!.language,
+              style: textTheme.titleMedium?.copyWith(
+                color: colorScheme.onBackground,
+                fontWeight: FontWeight.bold,
+              ),
+            ),
+            const SizedBox(height: 16),
+
            Consumer<LocaleProvider>(
              builder: (context, localeProvider, _) {
                String getLanguageName(String? code) {
@@ -493,64 +639,108 @@ class _SettingsScreenState extends State<SettingsScreen> {
              },
            ),

+            const SizedBox(height: 32),
+
+            // Player section
+            Text(
+              S.of(context)!.players,
+              style: textTheme.titleMedium?.copyWith(
+                color: colorScheme.onBackground,
+                fontWeight: FontWeight.bold,
+              ),
+            ),
            const SizedBox(height: 16),

-            Consumer<ThemeProvider>(
-              builder: (context, themeProvider, _) {
-                return Container(
-                  padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 16, vertical: 8),
-                  decoration: BoxDecoration(
-                    color: colorScheme.surfaceVariant.withOpacity(0.3),
-                    borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(12),
-                  ),
-                  child: SwitchListTile(
-                    title: Text(
-                      S.of(context)!.materialYou,
-                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface),
-                    ),
-                    subtitle: Text(
-                      S.of(context)!.materialYouDescription,
-                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.6), fontSize: 12),
-                    ),
-                    value: themeProvider.useMaterialTheme,
-                    onChanged: (value) {
-                      themeProvider.setUseMaterialTheme(value);
-                    },
-                    activeColor: colorScheme.primary,
-                    contentPadding: EdgeInsets.zero,
-                  ),
-                );
-              },
+            Container(
+              padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 16, vertical: 8),
+              decoration: BoxDecoration(
+                color: colorScheme.surfaceVariant.withOpacity(0.3),
+                borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(12),
+              ),
+              child: SwitchListTile(
+                title: Text(
+                  S.of(context)!.preferLocalPlayer,
+                  style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface),
+                ),
+                subtitle: Text(
+                  S.of(context)!.preferLocalPlayerDescription,
+                  style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.6), fontSize: 12),
+                ),
+                value: _preferLocalPlayer,
+                onChanged: (value) {
+                  setState(() => _preferLocalPlayer = value);
+                  SettingsService.setPreferLocalPlayer(value);
+                },
+                activeColor: colorScheme.primary,
+                contentPadding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+              ),
            ),

            const SizedBox(height: 16),

-            Consumer<ThemeProvider>(
-              builder: (context, themeProvider, _) {
-                return Container(
-                  padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 16, vertical: 8),
-                  decoration: BoxDecoration(
-                    color: colorScheme.surfaceVariant.withOpacity(0.3),
-                    borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(12),
-                  ),
-                  child: SwitchListTile(
-                    title: Text(
-                      S.of(context)!.adaptiveTheme,
-                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface),
-                    ),
-                    subtitle: Text(
-                      S.of(context)!.extractColorsFromArtwork,
-                      style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.6), fontSize: 12),
-                    ),
-                    value: themeProvider.adaptiveTheme,
-                    onChanged: (value) {
-                      themeProvider.setAdaptiveTheme(value);
-                    },
-                    activeColor: colorScheme.primary,
-                    contentPadding: EdgeInsets.zero,
-                  ),
-                );
-              },
+            Container(
+              padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 16, vertical: 8),
+              decoration: BoxDecoration(
+                color: colorScheme.surfaceVariant.withOpacity(0.3),
+                borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(12),
+              ),
+              child: SwitchListTile(
+                title: Text(
+                  S.of(context)!.smartSortPlayers,
+                  style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface),
+                ),
+                subtitle: Text(
+                  S.of(context)!.smartSortPlayersDescription,
+                  style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.6), fontSize: 12),
+                ),
+                value: _smartSortPlayers,
+                onChanged: (value) {
+                  setState(() => _smartSortPlayers = value);
+                  SettingsService.setSmartSortPlayers(value);
+                },
+                activeColor: colorScheme.primary,
+                contentPadding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+              ),
+            ),
+
+            const SizedBox(height: 32),
+
+            // Hints & Tips section
+            Text(
+              S.of(context)!.hintsAndTips,
+              style: textTheme.titleMedium?.copyWith(
+                color: colorScheme.onBackground,
+                fontWeight: FontWeight.bold,
+              ),
+            ),
+            const SizedBox(height: 8),
+            Text(
+              S.of(context)!.showHintsDescription,
+              style: textTheme.bodySmall?.copyWith(
+                color: colorScheme.onBackground.withOpacity(0.6),
+              ),
+            ),
+            const SizedBox(height: 16),
+
+            Container(
+              padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 16, vertical: 8),
+              decoration: BoxDecoration(
+                color: colorScheme.surfaceVariant.withOpacity(0.3),
+                borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(12),
+              ),
+              child: SwitchListTile(
+                title: Text(
+                  S.of(context)!.showHints,
+                  style: TextStyle(color: colorScheme.onSurface),
+                ),
+                value: _showHints,
+                onChanged: (value) {
+                  setState(() => _showHints = value);
+                  SettingsService.setShowHints(value);
+                },
+                activeColor: colorScheme.primary,
+                contentPadding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+              ),
            ),

            const SizedBox(height: 32),
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+import 'dart:async';
 import 'package:audio_service/audio_service.dart';
 import 'package:audio_session/audio_session.dart';
 import 'package:just_audio/just_audio.dart';
@@ -11,6 +12,12 @@ class MassivAudioHandler extends BaseAudioHandler with SeekHandler {
  final AuthManager authManager;
  final _logger = DebugLogger();

+  // Stream subscriptions for proper cleanup
+  StreamSubscription? _interruptionSubscription;
+  StreamSubscription? _becomingNoisySubscription;
+  StreamSubscription? _playbackEventSubscription;
+  StreamSubscription? _currentIndexSubscription;
+
  // Track current metadata separately from what's in the notification
  // This allows us to update the notification when metadata arrives late
  MediaItem? _currentMediaItem;
@@ -42,7 +49,7 @@ class MassivAudioHandler extends BaseAudioHandler with SeekHandler {
    await session.configure(const AudioSessionConfiguration.music());

    // Handle audio interruptions
-    session.interruptionEventStream.listen((event) {
+    _interruptionSubscription = session.interruptionEventStream.listen((event) {
      if (event.begin) {
        switch (event.type) {
          case AudioInterruptionType.duck:
@@ -68,15 +75,15 @@ class MassivAudioHandler extends BaseAudioHandler with SeekHandler {
    });

    // Handle becoming noisy (headphones unplugged)
-    session.becomingNoisyEventStream.listen((_) {
+    _becomingNoisySubscription = session.becomingNoisyEventStream.listen((_) {
      pause();
    });

    // Broadcast playback state changes
-    _player.playbackEventStream.listen(_broadcastState);
+    _playbackEventSubscription = _player.playbackEventStream.listen(_broadcastState);

    // Broadcast current media item changes
-    _player.currentIndexStream.listen((_) {
+    _currentIndexSubscription = _player.currentIndexStream.listen((_) {
      if (_currentMediaItem != null) {
        mediaItem.add(_currentMediaItem);
      }
@@ -293,4 +300,13 @@ class MassivAudioHandler extends BaseAudioHandler with SeekHandler {
  Stream<Duration?> get durationStream => _player.durationStream;

  MediaItem? get currentMediaItem => _currentMediaItem;
+
+  /// Dispose of resources and cancel all subscriptions
+  Future<void> dispose() async {
+    await _interruptionSubscription?.cancel();
+    await _becomingNoisySubscription?.cancel();
+    await _playbackEventSubscription?.cancel();
+    await _currentIndexSubscription?.cancel();
+    await _player.dispose();
+  }
 }
@@ -1,12 +1,20 @@
+import 'dart:convert';
 import '../models/media_item.dart';
 import '../models/player.dart';
 import '../services/debug_logger.dart';
+import '../services/database_service.dart';
 import '../constants/timings.dart';

 /// Centralized cache service for all app data caching
 /// This is a non-notifying service - it just stores and retrieves cached data
 class CacheService {
  final DebugLogger _logger = DebugLogger();
+  bool _homeRowsLoaded = false;
+
+  // Cache size limits to prevent unbounded memory growth
+  static const int _maxDetailCacheSize = 50; // Max albums/playlists/artists cached
+  static const int _maxSearchCacheSize = 20; // Max search queries cached
+  static const int _maxPlayerTrackCacheSize = 30; // Max player track associations

  // Home screen row caching
  List<Album>? _cachedRecentAlbums;
@@ -35,6 +43,7 @@ class CacheService {

  // Player track cache (for smooth swipe transitions)
  final Map<String, Track?> _playerTrackCache = {};
+  final Map<String, DateTime> _playerTrackCacheTime = {};

  // ============================================================================
  // HOME SCREEN ROW CACHING
@@ -57,6 +66,8 @@ class CacheService {
    _cachedRecentAlbums = albums;
    _recentAlbumsLastFetched = DateTime.now();
    _logger.log('✅ Cached ${albums.length} recent albums');
+    // Persist to database for instant load on next launch
+    _persistHomeRowToDatabase('recent_albums', albums.map((a) => a.toJson()).toList());
  }

  /// Check if discover artists cache is valid
@@ -76,6 +87,8 @@ class CacheService {
    _cachedDiscoverArtists = artists;
    _discoverArtistsLastFetched = DateTime.now();
    _logger.log('✅ Cached ${artists.length} discover artists');
+    // Persist to database for instant load on next launch
+    _persistHomeRowToDatabase('discover_artists', artists.map((a) => a.toJson()).toList());
  }

  /// Check if discover albums cache is valid
@@ -95,6 +108,8 @@ class CacheService {
    _cachedDiscoverAlbums = albums;
    _discoverAlbumsLastFetched = DateTime.now();
    _logger.log('✅ Cached ${albums.length} discover albums');
+    // Persist to database for instant load on next launch
+    _persistHomeRowToDatabase('discover_albums', albums.map((a) => a.toJson()).toList());
  }

  /// Invalidate home screen cache (call on pull-to-refresh)
@@ -126,6 +141,7 @@ class CacheService {
  void setCachedAlbumTracks(String cacheKey, List<Track> tracks) {
    _albumTracksCache[cacheKey] = tracks;
    _albumTracksCacheTime[cacheKey] = DateTime.now();
+    _evictOldestEntries(_albumTracksCache, _albumTracksCacheTime, _maxDetailCacheSize);
    _logger.log('✅ Cached ${tracks.length} tracks for album $cacheKey');
  }

@@ -152,6 +168,7 @@ class CacheService {
  void setCachedPlaylistTracks(String cacheKey, List<Track> tracks) {
    _playlistTracksCache[cacheKey] = tracks;
    _playlistTracksCacheTime[cacheKey] = DateTime.now();
+    _evictOldestEntries(_playlistTracksCache, _playlistTracksCacheTime, _maxDetailCacheSize);
    _logger.log('✅ Cached ${tracks.length} tracks for playlist $cacheKey');
  }

@@ -178,6 +195,7 @@ class CacheService {
  void setCachedArtistAlbums(String cacheKey, List<Album> albums) {
    _artistAlbumsCache[cacheKey] = albums;
    _artistAlbumsCacheTime[cacheKey] = DateTime.now();
+    _evictOldestEntries(_artistAlbumsCache, _artistAlbumsCacheTime, _maxDetailCacheSize);
    _logger.log('✅ Cached ${albums.length} albums for artist $cacheKey');
  }

@@ -202,6 +220,7 @@ class CacheService {
  void setCachedSearchResults(String cacheKey, Map<String, List<MediaItem>> results) {
    _searchCache[cacheKey] = results;
    _searchCacheTime[cacheKey] = DateTime.now();
+    _evictOldestEntries(_searchCache, _searchCacheTime, _maxSearchCacheSize);
    _logger.log('✅ Cached search results for "$cacheKey"');
  }

@@ -245,9 +264,20 @@ class CacheService {
  /// Get cached track for a player (used for smooth swipe transitions)
  Track? getCachedTrackForPlayer(String playerId) => _playerTrackCache[playerId];

+  /// Get all player IDs that have cached tracks
+  Iterable<String> getAllCachedPlayerIds() => _playerTrackCache.keys;
+
  /// Set cached track for a player
  void setCachedTrackForPlayer(String playerId, Track? track) {
    _playerTrackCache[playerId] = track;
+    _playerTrackCacheTime[playerId] = DateTime.now();
+    _evictOldestEntries(_playerTrackCache, _playerTrackCacheTime, _maxPlayerTrackCacheSize);
+  }
+
+  /// Clear cached track for a player (e.g., when external source is active)
+  void clearCachedTrackForPlayer(String playerId) {
+    _playerTrackCache.remove(playerId);
+    _playerTrackCacheTime.remove(playerId);
  }

  // ============================================================================
@@ -265,6 +295,7 @@ class CacheService {
    _searchCache.clear();
    _searchCacheTime.clear();
    _playerTrackCache.clear();
+    _playerTrackCacheTime.clear();
    _logger.log('🗑️ All detail caches cleared');
  }

@@ -276,4 +307,108 @@ class CacheService {
    _cachedSelectedPlayer = null;
    _playersLastFetched = null;
  }
+
+  // ============================================================================
+  // DATABASE PERSISTENCE FOR HOME ROWS
+  // ============================================================================
+
+  /// Load home row data from database for instant display on startup
+  Future<void> loadHomeRowsFromDatabase() async {
+    if (_homeRowsLoaded) return;
+    _homeRowsLoaded = true;
+
+    try {
+      if (!DatabaseService.instance.isInitialized) return;
+
+      // Load recent albums
+      final recentData = await DatabaseService.instance.getHomeRowCache('recent_albums');
+      if (recentData != null) {
+        try {
+          final items = (jsonDecode(recentData.itemsJson) as List)
+              .map((json) => Album.fromJson(json as Map<String, dynamic>))
+              .toList();
+          _cachedRecentAlbums = items;
+          _recentAlbumsLastFetched = recentData.lastUpdated;
+          _logger.log('📦 Loaded ${items.length} recent albums from database');
+        } catch (e) {
+          _logger.log('⚠️ Failed to parse recent albums: $e');
+        }
+      }
+
+      // Load discover artists
+      final artistsData = await DatabaseService.instance.getHomeRowCache('discover_artists');
+      if (artistsData != null) {
+        try {
+          final items = (jsonDecode(artistsData.itemsJson) as List)
+              .map((json) => Artist.fromJson(json as Map<String, dynamic>))
+              .toList();
+          _cachedDiscoverArtists = items;
+          _discoverArtistsLastFetched = artistsData.lastUpdated;
+          _logger.log('📦 Loaded ${items.length} discover artists from database');
+        } catch (e) {
+          _logger.log('⚠️ Failed to parse discover artists: $e');
+        }
+      }
+
+      // Load discover albums
+      final albumsData = await DatabaseService.instance.getHomeRowCache('discover_albums');
+      if (albumsData != null) {
+        try {
+          final items = (jsonDecode(albumsData.itemsJson) as List)
+              .map((json) => Album.fromJson(json as Map<String, dynamic>))
+              .toList();
+          _cachedDiscoverAlbums = items;
+          _discoverAlbumsLastFetched = albumsData.lastUpdated;
+          _logger.log('📦 Loaded ${items.length} discover albums from database');
+        } catch (e) {
+          _logger.log('⚠️ Failed to parse discover albums: $e');
+        }
+      }
+    } catch (e) {
+      _logger.log('⚠️ Error loading home rows from database: $e');
+    }
+  }
+
+  /// Persist home row data to database (fire-and-forget)
+  void _persistHomeRowToDatabase(String rowType, List<Map<String, dynamic>> items) {
+    () async {
+      try {
+        if (!DatabaseService.instance.isInitialized) return;
+        await DatabaseService.instance.saveHomeRowCache(rowType, jsonEncode(items));
+        _logger.log('💾 Persisted $rowType to database');
+      } catch (e) {
+        _logger.log('⚠️ Failed to persist $rowType: $e');
+      }
+    }();
+  }
+
+  // ============================================================================
+  // LRU CACHE EVICTION
+  // ============================================================================
+
+  /// Evict oldest entries from cache maps to enforce size limit (LRU eviction)
+  /// Uses the timestamp map to determine which entries are oldest
+  void _evictOldestEntries<K, V>(
+    Map<K, V> cache,
+    Map<K, DateTime> cacheTime,
+    int maxSize,
+  ) {
+    if (cache.length <= maxSize) return;
+
+    // Sort keys by timestamp (oldest first)
+    final sortedKeys = cacheTime.keys.toList()
+      ..sort((a, b) => (cacheTime[a] ?? DateTime.now())
+          .compareTo(cacheTime[b] ?? DateTime.now()));
+
+    // Remove oldest entries until we're at maxSize
+    final keysToRemove = sortedKeys.take(cache.length - maxSize);
+    for (final key in keysToRemove) {
+      cache.remove(key);
+      cacheTime.remove(key);
+    }
+
+    if (keysToRemove.isNotEmpty) {
+      _logger.log('🗑️ LRU evicted ${keysToRemove.length} cache entries');
+    }
+  }
 }
@@ -156,4 +156,149 @@ class DatabaseService {

  /// Clear all cached data (useful for logout)
  Future<void> clearAllCache() => db.clearAllCache();
+
+  // ============================================
+  // Player Cache Convenience Methods
+  // ============================================
+
+  /// Save playback state for instant resume
+  Future<void> savePlaybackState({
+    String? playerId,
+    String? playerName,
+    String? currentTrackJson,
+    double positionSeconds = 0.0,
+    bool isPlaying = false,
+  }) {
+    return db.savePlaybackState(
+      playerId: playerId,
+      playerName: playerName,
+      currentTrackJson: currentTrackJson,
+      positionSeconds: positionSeconds,
+      isPlaying: isPlaying,
+    );
+  }
+
+  /// Get saved playback state
+  Future<PlaybackStateData?> getPlaybackState() => db.getPlaybackState();
+
+  /// Cache a player with optional track info
+  Future<void> cachePlayer({
+    required String playerId,
+    required String playerJson,
+    String? currentTrackJson,
+  }) {
+    return db.cachePlayer(
+      playerId: playerId,
+      playerJson: playerJson,
+      currentTrackJson: currentTrackJson,
+    );
+  }
+
+  /// Cache multiple players at once
+  Future<void> cachePlayers(List<Map<String, dynamic>> players) {
+    return db.cachePlayers(players);
+  }
+
+  /// Get all cached players
+  Future<List<CachedPlayer>> getCachedPlayers() => db.getCachedPlayers();
+
+  /// Update cached track for a player
+  Future<void> updateCachedPlayerTrack(String playerId, String? trackJson) {
+    return db.updateCachedPlayerTrack(playerId, trackJson);
+  }
+
+  /// Clear all cached players
+  Future<void> clearCachedPlayers() => db.clearCachedPlayers();
+
+  /// Save queue for a player
+  Future<void> saveQueue(String playerId, List<String> itemJsonList) {
+    return db.saveQueue(playerId, itemJsonList);
+  }
+
+  /// Get cached queue for a player
+  Future<List<CachedQueueData>> getCachedQueue(String playerId) {
+    return db.getCachedQueue(playerId);
+  }
+
+  /// Clear queue for a player
+  Future<void> clearCachedQueue(String playerId) => db.clearCachedQueue(playerId);
+
+  // ============================================
+  // Home Row Cache Convenience Methods
+  // ============================================
+
+  /// Save home row data (recent albums, discover artists, etc.)
+  Future<void> saveHomeRowCache(String rowType, String itemsJson) {
+    return db.saveHomeRowCache(rowType, itemsJson);
+  }
+
+  /// Get cached home row data
+  Future<HomeRowCacheData?> getHomeRowCache(String rowType) {
+    return db.getHomeRowCache(rowType);
+  }
+
+  /// Clear all home row cache
+  Future<void> clearHomeRowCache() => db.clearHomeRowCache();
+
+  // ============================================
+  // Search History Convenience Methods
+  // ============================================
+
+  /// Save a search query to history
+  Future<void> saveSearchQuery(String query) => db.saveSearchQuery(query);
+
+  /// Get recent search queries (up to 10)
+  Future<List<String>> getRecentSearches() => db.getRecentSearches();
+
+  /// Clear all search history
+  Future<void> clearSearchHistory() => db.clearSearchHistory();
+
+  // ============================================
+  // Cast-to-Sendspin Mapping Methods
+  // ============================================
+
+  static const String _sendspinMappingType = 'cast_sendspin_mapping';
+
+  /// Save a Cast UUID to Sendspin ID mapping
+  Future<void> saveCastToSendspinMapping(String castId, String sendspinId) {
+    _logger.log('💾 Persisting Cast->Sendspin mapping: $castId -> $sendspinId');
+    return db.cacheItem(
+      itemType: _sendspinMappingType,
+      itemId: castId,
+      data: jsonEncode({'sendspinId': sendspinId}),
+    );
+  }
+
+  /// Get persisted Sendspin ID for a Cast UUID
+  Future<String?> getSendspinIdForCast(String castId) async {
+    final item = await db.getCachedItem(_sendspinMappingType, castId);
+    if (item == null) return null;
+    try {
+      final data = jsonDecode(item.data) as Map<String, dynamic>;
+      return data['sendspinId'] as String?;
+    } catch (e) {
+      _logger.log('Error decoding Sendspin mapping: $e');
+      return null;
+    }
+  }
+
+  /// Load all persisted Cast-to-Sendspin mappings
+  Future<Map<String, String>> getAllCastToSendspinMappings() async {
+    final items = await db.getCachedItems(_sendspinMappingType);
+    final mappings = <String, String>{};
+    for (final item in items) {
+      try {
+        final data = jsonDecode(item.data) as Map<String, dynamic>;
+        final sendspinId = data['sendspinId'] as String?;
+        if (sendspinId != null) {
+          // The itemId is the Cast UUID
+          mappings[item.itemId] = sendspinId;
+        }
+      } catch (e) {
+        _logger.log('Error decoding Sendspin mapping: $e');
+      }
+    }
+    _logger.log('📦 Loaded ${mappings.length} Cast->Sendspin mappings from database');
+    return mappings;
+  }
 }
@@ -1,36 +1,99 @@
+import 'dart:io';
+import 'dart:ui' as ui;
+import 'package:device_info_plus/device_info_plus.dart';
 import 'package:shared_preferences/shared_preferences.dart';
-import 'package:uuid/uuid.dart';
 import 'debug_logger.dart';
+import 'settings_service.dart';

-/// Service to generate unique per-installation player IDs
-/// Simplified to match KMP client pattern: single storage key, lazy generation
-/// This prevents the critical bug where multiple devices of the same model
-/// would share the same player ID and trigger playback on all devices
+/// Service to generate unique per-device player IDs
+/// Uses stable device identifiers (ANDROID_ID) combined with MA username
+/// to create persistent player IDs that survive storage wipes and support
+/// multiple devices per account
 class DeviceIdService {
  static const String _keyLocalPlayerId = 'local_player_id';
  static final _logger = DebugLogger();
-  static const _uuid = Uuid();

-  /// Get or generate a unique player ID for this installation
-  /// ID is generated once and persisted across app restarts
-  /// Format: ensemble_<uuid>
-  ///
-  /// This matches the KMP client pattern: generate on first access, store once
-  static Future<String> getOrCreateDevicePlayerId() async {
-    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+  // Cache stable device ID to avoid repeated platform calls
+  static String? _cachedStableDeviceId;

-    // Single source of truth - no complex migration logic
-    final existingId = prefs.getString(_keyLocalPlayerId);
-    if (existingId != null && existingId.startsWith('ensemble_')) {
-      _logger.log('Using existing player ID: $existingId');
-      return existingId;
+  /// Get stable device identifier that persists across storage wipes
+  /// - Android: Uses ANDROID_ID (persists until factory reset)
+  /// - iOS: Uses identifierForVendor (persists until app reinstall)
+  static Future<String> _getStableDeviceId() async {
+    if (_cachedStableDeviceId != null) {
+      return _cachedStableDeviceId!;
    }

-    // Generate new ID on first access
-    final playerId = 'ensemble_${_uuid.v4()}';
-    await prefs.setString(_keyLocalPlayerId, playerId);
-    _logger.log('Generated new player ID: $playerId');
-    return playerId;
+    final deviceInfo = DeviceInfoPlugin();
+
+    if (Platform.isAndroid) {
+      final android = await deviceInfo.androidInfo;
+      // ANDROID_ID is unique per device+user combo, persists across storage wipes
+      // Only resets on factory reset
+      _cachedStableDeviceId = android.id;
+    } else if (Platform.isIOS) {
+      final ios = await deviceInfo.iosInfo;
+      // identifierForVendor persists across app updates but resets on reinstall
+      _cachedStableDeviceId = ios.identifierForVendor ?? 'unknown_ios';
+    } else {
+      // Fallback for other platforms (web, desktop)
+      _cachedStableDeviceId = 'unknown_platform';
+    }
+
+    return _cachedStableDeviceId!;
+  }
+
+  /// Detect if device is a tablet based on screen size
+  /// Uses the standard 600dp threshold (shortest side >= 600 = tablet)
+  static bool get isTablet {
+    try {
+      final view = ui.PlatformDispatcher.instance.views.first;
+      final size = view.physicalSize / view.devicePixelRatio;
+      return size.shortestSide >= 600;
+    } catch (e) {
+      _logger.log('Failed to detect device type: $e');
+      return false; // Default to phone if detection fails
+    }
+  }
+
+  /// Get or generate a unique player ID for this device
+  /// Format: ensemble_{username}_{deviceId} or ensemble_{deviceId}
+  ///
+  /// Key behaviors:
+  /// - Uses stable device ID that survives storage wipes
+  /// - Includes MA username to support multiple devices per account
+  /// - Regenerates if username changes (user logged in with different account)
+  static Future<String> getOrCreateDevicePlayerId() async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    final stableDeviceId = await _getStableDeviceId();
+    final maUsername = await SettingsService.getUsername();
+
+    // Generate expected ID based on current username and device
+    // Use shorter device ID suffix (first 8 chars) to keep ID reasonable length
+    final deviceIdSuffix = stableDeviceId.length > 8
+        ? stableDeviceId.substring(0, 8)
+        : stableDeviceId;
+
+    final expectedId = maUsername != null && maUsername.isNotEmpty
+        ? 'ensemble_${maUsername}_$deviceIdSuffix'
+        : 'ensemble_$deviceIdSuffix';
+
+    // Check if we already have the correct ID
+    final existingId = prefs.getString(_keyLocalPlayerId);
+    if (existingId == expectedId) {
+      _logger.log('Using existing player ID: $expectedId');
+      return expectedId;
+    }
+
+    // ID needs to be updated (first login, username changed, or migration)
+    if (existingId != null) {
+      _logger.log('Updating player ID from $existingId to $expectedId');
+    } else {
+      _logger.log('Generated new player ID: $expectedId');
+    }
+
+    await prefs.setString(_keyLocalPlayerId, expectedId);
+    return expectedId;
  }

  /// Adopt an existing player ID (used when claiming a ghost player)
@@ -45,4 +108,12 @@ class DeviceIdService {
    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
    return prefs.getString(_keyLocalPlayerId) == null;
  }
+
+  /// Force regeneration of player ID on next call
+  /// Useful after login/logout to ensure ID matches current user
+  static Future<void> invalidateCachedId() async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    await prefs.remove(_keyLocalPlayerId);
+    _logger.log('Invalidated cached player ID');
+  }
 }
@@ -82,5 +82,9 @@ class HardwareVolumeService {
    } catch (e) {
      _logger.error('Failed to stop volume button listening', context: 'VolumeService', error: e);
    }
+
+    // Close StreamControllers to prevent memory leaks
+    await _volumeUpController.close();
+    await _volumeDownController.close();
  }
 }
@@ -1069,16 +1069,14 @@ class MusicAssistantAPI {
        return [];
      }

-      // Batch fetch track details using parallel requests (max 5 concurrent)
-      final seenAlbumIds = <String>{};
-      final albums = <Album>[];
+      // Step 1: Fetch tracks in batches and collect unique album URIs
+      final seenAlbumUris = <String>{};
+      final albumUris = <String>[];

-      // Process in batches to avoid overwhelming the server
      const batchSize = LibraryConstants.recentAlbumsBatchSize;
-      for (var i = 0; i < trackUris.length && albums.length < limit; i += batchSize) {
+      for (var i = 0; i < trackUris.length && albumUris.length < limit; i += batchSize) {
        final batch = trackUris.skip(i).take(batchSize).toList();

-        // Fetch batch in parallel
        final futures = batch.map((uri) => _sendCommand(
          'music/item_by_uri',
          args: {'uri': uri},
@@ -1087,27 +1085,52 @@ class MusicAssistantAPI {
        final results = await Future.wait(futures, eagerError: false);

        for (final trackResponse in results) {
-          if (albums.length >= limit) break;
+          if (albumUris.length >= limit) break;

          try {
            final fullTrack = trackResponse['result'] as Map<String, dynamic>?;
            final albumData = fullTrack?['album'] as Map<String, dynamic>?;
+            final albumUri = albumData?['uri'] as String?;

-            if (albumData != null) {
-              final albumId = albumData['item_id']?.toString() ?? albumData['uri']?.toString();
-              if (albumId != null && !seenAlbumIds.contains(albumId)) {
-                seenAlbumIds.add(albumId);
-                albums.add(Album.fromJson(albumData));
-              }
+            if (albumUri != null && !seenAlbumUris.contains(albumUri)) {
+              seenAlbumUris.add(albumUri);
+              albumUris.add(albumUri);
            }
          } catch (_) {
-            // Skip tracks that fail to parse
            continue;
          }
        }
      }

-      _logger.log('📚 Fetched ${albums.length} recent albums using ${(trackUris.length / batchSize).ceil()} batch requests');
+      if (albumUris.isEmpty) {
+        return [];
+      }
+
+      // Step 2: Fetch full album details (with images) for each album URI
+      final albums = <Album>[];
+      for (var i = 0; i < albumUris.length; i += batchSize) {
+        final batch = albumUris.skip(i).take(batchSize).toList();
+
+        final futures = batch.map((uri) => _sendCommand(
+          'music/item_by_uri',
+          args: {'uri': uri},
+        ).timeout(const Duration(seconds: 5), onTimeout: () => <String, dynamic>{'result': null}));
+
+        final results = await Future.wait(futures, eagerError: false);
+
+        for (final albumResponse in results) {
+          try {
+            final albumData = albumResponse['result'] as Map<String, dynamic>?;
+            if (albumData != null) {
+              albums.add(Album.fromJson(albumData));
+            }
+          } catch (_) {
+            continue;
+          }
+        }
+      }
+
+      _logger.log('📚 Fetched ${albums.length} recent albums with full details');
      return albums;
    } catch (e) {
      _logger.log('❌ Error getting recent albums: $e');
@@ -1376,7 +1399,7 @@ class MusicAssistantAPI {

          final result = searchResponse['result'] as Map<String, dynamic>?;
          if (result == null) {
-            return <String, List<MediaItem>>{'artists': [], 'albums': [], 'tracks': []};
+            return <String, List<MediaItem>>{'artists': [], 'albums': [], 'tracks': [], 'playlists': [], 'audiobooks': []};
          }

          // Parse results from the search response
@@ -1395,6 +1418,16 @@ class MusicAssistantAPI {
                  .toList() ??
              [];

+          final playlists = (result['playlists'] as List<dynamic>?)
+                  ?.map((item) => Playlist.fromJson(item as Map<String, dynamic>))
+                  .toList() ??
+              [];
+
+          final audiobooks = (result['audiobooks'] as List<dynamic>?)
+                  ?.map((item) => Audiobook.fromJson(item as Map<String, dynamic>))
+                  .toList() ??
+              [];
+
          // Deduplicate results by name
          // MA returns both library items and provider items for the same content
          // Prefer library items (provider='library') as they have all provider mappings
@@ -1402,15 +1435,17 @@ class MusicAssistantAPI {
            'artists': _deduplicateResults(artists),
            'albums': _deduplicateResults(albums),
            'tracks': _deduplicateResults(tracks),
+            'playlists': _deduplicateResults(playlists),
+            'audiobooks': _deduplicateResults(audiobooks),
          };
        } catch (e) {
          _logger.log('Error searching: $e');
-          return <String, List<MediaItem>>{'artists': [], 'albums': [], 'tracks': []};
+          return <String, List<MediaItem>>{'artists': [], 'albums': [], 'tracks': [], 'playlists': [], 'audiobooks': []};
        }
      },
    ).catchError((e) {
      _logger.log('Error searching after retries: $e');
-      return <String, List<MediaItem>>{'artists': [], 'albums': [], 'tracks': []};
+      return <String, List<MediaItem>>{'artists': [], 'albums': [], 'tracks': [], 'playlists': [], 'audiobooks': []};
    });
  }

@@ -1493,6 +1528,7 @@ class MusicAssistantAPI {
              currentIndex = queueResult['current_index'] as int?;
              shuffleEnabled = queueResult['shuffle_enabled'] as bool?;
              repeatMode = queueResult['repeat_mode'] as String?;
+              _logger.log('🔀 Queue metadata: shuffle_enabled=$shuffleEnabled, repeat_mode=$repeatMode');

              final currentItemData = queueResult['current_item'] as Map<String, dynamic>?;
              final currentItemName = currentItemData?['name'] as String?;
@@ -1579,6 +1615,25 @@ class MusicAssistantAPI {
    }
  }

+  /// Add a single track to the queue without starting playback
+  Future<void> addTrackToQueue(String playerId, Track track) async {
+    try {
+      final uri = _buildTrackUri(track);
+
+      await _sendCommand(
+        'player_queues/play_media',
+        args: {
+          'queue_id': playerId,
+          'media': [uri],
+          'option': 'add',  // Add to queue without starting
+        },
+      );
+    } catch (e) {
+      _logger.log('Error adding track to queue: $e');
+      rethrow;
+    }
+  }
+
  /// Play multiple tracks via queue
  /// If clearQueue is true, replaces the queue (default behavior)
  /// If startIndex is provided, only tracks from that index onwards will be queued
@@ -1973,12 +2028,51 @@ class MusicAssistantAPI {
    }
  }

+  /// Sync a player to a leader/group (temporary group)
+  /// The player will join the leader's sync group and play the same audio
+  Future<void> syncPlayerToLeader(String playerId, String leaderPlayerId) async {
+    try {
+      _logger.log('🔗 API syncPlayerToLeader called');
+      _logger.log('🔗 player_id: $playerId');
+      _logger.log('🔗 target_player: $leaderPlayerId');
+
+      final response = await _sendCommand(
+        'players/cmd/group',
+        args: {
+          'player_id': playerId,
+          'target_player': leaderPlayerId,
+        },
+      );
+      _logger.log('✅ Player synced successfully, response: $response');
+    } catch (e) {
+      _logger.log('❌ Error syncing player: $e');
+      rethrow;
+    }
+  }
+
+  /// Remove a player from its sync group
+  Future<void> unsyncPlayer(String playerId) async {
+    try {
+      _logger.log('🔓 Unsyncing player: $playerId');
+      await _sendCommand(
+        'players/cmd/ungroup',
+        args: {
+          'player_id': playerId,
+        },
+      );
+      _logger.log('✅ Player unsynced successfully');
+    } catch (e) {
+      _logger.log('Error unsyncing player: $e');
+      rethrow;
+    }
+  }
+
  /// Toggle shuffle mode for queue
-  Future<void> toggleShuffle(String queueId) async {
+  Future<void> toggleShuffle(String queueId, bool shuffleEnabled) async {
    try {
      await _sendCommand(
        'player_queues/shuffle',
-        args: {'queue_id': queueId},
+        args: {'queue_id': queueId, 'shuffle_enabled': shuffleEnabled},
      );
    } catch (e) {
      _logger.log('Error toggling shuffle: $e');
@@ -2446,6 +2540,7 @@ class MusicAssistantAPI {
          }
        }
      } catch (e) {
+        _logger.log('⚠️ Error parsing stream URI "$uri": $e');
      }
    }

@@ -2814,6 +2909,17 @@ class MusicAssistantAPI {
    _updateConnectionState(MAConnectionState.disconnected);
    await _channel?.sink.close();
    _channel = null;
+    // Complete all pending requests with an error before clearing
+    _cancelPendingRequests('Connection disconnected');
+  }
+
+  /// Cancel all pending requests with an error message
+  void _cancelPendingRequests(String reason) {
+    for (final entry in _pendingRequests.entries) {
+      if (!entry.value.isCompleted) {
+        entry.value.completeError(Exception(reason));
+      }
+    }
    _pendingRequests.clear();
  }

@@ -0,0 +1,138 @@
+import 'dart:convert';
+import 'package:shared_preferences/shared_preferences.dart';
+import 'debug_logger.dart';
+
+/// Represents a queued action that will be executed when connection is restored
+class QueuedAction {
+  final String type;
+  final Map<String, dynamic> params;
+  final DateTime queuedAt;
+
+  QueuedAction({
+    required this.type,
+    required this.params,
+    required this.queuedAt,
+  });
+
+  Map<String, dynamic> toJson() => {
+    'type': type,
+    'params': params,
+    'queuedAt': queuedAt.toIso8601String(),
+  };
+
+  factory QueuedAction.fromJson(Map<String, dynamic> json) => QueuedAction(
+    type: json['type'] as String,
+    params: json['params'] as Map<String, dynamic>,
+    queuedAt: DateTime.parse(json['queuedAt'] as String),
+  );
+}
+
+/// Service for queuing actions when offline and executing them when back online
+class OfflineActionQueue {
+  static OfflineActionQueue? _instance;
+  static OfflineActionQueue get instance => _instance ??= OfflineActionQueue._();
+
+  OfflineActionQueue._();
+
+  final _logger = DebugLogger();
+  static const _prefsKey = 'offline_action_queue';
+
+  List<QueuedAction> _queue = [];
+  bool _isProcessing = false;
+
+  /// Get the current queue (for display)
+  List<QueuedAction> get queue => List.unmodifiable(_queue);
+
+  /// Check if there are pending actions
+  bool get hasPendingActions => _queue.isNotEmpty;
+
+  /// Number of pending actions
+  int get pendingCount => _queue.length;
+
+  /// Initialize and load persisted queue
+  Future<void> initialize() async {
+    try {
+      final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+      final queueJson = prefs.getString(_prefsKey);
+      if (queueJson != null) {
+        final List<dynamic> decoded = jsonDecode(queueJson);
+        _queue = decoded.map((j) => QueuedAction.fromJson(j as Map<String, dynamic>)).toList();
+        _logger.log('📋 Loaded ${_queue.length} offline actions from storage');
+      }
+    } catch (e) {
+      _logger.log('⚠️ Error loading offline action queue: $e');
+    }
+  }
+
+  /// Queue an action for later execution
+  Future<void> queueAction(String type, Map<String, dynamic> params) async {
+    final action = QueuedAction(
+      type: type,
+      params: params,
+      queuedAt: DateTime.now(),
+    );
+    _queue.add(action);
+    await _persistQueue();
+    _logger.log('📋 Queued offline action: $type');
+  }
+
+  /// Process all queued actions (call when connection is restored)
+  Future<void> processQueue(Future<bool> Function(QueuedAction action) executor) async {
+    if (_isProcessing || _queue.isEmpty) return;
+
+    _isProcessing = true;
+    _logger.log('🔄 Processing ${_queue.length} offline actions...');
+
+    final processed = <QueuedAction>[];
+
+    for (final action in _queue) {
+      try {
+        final success = await executor(action);
+        if (success) {
+          processed.add(action);
+          _logger.log('✅ Processed offline action: ${action.type}');
+        } else {
+          _logger.log('⚠️ Failed to process offline action: ${action.type}');
+        }
+      } catch (e) {
+        _logger.log('❌ Error processing offline action: $e');
+      }
+    }
+
+    // Remove processed actions
+    _queue.removeWhere((a) => processed.contains(a));
+    await _persistQueue();
+
+    _isProcessing = false;
+    _logger.log('📋 ${processed.length} actions processed, ${_queue.length} remaining');
+  }
+
+  /// Clear all queued actions
+  Future<void> clearQueue() async {
+    _queue.clear();
+    await _persistQueue();
+    _logger.log('🗑️ Offline action queue cleared');
+  }
+
+  /// Persist queue to storage
+  Future<void> _persistQueue() async {
+    try {
+      final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+      if (_queue.isEmpty) {
+        await prefs.remove(_prefsKey);
+      } else {
+        final queueJson = jsonEncode(_queue.map((a) => a.toJson()).toList());
+        await prefs.setString(_prefsKey, queueJson);
+      }
+    } catch (e) {
+      _logger.log('⚠️ Error persisting offline action queue: $e');
+    }
+  }
+}
+
+/// Action types for offline queuing
+class OfflineActionTypes {
+  static const String toggleFavorite = 'toggle_favorite';
+  static const String addToPlaylist = 'add_to_playlist';
+  static const String removeFromPlaylist = 'remove_from_playlist';
+}
@@ -83,6 +83,11 @@ class PcmAudioPlayer {
  // Reduced from 8000 to 5000 frames (~104ms vs ~166ms) for faster response
  static const int _feedThreshold = 5000;

+  // Maximum buffer size to prevent memory overflow (~10 seconds of audio)
+  // At 48kHz stereo 16-bit: 192KB/sec, so ~2MB for 10 seconds
+  // Each chunk is ~4KB, so max ~500 chunks
+  static const int _maxBufferChunks = 500;
+
  // Stats
  int _framesPlayed = 0;
  int _bytesPlayed = 0;
@@ -201,6 +206,16 @@ class PcmAudioPlayer {
    return true;
  }

+  /// Safely add audio data to buffer with overflow protection
+  void _addToBuffer(Uint8List audioData) {
+    // If buffer is full, drop oldest chunks to make room
+    while (_audioBuffer.length >= _maxBufferChunks) {
+      _audioBuffer.removeAt(0);
+      _logger.log('⚠️ PcmAudioPlayer: Buffer overflow - dropping oldest chunk');
+    }
+    _audioBuffer.add(audioData);
+  }
+
  /// Handle incoming audio data from the stream
  void _onAudioData(Uint8List audioData) {
    // Ignore data if in error state
@@ -215,7 +230,7 @@ class PcmAudioPlayer {
      if (_state == PcmPlayerState.paused && !_isAutoRecovering) {
        _logger.log('PcmAudioPlayer: Audio arriving while paused - initiating auto-recovery');
        _isAutoRecovering = true;
-        _audioBuffer.add(audioData);
+        _addToBuffer(audioData);

        // Trigger async recovery
        _autoRecoverFromPause();
@@ -224,7 +239,7 @@ class PcmAudioPlayer {

      // If already recovering or in transitional state, buffer the data
      if (_isAutoRecovering) {
-        _audioBuffer.add(audioData);
+        _addToBuffer(audioData);
        return;
      }

@@ -232,8 +247,8 @@ class PcmAudioPlayer {
      return;
    }

-    // Add to buffer
-    _audioBuffer.add(audioData);
+    // Add to buffer with overflow protection
+    _addToBuffer(audioData);

    // Start playback if not already started
    if (!_isStarted && _state == PcmPlayerState.ready) {
@@ -24,6 +24,10 @@ class PositionTracker {
  double _anchorPosition = 0.0;  // Position in seconds at anchor time
  DateTime _anchorTime = DateTime.now();  // When we set the anchor

+  // Maximum time to interpolate from a stale anchor before capping
+  // After this, we stop adding time to prevent indefinite drift
+  static const Duration _maxAnchorAge = Duration(seconds: 30);
+
  // Interpolation timer
  Timer? _interpolationTimer;

@@ -43,7 +47,13 @@ class PositionTracker {
    }

    final now = DateTime.now();
-    final elapsed = now.difference(_anchorTime).inMilliseconds / 1000.0;
+    final anchorAge = now.difference(_anchorTime);
+
+    // Cap interpolation at max anchor age to prevent indefinite drift
+    // If anchor is stale, return last known position (anchor + max age)
+    final elapsed = anchorAge > _maxAnchorAge
+        ? _maxAnchorAge.inMilliseconds / 1000.0
+        : anchorAge.inMilliseconds / 1000.0;
    final interpolated = _anchorPosition + elapsed;

    // Cap at duration to prevent overflow
@@ -61,7 +71,12 @@ class PositionTracker {
    }

    final now = DateTime.now();
-    final elapsed = now.difference(_anchorTime).inMilliseconds / 1000.0;
+    final anchorAge = now.difference(_anchorTime);
+
+    // Cap interpolation at max anchor age to prevent indefinite drift
+    final elapsed = anchorAge > _maxAnchorAge
+        ? _maxAnchorAge.inMilliseconds / 1000.0
+        : anchorAge.inMilliseconds / 1000.0;
    final interpolated = _anchorPosition + elapsed;

    // Cap at duration
@@ -25,6 +25,8 @@ class RecentlyPlayedService {
    if (!_db.isInitialized) return;

    try {
+      // Store images metadata for instant artwork display
+      final images = album.metadata?['images'];
      await _db.addRecentlyPlayed(
        mediaId: album.itemId,
        mediaType: 'album',
@@ -33,6 +35,7 @@ class RecentlyPlayedService {
        metadata: {
          'provider': album.provider,
          'uri': album.uri,
+          if (images != null) 'images': images,
        },
      );
      _logger.log('📝 Recorded album play: ${album.name}');
@@ -148,7 +151,16 @@ class RecentlyPlayedService {
        if (item.metadata != null) {
          try {
            metadata = jsonDecode(item.metadata!) as Map<String, dynamic>;
-          } catch (_) {}
+          } catch (e) {
+            // Corrupted metadata JSON - log and continue with null metadata
+            _logger.log('⚠️ Error parsing album metadata for ${item.mediaId}: $e');
+          }
+        }
+
+        // Build metadata with images if available (for instant artwork display)
+        Map<String, dynamic>? albumMetadata;
+        if (metadata?['images'] != null) {
+          albumMetadata = {'images': metadata!['images']};
        }

        albums.add(Album(
@@ -160,6 +172,7 @@ class RecentlyPlayedService {
          artists: item.artistName != null
              ? [Artist(itemId: '', provider: '', name: item.artistName!)]
              : null,
+          metadata: albumMetadata,
        ));

        if (albums.length >= limit) break;
@@ -193,7 +206,10 @@ class RecentlyPlayedService {
        if (item.metadata != null) {
          try {
            metadata = jsonDecode(item.metadata!) as Map<String, dynamic>;
-          } catch (_) {}
+          } catch (e) {
+            // Corrupted metadata JSON - log and continue with null metadata
+            _logger.log('⚠️ Error parsing audiobook metadata for ${item.mediaId}: $e');
+          }
        }

        audiobooks.add(Audiobook(
@@ -0,0 +1,148 @@
+import 'package:flutter_secure_storage/flutter_secure_storage.dart';
+import 'package:shared_preferences/shared_preferences.dart';
+import 'dart:convert';
+
+/// Service for securely storing sensitive data like passwords and tokens.
+/// Uses platform-specific secure storage (Keychain on iOS, EncryptedSharedPreferences on Android).
+class SecureStorageService {
+  static const _storage = FlutterSecureStorage(
+    aOptions: AndroidOptions(
+      encryptedSharedPreferences: true,
+    ),
+  );
+
+  // Keys for secure storage
+  static const String _keyAuthToken = 'secure_auth_token';
+  static const String _keyMaAuthToken = 'secure_ma_auth_token';
+  static const String _keyAuthCredentials = 'secure_auth_credentials';
+  static const String _keyPassword = 'secure_password';
+  static const String _keyAbsApiToken = 'secure_abs_api_token';
+
+  // Auth Token (for stream requests)
+  static Future<String?> getAuthToken() async {
+    return await _storage.read(key: _keyAuthToken);
+  }
+
+  static Future<void> setAuthToken(String? token) async {
+    if (token == null || token.isEmpty) {
+      await _storage.delete(key: _keyAuthToken);
+    } else {
+      await _storage.write(key: _keyAuthToken, value: token);
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Music Assistant Native Auth Token (long-lived token)
+  static Future<String?> getMaAuthToken() async {
+    return await _storage.read(key: _keyMaAuthToken);
+  }
+
+  static Future<void> setMaAuthToken(String? token) async {
+    if (token == null || token.isEmpty) {
+      await _storage.delete(key: _keyMaAuthToken);
+    } else {
+      await _storage.write(key: _keyMaAuthToken, value: token);
+    }
+  }
+
+  static Future<void> clearMaAuthToken() async {
+    await _storage.delete(key: _keyMaAuthToken);
+  }
+
+  // Auth Credentials (serialized auth strategy credentials)
+  static Future<Map<String, dynamic>?> getAuthCredentials() async {
+    final json = await _storage.read(key: _keyAuthCredentials);
+    if (json == null) return null;
+    try {
+      return jsonDecode(json) as Map<String, dynamic>;
+    } catch (e) {
+      return null;
+    }
+  }
+
+  static Future<void> setAuthCredentials(Map<String, dynamic> credentials) async {
+    await _storage.write(key: _keyAuthCredentials, value: jsonEncode(credentials));
+  }
+
+  static Future<void> clearAuthCredentials() async {
+    await _storage.delete(key: _keyAuthCredentials);
+  }
+
+  // Password
+  static Future<String?> getPassword() async {
+    return await _storage.read(key: _keyPassword);
+  }
+
+  static Future<void> setPassword(String? password) async {
+    if (password == null || password.isEmpty) {
+      await _storage.delete(key: _keyPassword);
+    } else {
+      await _storage.write(key: _keyPassword, value: password);
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Audiobookshelf API Token
+  static Future<String?> getAbsApiToken() async {
+    return await _storage.read(key: _keyAbsApiToken);
+  }
+
+  static Future<void> setAbsApiToken(String? token) async {
+    if (token == null || token.isEmpty) {
+      await _storage.delete(key: _keyAbsApiToken);
+    } else {
+      await _storage.write(key: _keyAbsApiToken, value: token);
+    }
+  }
+
+  /// Clear all secure storage (used during logout)
+  static Future<void> clearAll() async {
+    await _storage.deleteAll();
+  }
+
+  /// Migrate credentials from SharedPreferences to secure storage.
+  /// Call this once during app upgrade to migrate existing users.
+  static Future<void> migrateFromSharedPreferences() async {
+    // Import SharedPreferences for migration
+    final SharedPreferences prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+
+    // Migrate auth token
+    final authToken = prefs.getString('auth_token');
+    if (authToken != null && authToken.isNotEmpty) {
+      await setAuthToken(authToken);
+      await prefs.remove('auth_token');
+    }
+
+    // Migrate MA auth token
+    final maAuthToken = prefs.getString('ma_auth_token');
+    if (maAuthToken != null && maAuthToken.isNotEmpty) {
+      await setMaAuthToken(maAuthToken);
+      await prefs.remove('ma_auth_token');
+    }
+
+    // Migrate auth credentials
+    final authCredentials = prefs.getString('auth_credentials');
+    if (authCredentials != null && authCredentials.isNotEmpty) {
+      try {
+        final decoded = jsonDecode(authCredentials) as Map<String, dynamic>;
+        await setAuthCredentials(decoded);
+        await prefs.remove('auth_credentials');
+      } catch (_) {
+        // Invalid JSON, just remove it
+        await prefs.remove('auth_credentials');
+      }
+    }
+
+    // Migrate password
+    final password = prefs.getString('password');
+    if (password != null && password.isNotEmpty) {
+      await setPassword(password);
+      await prefs.remove('password');
+    }
+
+    // Migrate ABS API token
+    final absApiToken = prefs.getString('abs_api_token');
+    if (absApiToken != null && absApiToken.isNotEmpty) {
+      await setAbsApiToken(absApiToken);
+      await prefs.remove('abs_api_token');
+    }
+  }
+}
@@ -87,6 +87,9 @@ class SendspinService {
  // Auth token for proxy authentication (MA 2.7.1+)
  String? _authToken;

+  // Connection deduplication guard - prevents multiple concurrent auth attempts
+  Completer<bool>? _connectionInProgress;
+
  SendspinService(this.serverUrl);

  /// Set the MA auth token for proxy authentication
@@ -100,6 +103,13 @@ class SendspinService {
    if (_isDisposed) return false;
    if (_state == SendspinConnectionState.connected) return true;

+    // Deduplicate concurrent connection attempts
+    if (_connectionInProgress != null) {
+      _logger.log('Sendspin: Connection already in progress, waiting...');
+      return _connectionInProgress!.future;
+    }
+    _connectionInProgress = Completer<bool>();
+
    _updateState(SendspinConnectionState.connecting);

    try {
@@ -126,13 +136,19 @@ class SendspinService {
      if (!connected) {
        _logger.log('Sendspin: External proxy connection failed');
        _updateState(SendspinConnectionState.error);
+        _connectionInProgress?.complete(false);
+        _connectionInProgress = null;
        return false;
      }

+      _connectionInProgress?.complete(true);
+      _connectionInProgress = null;
      return true;
    } catch (e) {
      _logger.log('Sendspin: Connection error: $e');
      _updateState(SendspinConnectionState.error);
+      _connectionInProgress?.complete(false);
+      _connectionInProgress = null;
      return false;
    }
  }
@@ -142,6 +158,13 @@ class SendspinService {
    if (_isDisposed) return false;
    if (_state == SendspinConnectionState.connected) return true;

+    // Deduplicate concurrent connection attempts
+    if (_connectionInProgress != null) {
+      _logger.log('Sendspin: Connection already in progress, waiting...');
+      return _connectionInProgress!.future;
+    }
+    _connectionInProgress = Completer<bool>();
+
    _updateState(SendspinConnectionState.connecting);

    try {
@@ -154,13 +177,19 @@ class SendspinService {

      if (!connected) {
        _updateState(SendspinConnectionState.error);
+        _connectionInProgress?.complete(false);
+        _connectionInProgress = null;
        return false;
      }

+      _connectionInProgress?.complete(true);
+      _connectionInProgress = null;
      return true;
    } catch (e) {
      _logger.log('Sendspin: Connection error: $e');
      _updateState(SendspinConnectionState.error);
+      _connectionInProgress?.complete(false);
+      _connectionInProgress = null;
      return false;
    }
  }
@@ -518,8 +547,9 @@ class SendspinService {
    if (muted != null) _isMuted = muted;

    // Determine player state for Sendspin protocol
-    // 'synchronized' = ready/playing, 'idle' = not playing
-    final playerState = _isPlaying || _isPaused ? 'synchronized' : 'idle';
+    // Valid values: 'synchronized', 'error', 'external_source'
+    // When connected, we're always synchronized (ready to receive audio)
+    const playerState = 'synchronized';

    _sendMessage({
      'type': 'client/state',
@@ -580,7 +610,7 @@ class SendspinService {
    _sendMessage({
      'type': 'client/time',
      'payload': {
-        'timestamp': timestampMicroseconds,
+        'client_transmitted': timestampMicroseconds,
      },
    }, allowDuringHandshake: allowDuringHandshake);
  }
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 import 'package:shared_preferences/shared_preferences.dart';
 import 'dart:convert';
+import 'device_id_service.dart';
+import 'secure_storage_service.dart';

 class SettingsService {
  static const String _keyServerUrl = 'server_url';
@@ -22,6 +24,8 @@ 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 _keyPreferLocalPlayer = 'prefer_local_player';
+  static const String _keySmartSortPlayers = 'smart_sort_players';
  static const String _keyShowRecentAlbums = 'show_recent_albums';
  static const String _keyShowDiscoverArtists = 'show_discover_artists';
  static const String _keyShowDiscoverAlbums = 'show_discover_albums';
@@ -72,6 +76,11 @@ class SettingsService {
  static const String _keyEnabledAbsLibraries = 'enabled_abs_libraries'; // JSON list of library paths
  static const String _keyDiscoveredAbsLibraries = 'discovered_abs_libraries'; // JSON list of {path, name}

+  // Hint System Settings
+  static const String _keyShowHints = 'show_hints'; // Master toggle for hints
+  static const String _keyHasUsedPlayerReveal = 'has_used_player_reveal'; // Track if user has pulled to reveal players
+  static const String _keyHasCompletedOnboarding = 'has_completed_onboarding'; // Track if user has seen welcome screen
+
  static Future<String?> getServerUrl() async {
    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
    return prefs.getString(_keyServerUrl);
@@ -119,66 +128,44 @@ class SettingsService {
    }
  }

-  // Get authentication token for stream requests
+  // Get authentication token for stream requests (securely stored)
  static Future<String?> getAuthToken() async {
-    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
-    return prefs.getString(_keyAuthToken);
+    return await SecureStorageService.getAuthToken();
  }

-  // Set authentication token for stream requests
+  // Set authentication token for stream requests (securely stored)
  static Future<void> setAuthToken(String? token) async {
-    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
-    if (token == null || token.isEmpty) {
-      await prefs.remove(_keyAuthToken);
-    } else {
-      await prefs.setString(_keyAuthToken, token);
-    }
+    await SecureStorageService.setAuthToken(token);
  }

-  // Get Music Assistant native auth token (long-lived token)
+  // Get Music Assistant native auth token (long-lived token, securely stored)
  static Future<String?> getMaAuthToken() async {
-    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
-    return prefs.getString(_keyMaAuthToken);
+    return await SecureStorageService.getMaAuthToken();
  }

-  // Set Music Assistant native auth token (long-lived token)
+  // Set Music Assistant native auth token (long-lived token, securely stored)
  static Future<void> setMaAuthToken(String? token) async {
-    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
-    if (token == null || token.isEmpty) {
-      await prefs.remove(_keyMaAuthToken);
-    } else {
-      await prefs.setString(_keyMaAuthToken, token);
-    }
+    await SecureStorageService.setMaAuthToken(token);
  }

  // Clear Music Assistant native auth token
  static Future<void> clearMaAuthToken() async {
-    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
-    await prefs.remove(_keyMaAuthToken);
+    await SecureStorageService.clearMaAuthToken();
  }

-  // Get authentication credentials (serialized auth strategy credentials)
+  // Get authentication credentials (serialized auth strategy credentials, securely stored)
  static Future<Map<String, dynamic>?> getAuthCredentials() async {
-    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
-    final json = prefs.getString(_keyAuthCredentials);
-    if (json == null) return null;
-    try {
-      return jsonDecode(json) as Map<String, dynamic>;
-    } catch (e) {
-      return null;
-    }
+    return await SecureStorageService.getAuthCredentials();
  }

-  // Set authentication credentials (serialized auth strategy credentials)
+  // Set authentication credentials (serialized auth strategy credentials, securely stored)
  static Future<void> setAuthCredentials(Map<String, dynamic> credentials) async {
-    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
-    await prefs.setString(_keyAuthCredentials, jsonEncode(credentials));
+    await SecureStorageService.setAuthCredentials(credentials);
  }

  // Clear authentication credentials
  static Future<void> clearAuthCredentials() async {
-    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
-    await prefs.remove(_keyAuthCredentials);
+    await SecureStorageService.clearAuthCredentials();
  }

  // Get username for authentication
@@ -197,20 +184,14 @@ class SettingsService {
    }
  }

-  // Get password for authentication
+  // Get password for authentication (securely stored)
  static Future<String?> getPassword() async {
-    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
-    return prefs.getString(_keyPassword);
+    return await SecureStorageService.getPassword();
  }

-  // Set password for authentication
+  // Set password for authentication (securely stored)
  static Future<void> setPassword(String? password) async {
-    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
-    if (password == null || password.isEmpty) {
-      await prefs.remove(_keyPassword);
-    } else {
-      await prefs.setString(_keyPassword, password);
-    }
+    await SecureStorageService.setPassword(password);
  }

  // Get built-in player ID (persistent UUID for this device)
@@ -364,19 +345,50 @@ class SettingsService {
    }
  }

+  // Prefer Local Player - always select local player first when available
+  static Future<bool> getPreferLocalPlayer() async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    return prefs.getBool(_keyPreferLocalPlayer) ?? false;
+  }
+
+  static Future<void> setPreferLocalPlayer(bool prefer) async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    await prefs.setBool(_keyPreferLocalPlayer, prefer);
+  }
+
+  // Smart Sort Players - sort by status (playing > on > off) instead of alphabetically
+  static Future<bool> getSmartSortPlayers() async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    return prefs.getBool(_keySmartSortPlayers) ?? false;
+  }
+
+  static Future<void> setSmartSortPlayers(bool smartSort) async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    await prefs.setBool(_keySmartSortPlayers, smartSort);
+  }
+
  // Helper to create player name with possessive apostrophe
+  // Automatically detects Phone vs Tablet based on screen size
  static String _makePlayerName(String ownerName) {
-    // Handle possessive: "Chris" -> "Chris' Phone", "Mom" -> "Mom's Phone"
+    final deviceType = DeviceIdService.isTablet ? 'Tablet' : 'Phone';
+    // Handle possessive: "Chris" -> "Chris' Tablet", "Mom" -> "Mom's Phone"
    if (ownerName.toLowerCase().endsWith('s')) {
-      return "$ownerName' Phone";
+      return "$ownerName' $deviceType";
    } else {
-      return "$ownerName's Phone";
+      return "$ownerName's $deviceType";
    }
  }

  static Future<void> clearSettings() async {
    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
    await prefs.clear();
+    await SecureStorageService.clearAll(); // Also clear secure storage
+  }
+
+  /// Migrate credentials from old SharedPreferences storage to secure storage.
+  /// Should be called once during app startup for existing users.
+  static Future<void> migrateToSecureStorage() async {
+    await SecureStorageService.migrateFromSharedPreferences();
  }

  // Home Screen Row Settings (Main rows - default on)
@@ -642,13 +654,11 @@ class SettingsService {
  }

  static Future<String?> getAbsApiToken() async {
-    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
-    return prefs.getString(_keyAbsApiToken);
+    return await SecureStorageService.getAbsApiToken();
  }

  static Future<void> setAbsApiToken(String token) async {
-    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
-    await prefs.setString(_keyAbsApiToken, token);
+    await SecureStorageService.setAbsApiToken(token);
  }

  static Future<bool> getAbsEnabled() async {
@@ -664,8 +674,8 @@ class SettingsService {
  static Future<void> clearAbsSettings() async {
    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
    await prefs.remove(_keyAbsServerUrl);
-    await prefs.remove(_keyAbsApiToken);
    await prefs.remove(_keyAbsEnabled);
+    await SecureStorageService.setAbsApiToken(null); // Clear from secure storage
  }

  // Audiobookshelf Library Settings (via MA browse API)
@@ -738,4 +748,42 @@ class SettingsService {

    await setEnabledAbsLibraries(enabled);
  }
+
+  // Hint System Settings
+
+  /// Get whether hints are enabled (default: true)
+  static Future<bool> getShowHints() async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    return prefs.getBool(_keyShowHints) ?? true;
+  }
+
+  /// Set whether hints are enabled
+  static Future<void> setShowHints(bool show) async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    await prefs.setBool(_keyShowHints, show);
+  }
+
+  /// Check if user has ever used the player reveal gesture
+  static Future<bool> getHasUsedPlayerReveal() async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    return prefs.getBool(_keyHasUsedPlayerReveal) ?? false;
+  }
+
+  /// Mark that user has used the player reveal gesture
+  static Future<void> setHasUsedPlayerReveal(bool hasUsed) async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    await prefs.setBool(_keyHasUsedPlayerReveal, hasUsed);
+  }
+
+  /// Check if user has completed onboarding (seen welcome screen)
+  static Future<bool> getHasCompletedOnboarding() async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    return prefs.getBool(_keyHasCompletedOnboarding) ?? false;
+  }
+
+  /// Mark that user has completed onboarding
+  static Future<void> setHasCompletedOnboarding(bool completed) async {
+    final prefs = await SharedPreferences.getInstance();
+    await prefs.setBool(_keyHasCompletedOnboarding, completed);
+  }
 }
@@ -4,7 +4,17 @@ import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
 const Color brandPrimaryColor = Color(0xFF1a1a1a);
 const Color brandAccentColor = Color(0xFF604CEC);

-// Brand color schemes
+// Predefined accent colors for custom theme selection
+const List<Color> accentColorOptions = [
+  Color(0xFF604CEC), // Purple (default)
+  Color(0xFF2196F3), // Blue
+  Color(0xFF009688), // Teal
+  Color(0xFFFF5722), // Deep Orange
+  Color(0xFFE91E63), // Pink
+  Color(0xFF4CAF50), // Green
+];
+
+// Brand color schemes (default)
 final ColorScheme brandLightColorScheme = ColorScheme.fromSeed(
  seedColor: brandAccentColor,
  brightness: Brightness.light,
@@ -21,6 +31,27 @@ final ColorScheme brandDarkColorScheme = ColorScheme.fromSeed(
  background: const Color(0xFF1a1a1a),
 );

+// Generate color schemes from a custom seed color
+ColorScheme generateLightColorScheme(Color seedColor) {
+  return ColorScheme.fromSeed(
+    seedColor: seedColor,
+    brightness: Brightness.light,
+    background: const Color(0xFFFAFAFA),
+    onBackground: const Color(0xFF1a1a1a),
+    surface: const Color(0xFFFFFFFF),
+    onSurface: const Color(0xFF1a1a1a),
+  );
+}
+
+ColorScheme generateDarkColorScheme(Color seedColor) {
+  return ColorScheme.fromSeed(
+    seedColor: seedColor,
+    brightness: Brightness.dark,
+    surface: const Color(0xFF2a2a2a),
+    background: const Color(0xFF1a1a1a),
+  );
+}
+
 class AppTheme {
  // Generate light theme
  static ThemeData lightTheme({ColorScheme? colorScheme}) {
@@ -97,6 +97,7 @@ class _AlbumCardState extends State<AlbumCard> {
              child: AlbumDetailsScreen(
                album: widget.album,
                heroTagSuffix: widget.heroTagSuffix,
+                initialImageUrl: imageUrl,
              ),
            ),
          );
@@ -119,7 +120,8 @@ class _AlbumCardState extends State<AlbumCard> {
                            fit: BoxFit.cover,
                            memCacheWidth: 256,
                            memCacheHeight: 256,
-                            fadeInDuration: const Duration(milliseconds: 150),
+                            fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                            fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
                            placeholder: (context, url) => const SizedBox(),
                            errorWidget: (context, url, error) {
                              // Try fallback on error (only for MA URLs, not fallback URLs)
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 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';
@@ -10,6 +11,8 @@ class AlbumRow extends StatefulWidget {
  final Future<List<Album>> Function() loadAlbums;
  final String? heroTagSuffix;
  final double? rowHeight;
+  /// Optional: synchronous getter for cached data (for instant display)
+  final List<Album>? Function()? getCachedAlbums;

  const AlbumRow({
    super.key,
@@ -17,6 +20,7 @@ class AlbumRow extends StatefulWidget {
    required this.loadAlbums,
    this.heroTagSuffix,
    this.rowHeight,
+    this.getCachedAlbums,
  });

  @override
@@ -24,8 +28,8 @@ class AlbumRow extends StatefulWidget {
 }

 class _AlbumRowState extends State<AlbumRow> with AutomaticKeepAliveClientMixin {
-  late Future<List<Album>> _albumsFuture;
-  List<Album>? _cachedAlbums; // Keep last loaded data to prevent flash
+  List<Album> _albums = [];
+  bool _isLoading = true;
  bool _hasLoaded = false;

  @override
@@ -34,21 +38,117 @@ class _AlbumRowState extends State<AlbumRow> with AutomaticKeepAliveClientMixin
  @override
  void initState() {
    super.initState();
-    _loadAlbumsOnce();
+    _loadAlbums();
  }

-  void _loadAlbumsOnce() {
-    if (!_hasLoaded) {
-      _albumsFuture = widget.loadAlbums().then((albums) {
-        _cachedAlbums = albums;
-        return albums;
-      });
-      _hasLoaded = true;
+  Future<void> _loadAlbums() async {
+    if (_hasLoaded) return;
+    _hasLoaded = true;
+
+    // 1. Try to get cached data synchronously for instant display
+    final cachedAlbums = widget.getCachedAlbums?.call();
+    if (cachedAlbums != null && cachedAlbums.isNotEmpty) {
+      if (mounted) {
+        setState(() {
+          _albums = cachedAlbums;
+          _isLoading = false;
+        });
+      }
+    }
+
+    // 2. Load fresh data (always update - fresh data may have images that cached data lacks)
+    try {
+      final freshAlbums = await widget.loadAlbums();
+      if (mounted && freshAlbums.isNotEmpty) {
+        setState(() {
+          _albums = freshAlbums;
+          _isLoading = false;
+        });
+        // Pre-cache images for smooth hero animations
+        _precacheAlbumImages(freshAlbums);
+      }
+    } catch (e) {
+      // Silent failure - keep showing cached data
+    }
+
+    if (mounted && _isLoading) {
+      setState(() => _isLoading = false);
+    }
+  }
+
+  /// Pre-cache album images so hero animations are smooth on first tap
+  void _precacheAlbumImages(List<Album> albums) {
+    if (!mounted) return;
+    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
+
+    // Only precache first ~10 visible items to avoid excessive network/memory use
+    final albumsToCache = albums.take(10);
+
+    for (final album in albumsToCache) {
+      final imageUrl = maProvider.api?.getImageUrl(album, size: 256);
+      if (imageUrl != null) {
+        // Use CachedNetworkImageProvider to warm the cache
+        precacheImage(
+          CachedNetworkImageProvider(imageUrl),
+          context,
+        ).catchError((_) {
+          // Silently ignore precache errors
+          return false;
+        });
+      }
    }
  }

  static final _logger = DebugLogger();

+  Widget _buildContent(double contentHeight, ColorScheme colorScheme) {
+    // Only show loading if we have no data at all
+    if (_albums.isEmpty && _isLoading) {
+      return const Center(child: CircularProgressIndicator());
+    }
+
+    if (_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,
+            ),
+          );
+        },
+      ),
+    );
+  }
+
  @override
  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
    _logger.startBuild('AlbumRow:${widget.title}');
@@ -78,65 +178,7 @@ class _AlbumRowState extends State<AlbumRow> with AutomaticKeepAliveClientMixin
            ),
          ),
          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());
-                }
-
-                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)),
-                    ),
-                  );
-                }
-
-                // 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,
-                        ),
-                      );
-                    },
-                  ),
-                );
-              },
-            ),
+            child: _buildContent(contentHeight, colorScheme),
          ),
          ],
        ),
@@ -100,6 +100,8 @@ class _ArtistAvatarState extends State<ArtistAvatar> {
          width: widget.radius * 2,
          height: widget.radius * 2,
          fit: BoxFit.cover,
+          fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+          fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
          placeholder: (context, url) => Container(
            color: colorScheme.surfaceVariant,
            child: Icon(Icons.person_rounded, color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant),
@@ -100,49 +100,50 @@ class _ArtistCardState extends State<ArtistCard> {
        child: Column(
          crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.center,
          children: [
-            // 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) {
-                                    // Try fallback on error (only for MA URLs, not fallback URLs)
-                                    if (!_maImageFailed && url == maImageUrl) {
-                                      WidgetsBinding.instance.addPostFrameCallback((_) {
-                                        _onImageError();
-                                      });
-                                    }
-                                    return Icon(
-                                      Icons.person_rounded,
-                                      size: size * 0.55,
-                                      color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
-                                    );
-                                  },
-                                )
-                              : Icon(Icons.person_rounded, size: size * 0.55, color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant),
-                        ),
-                      ),
-                    );
-                  },
+            // Artist image - circular
+            // PERF: Use AspectRatio instead of LayoutBuilder to provide fixed geometry
+            // before Hero animation starts. This prevents grey icon flash caused by
+            // dynamic sizing inside the Hero widget.
+            AspectRatio(
+              aspectRatio: 1.0,
+              child: Hero(
+                tag: HeroTags.artistImage + (widget.artist.uri ?? widget.artist.itemId) + suffix,
+                child: ClipOval(
+                  child: Container(
+                    color: colorScheme.surfaceVariant,
+                    child: imageUrl != null
+                        ? CachedNetworkImage(
+                            imageUrl: imageUrl,
+                            fit: BoxFit.cover,
+                            memCacheWidth: 256,
+                            memCacheHeight: 256,
+                            fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                            fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
+                            placeholder: (context, url) => const SizedBox(),
+                            errorWidget: (context, url, error) {
+                              // Try fallback on error (only for MA URLs, not fallback URLs)
+                              if (!_maImageFailed && url == maImageUrl) {
+                                WidgetsBinding.instance.addPostFrameCallback((_) {
+                                  _onImageError();
+                                });
+                              }
+                              return Center(
+                                child: Icon(
+                                  Icons.person_rounded,
+                                  size: 64,
+                                  color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
+                                ),
+                              );
+                            },
+                          )
+                        : Center(
+                            child: Icon(
+                              Icons.person_rounded,
+                              size: 64,
+                              color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
+                            ),
+                          ),
+                  ),
                ),
              ),
            ),
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 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';
@@ -10,6 +11,8 @@ class ArtistRow extends StatefulWidget {
  final Future<List<Artist>> Function() loadArtists;
  final String? heroTagSuffix;
  final double? rowHeight;
+  /// Optional: synchronous getter for cached data (for instant display)
+  final List<Artist>? Function()? getCachedArtists;

  const ArtistRow({
    super.key,
@@ -17,6 +20,7 @@ class ArtistRow extends StatefulWidget {
    required this.loadArtists,
    this.heroTagSuffix,
    this.rowHeight,
+    this.getCachedArtists,
  });

  @override
@@ -24,8 +28,8 @@ class ArtistRow extends StatefulWidget {
 }

 class _ArtistRowState extends State<ArtistRow> with AutomaticKeepAliveClientMixin {
-  late Future<List<Artist>> _artistsFuture;
-  List<Artist>? _cachedArtists; // Keep last loaded data to prevent flash
+  List<Artist> _artists = [];
+  bool _isLoading = true;
  bool _hasLoaded = false;

  @override
@@ -34,21 +38,117 @@ class _ArtistRowState extends State<ArtistRow> with AutomaticKeepAliveClientMixi
  @override
  void initState() {
    super.initState();
-    _loadArtistsOnce();
+    _loadArtists();
  }

-  void _loadArtistsOnce() {
-    if (!_hasLoaded) {
-      _artistsFuture = widget.loadArtists().then((artists) {
-        _cachedArtists = artists;
-        return artists;
-      });
-      _hasLoaded = true;
+  Future<void> _loadArtists() async {
+    if (_hasLoaded) return;
+    _hasLoaded = true;
+
+    // 1. Try to get cached data synchronously for instant display
+    final cachedArtists = widget.getCachedArtists?.call();
+    if (cachedArtists != null && cachedArtists.isNotEmpty) {
+      if (mounted) {
+        setState(() {
+          _artists = cachedArtists;
+          _isLoading = false;
+        });
+      }
+    }
+
+    // 2. Load fresh data (always update - fresh data may have images that cached data lacks)
+    try {
+      final freshArtists = await widget.loadArtists();
+      if (mounted && freshArtists.isNotEmpty) {
+        setState(() {
+          _artists = freshArtists;
+          _isLoading = false;
+        });
+        // Pre-cache images for smooth hero animations
+        _precacheArtistImages(freshArtists);
+      }
+    } catch (e) {
+      // Silent failure - keep showing cached data
+    }
+
+    if (mounted && _isLoading) {
+      setState(() => _isLoading = false);
+    }
+  }
+
+  /// Pre-cache artist images so hero animations are smooth on first tap
+  void _precacheArtistImages(List<Artist> artists) {
+    if (!mounted) return;
+    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
+
+    // Only precache first ~10 visible items to avoid excessive network/memory use
+    final artistsToCache = artists.take(10);
+
+    for (final artist in artistsToCache) {
+      final imageUrl = maProvider.api?.getImageUrl(artist, size: 256);
+      if (imageUrl != null) {
+        // Use CachedNetworkImageProvider to warm the cache
+        precacheImage(
+          CachedNetworkImageProvider(imageUrl),
+          context,
+        ).catchError((_) {
+          // Silently ignore precache errors
+          return false;
+        });
+      }
    }
  }

  static final _logger = DebugLogger();

+  Widget _buildContent(double contentHeight, ColorScheme colorScheme) {
+    // Only show loading if we have no data at all
+    if (_artists.isEmpty && _isLoading) {
+      return const Center(child: CircularProgressIndicator());
+    }
+
+    if (_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,
+            ),
+          );
+        },
+      ),
+    );
+  }
+
  @override
  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
    _logger.startBuild('ArtistRow:${widget.title}');
@@ -78,65 +178,7 @@ class _ArtistRowState extends State<ArtistRow> with AutomaticKeepAliveClientMixi
            ),
          ),
          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());
-                }
-
-                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)),
-                    ),
-                  );
-                }
-
-                // 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,
-                        ),
-                      );
-                    },
-                  ),
-                );
-              },
-            ),
+            child: _buildContent(contentHeight, colorScheme),
          ),
          ],
        ),
@@ -173,6 +173,7 @@ class _AudiobookCard extends StatelessWidget {
            child: AudiobookDetailScreen(
              audiobook: audiobook,
              heroTagSuffix: heroTagSuffix,
+              initialImageUrl: imageUrl,
            ),
          ),
        );
@@ -195,6 +196,11 @@ class _AudiobookCard extends StatelessWidget {
                          ? CachedNetworkImage(
                              imageUrl: imageUrl,
                              fit: BoxFit.cover,
+                              // PERF: Duration.zero for hero-wrapped images
+                              fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                              fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
+                              memCacheWidth: 256,
+                              memCacheHeight: 256,
                              placeholder: (_, __) => Center(
                                child: Icon(
                                  MdiIcons.bookOutline,
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ import 'animated_icon_button.dart';
 import 'global_player_overlay.dart';
 import 'volume_control.dart';
 import 'player/player_widgets.dart';
+import 'player/mini_player_content.dart';

 /// A unified player widget that seamlessly expands from mini to full-screen.
 ///
@@ -31,11 +32,21 @@ class ExpandablePlayer extends StatefulWidget {
  /// Callback when swipe-down gesture triggers player reveal
  final VoidCallback? onRevealPlayers;

+  /// Whether the device reveal overlay is currently visible
+  /// When true, shows player name instead of track name in collapsed state
+  final bool isDeviceRevealVisible;
+
+  /// Whether the hint text should be shown
+  /// When true, shows "Pull to select players" instead of track info
+  final bool isHintVisible;
+
  const ExpandablePlayer({
    super.key,
    this.slideOffset = 0.0,
    this.bounceOffset = 0.0,
    this.onRevealPlayers,
+    this.isDeviceRevealVisible = false,
+    this.isHintVisible = false,
  });

  @override
@@ -66,13 +77,16 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
  final ValueNotifier<double?> _seekPositionNotifier = ValueNotifier<double?>(null);

  // Dimensions
-  static const double _collapsedHeight = 64.0;
+  static double get _collapsedHeight => MiniPlayerLayout.height;
  static const double _collapsedMargin = 12.0; // Increased from 8 to 12 (4px more gap above nav bar)
  static const double _collapsedBorderRadius = 16.0;
-  static const double _collapsedArtSize = 64.0;
+  static double get _collapsedArtSize => MiniPlayerLayout.artSize;
  static const double _bottomNavHeight = 56.0;
  static const double _edgeDeadZone = 40.0; // Dead zone for Android back gesture

+  // Pastel yellow for grouped players (matches PlayerCard.groupBorderColor)
+  static const Color _groupBorderColor = Color(0xFFFFF59D);
+
  // Track horizontal drag start position
  double? _horizontalDragStartX;

@@ -90,6 +104,12 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
  // When true, we hide main content and show peek content at center
  bool _inTransition = false;

+  // Volume swipe state (only active when device reveal is visible)
+  bool _isDraggingVolume = false;
+  double _dragVolumeLevel = 0.0;
+  int _lastVolumeUpdateTime = 0;
+  static const int _volumeThrottleMs = 150; // Only send volume updates every 150ms
+
  // Track favorite state for current track
  bool _isCurrentTrackFavorite = false;
  String? _lastTrackUri; // Track which track we last checked favorite status for
@@ -150,7 +170,9 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
    );

    _controller.addStatusListener((status) {
-      if (status == AnimationStatus.forward) {
+      // PERF: Load queue after animation completes, not during
+      // This prevents network I/O from competing with animation frames
+      if (status == AnimationStatus.completed) {
        _loadQueue();
      } else if (status == AnimationStatus.dismissed) {
        // Close queue panel when player collapses
@@ -320,24 +342,69 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
  Future<void> _loadQueue() async {
    if (_isLoadingQueue) return;

-    setState(() => _isLoadingQueue = true);
-
    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
    final player = maProvider.selectedPlayer;

-    if (player != null && maProvider.api != null) {
-      final queue = await maProvider.api!.getQueue(player.playerId);
-      if (mounted) {
+    if (player == null) {
+      if (mounted) setState(() => _isLoadingQueue = false);
+      return;
+    }
+
+    // 1. Show cached queue immediately (if available)
+    // Only load from cache if we don't already have a queue (preserves optimistic updates)
+    if (_queue == null) {
+      final cachedQueue = await maProvider.getCachedQueue(player.playerId);
+      if (cachedQueue != null && cachedQueue.items.isNotEmpty && mounted) {
        setState(() {
-          _queue = queue;
+          _queue = cachedQueue;
          _isLoadingQueue = false;
        });
+      } else {
+        setState(() => _isLoadingQueue = true);
      }
-    } else {
-      if (mounted) {
-        setState(() => _isLoadingQueue = false);
+    }
+
+    // 2. Fetch fresh queue in background
+    if (maProvider.api != null) {
+      try {
+        final freshQueue = await maProvider.getQueue(player.playerId);
+        if (mounted && freshQueue != null) {
+          debugPrint('🔀 Queue loaded: shuffle=${freshQueue.shuffle}, shuffleEnabled=${freshQueue.shuffleEnabled}');
+          // Check if queue items were reordered by comparing first few item IDs
+          bool itemsReordered = false;
+          if (_queue != null && _queue!.items.isNotEmpty && freshQueue.items.isNotEmpty) {
+            // Compare first 3 items to detect reordering (shuffle changes item order)
+            final maxCheck = (_queue!.items.length < 3 ? _queue!.items.length : 3).clamp(1, freshQueue.items.length);
+            for (int i = 0; i < maxCheck; i++) {
+              if (_queue!.items[i].queueItemId != freshQueue.items[i].queueItemId) {
+                itemsReordered = true;
+                debugPrint('🔀 Queue items reordered detected at position $i');
+                break;
+              }
+            }
+          }
+          // Update if queue metadata or item order changed
+          final queueChanged = _queue == null ||
+              _queue!.items.length != freshQueue.items.length ||
+              _queue!.currentIndex != freshQueue.currentIndex ||
+              _queue!.shuffle != freshQueue.shuffle ||
+              itemsReordered;
+          if (queueChanged) {
+            debugPrint('🔀 Queue changed, updating UI (reordered=$itemsReordered)');
+            setState(() {
+              _queue = freshQueue;
+              _isLoadingQueue = false;
+            });
+          }
+        }
+      } catch (e) {
+        // Silent failure - keep showing cached queue
      }
    }
+
+    if (mounted && _isLoadingQueue) {
+      setState(() => _isLoadingQueue = false);
+    }
  }

  Future<void> _extractColors(String imageUrl) async {
@@ -365,16 +432,69 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
  }

  Future<void> _toggleShuffle() async {
-    if (_queue == null) return;
+    debugPrint('🔀 Shuffle button pressed');
+    if (_queue == null) {
+      debugPrint('🔀 Shuffle: _queue is null, returning');
+      return;
+    }
+    final newShuffleState = !_queue!.shuffle;
+    debugPrint('🔀 Shuffle: current=${_queue!.shuffle}, toggling to $newShuffleState');
+
+    // Optimistically update local state for immediate visual feedback
+    setState(() {
+      _queue = PlayerQueue(
+        playerId: _queue!.playerId,
+        items: _queue!.items,
+        currentIndex: _queue!.currentIndex,
+        shuffleEnabled: newShuffleState,
+        repeatMode: _queue!.repeatMode,
+      );
+    });
+    debugPrint('🔀 Shuffle: optimistic update applied, shuffleEnabled=$newShuffleState');
+
    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    await maProvider.toggleShuffle(_queue!.playerId);
+    // Toggle: if currently shuffled, disable; if not shuffled, enable
+    await maProvider.toggleShuffle(_queue!.playerId, newShuffleState);
+    debugPrint('🔀 Shuffle: command sent, waiting for server to reorder queue');
+    // Small delay to allow server to finish reordering queue items
+    await Future.delayed(const Duration(milliseconds: 150));
+    debugPrint('🔀 Shuffle: reloading queue');
    await _loadQueue();
  }

  Future<void> _cycleRepeat() async {
    if (_queue == null) return;
+
+    // Calculate next repeat mode: off -> all -> one -> off
+    String nextMode;
+    switch (_queue!.repeatMode) {
+      case 'off':
+      case null:
+        nextMode = 'all';
+        break;
+      case 'all':
+        nextMode = 'one';
+        break;
+      case 'one':
+        nextMode = 'off';
+        break;
+      default:
+        nextMode = 'off';
+    }
+
+    // Optimistically update local state for immediate visual feedback
+    setState(() {
+      _queue = PlayerQueue(
+        playerId: _queue!.playerId,
+        items: _queue!.items,
+        currentIndex: _queue!.currentIndex,
+        shuffleEnabled: _queue!.shuffleEnabled,
+        repeatMode: nextMode,
+      );
+    });
+
    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    await maProvider.cycleRepeatMode(_queue!.playerId, _queue!.repeatMode);
+    await maProvider.setRepeatMode(_queue!.playerId, nextMode);
    await _loadQueue();
  }

@@ -417,14 +537,15 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
    }
  }

-  /// Toggle favorite status for current track
+  /// Toggle favorite status for current track (with offline queuing support)
  Future<void> _toggleCurrentTrackFavorite(dynamic currentTrack) async {
    if (currentTrack == null) return;

    final maProvider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
-    if (maProvider.api == null) return;

    try {
+      bool success;
+
      if (_isCurrentTrackFavorite) {
        // Remove from favorites - need library_item_id (numeric)
        int? libraryItemId;
@@ -446,7 +567,10 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
        }

        if (libraryItemId != null) {
-          await maProvider.api!.removeFromFavorites('track', libraryItemId);
+          success = await maProvider.removeFromFavorites(
+            mediaType: 'track',
+            libraryItemId: libraryItemId,
+          );
        } else {
          throw Exception('Could not determine library ID for this track');
        }
@@ -479,16 +603,37 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
          }
        }

-        await maProvider.api!.addToFavorites('track', actualItemId, actualProvider);
+        success = await maProvider.addToFavorites(
+          mediaType: 'track',
+          itemId: actualItemId,
+          provider: actualProvider,
+        );
      }

-      // Toggle local state
-      setState(() {
-        _isCurrentTrackFavorite = !_isCurrentTrackFavorite;
-      });
+      if (success) {
+        // Toggle local state
+        setState(() {
+          _isCurrentTrackFavorite = !_isCurrentTrackFavorite;
+        });

-      // Invalidate home cache so favorites are updated
-      maProvider.invalidateHomeCache();
+        // Invalidate home cache so favorites are updated
+        maProvider.invalidateHomeCache();
+
+        // Show feedback (different message if offline)
+        if (mounted) {
+          final isOffline = !maProvider.isConnected;
+          ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+            SnackBar(
+              content: Text(
+                isOffline
+                    ? S.of(context)!.actionQueuedForSync
+                    : (_isCurrentTrackFavorite ? S.of(context)!.addedToFavorites : S.of(context)!.removedFromFavorites),
+              ),
+              duration: const Duration(seconds: 1),
+            ),
+          );
+        }
+      }
    } catch (e) {
      // Show error feedback
      if (mounted) {
@@ -956,6 +1101,8 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
      right: _collapsedMargin,
      bottom: adjustedBottomOffset,
      child: GestureDetector(
+        // Tap to dismiss player reveal (matching _buildMorphingPlayer behavior)
+        onTap: widget.isDeviceRevealVisible ? GlobalPlayerOverlay.dismissPlayerReveal : null,
        onVerticalDragUpdate: (details) {
          if (details.primaryDelta! > 5 && widget.onRevealPlayers != null) {
            widget.onRevealPlayers!();
@@ -1097,27 +1244,22 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
    final expandedArtLeft = (screenSize.width - expandedArtSize) / 2;
    final artLeft = _lerpDouble(collapsedArtLeft, expandedArtLeft, t);

-    final collapsedArtTop = 0.0;
+    final collapsedArtTop = (_collapsedHeight - _collapsedArtSize) / 2; // Center vertically
    final expandedArtTop = topPadding + headerHeight + 16;
    final artTop = _lerpDouble(collapsedArtTop, expandedArtTop, t);

-    // Typography - clear hierarchy
-    // Title: bold, prominent (24px)
-    // Artist: medium weight, secondary (18px expanded, was 16px)
-    // Album: light, tertiary (15px expanded, was 13px)
-    final titleFontSize = _lerpDouble(16.0, 24.0, t);
-    final artistFontSize = _lerpDouble(14.0, 18.0, t); // 14px collapsed, 18px expanded
+    // Typography - uses shared MiniPlayerLayout constants for collapsed state
+    final titleFontSize = _lerpDouble(MiniPlayerLayout.primaryFontSize, 24.0, t);
+    final artistFontSize = _lerpDouble(MiniPlayerLayout.secondaryFontSize, 18.0, t);

-    final collapsedTitleLeft = _collapsedArtSize + 8; // Reduced from 12 to 8 (4px less)
    final expandedTitleLeft = contentPadding;
-    final titleLeft = _lerpDouble(collapsedTitleLeft, expandedTitleLeft, t);
+    final titleLeft = _lerpDouble(MiniPlayerLayout.textLeft, expandedTitleLeft, t);

-    final collapsedTitleTop = (_collapsedHeight - 36) / 2; // Centered vertically (adjusted for increased track/artist gap)
+    final collapsedTitleTop = MiniPlayerLayout.primaryTop;

    // Controls: 36 (prev) + 34 (play) + 36 (next) + 8 (right margin) = 114px from widget right
    // For 8px gap: text ends at widgetWidth - 114 - 8 = widgetWidth - 122
-    // Note: collapsedWidth = screenSize.width - 24 (12px margin each side)
-    final collapsedTitleWidth = collapsedWidth - collapsedTitleLeft - 122;
+    final collapsedTitleWidth = collapsedWidth - MiniPlayerLayout.textLeft - 122;
    final expandedTitleWidth = screenSize.width - (contentPadding * 2);
    final titleWidth = _lerpDouble(collapsedTitleWidth, expandedTitleWidth, t);

@@ -1174,10 +1316,13 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
    final titleTop = _lerpDouble(collapsedTitleTop, expandedTitleTop, t);

    // Artist positioned dynamically based on actual title height
-    final collapsedArtistTop = collapsedTitleTop + 22; // Increased gap from 18 to 22
+    final collapsedArtistTop = MiniPlayerLayout.secondaryTop;
    final expandedArtistTop = expandedTitleTop + expandedTitleHeight + titleToArtistGap;
    final artistTop = _lerpDouble(collapsedArtistTop, expandedArtistTop, t);

+    // Player name - only visible when collapsed (third line)
+    final playerNameTop = MiniPlayerLayout.tertiaryTop;
+
    // Album - subtle, below artist
    final expandedAlbumTop = expandedArtistTop + artistHeight + artistToAlbumGap;

@@ -1216,8 +1361,8 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
      child: GestureDetector(
        // Use translucent to allow child widgets (like buttons) to receive taps
        behavior: HitTestBehavior.translucent,
-        // Only handle tap when collapsed - when expanded, let children handle their own taps
-        onTap: isExpanded ? null : expand,
+        // Handle tap: when device list is visible, dismiss it; when collapsed, expand
+        onTap: isExpanded ? null : (widget.isDeviceRevealVisible ? GlobalPlayerOverlay.dismissPlayerReveal : expand),
        onVerticalDragStart: (details) {
          // For expanded player or queue panel: start tracking immediately
          // For collapsed player: defer decision until we know swipe direction
@@ -1261,9 +1406,39 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
        },
        onHorizontalDragStart: (details) {
          _horizontalDragStartX = details.globalPosition.dx;
+          // Start volume drag if device reveal is visible
+          if (widget.isDeviceRevealVisible && !isExpanded) {
+            final currentVolume = (selectedPlayer.volumeLevel ?? 0).toDouble() / 100.0;
+            setState(() {
+              _isDraggingVolume = true;
+              _dragVolumeLevel = currentVolume;
+            });
+            HapticFeedback.lightImpact();
+          }
        },
        onHorizontalDragUpdate: (details) {
-          // Only handle in collapsed mode with multiple players
+          // Volume swipe when device reveal is visible
+          if (widget.isDeviceRevealVisible && _isDraggingVolume && !isExpanded) {
+            // Directional volume: drag right = increase, drag left = decrease
+            // Multiple swipes accumulate - each starts from current volume
+            final dragDelta = details.delta.dx;
+            final volumeDelta = dragDelta / collapsedWidth;
+            final newVolume = (_dragVolumeLevel + volumeDelta).clamp(0.0, 1.0);
+            if ((newVolume - _dragVolumeLevel).abs() > 0.001) {
+              setState(() {
+                _dragVolumeLevel = newVolume;
+              });
+              // Throttle API calls to prevent flooding
+              final now = DateTime.now().millisecondsSinceEpoch;
+              if (now - _lastVolumeUpdateTime >= _volumeThrottleMs) {
+                _lastVolumeUpdateTime = now;
+                maProvider.setVolume(selectedPlayer.playerId, (newVolume * 100).round());
+              }
+            }
+            return;
+          }
+
+          // Only handle player swipe in collapsed mode with multiple players
          if (isExpanded || !hasMultiplePlayers) return;

          // Ignore drags that started in the edge dead zone
@@ -1276,6 +1451,18 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
          _handleHorizontalDragUpdate(details, maProvider, collapsedWidth);
        },
        onHorizontalDragEnd: (details) {
+          // End volume drag
+          if (_isDraggingVolume) {
+            // Send final volume on release
+            maProvider.setVolume(selectedPlayer.playerId, (_dragVolumeLevel * 100).round());
+            setState(() {
+              _isDraggingVolume = false;
+            });
+            HapticFeedback.lightImpact();
+            _horizontalDragStartX = null;
+            return;
+          }
+
          // Ignore swipes that started near the edges (Android back gesture zone)
          final screenWidth = MediaQuery.of(context).size.width;
          final startedInDeadZone = _horizontalDragStartX != null &&
@@ -1299,13 +1486,22 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
            _handleHorizontalDragEnd(details, maProvider);
          }
        },
-        child: Material(
-          color: backgroundColor,
-          borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(borderRadius),
-          elevation: _lerpDouble(4, 0, t),
-          shadowColor: Colors.black.withOpacity(0.3),
-          clipBehavior: Clip.antiAlias,
-          child: SizedBox(
+        child: Container(
+          // Use foregroundDecoration for border so it renders ON TOP of content
+          // This prevents the album art from clipping the yellow synced border
+          foregroundDecoration: maProvider.isPlayerManuallySynced(selectedPlayer.playerId) && t < 0.5
+              ? BoxDecoration(
+                  borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(borderRadius),
+                  border: Border.all(color: _groupBorderColor, width: 1.5),
+                )
+              : null,
+          child: Material(
+            color: backgroundColor,
+            borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(borderRadius),
+            elevation: _lerpDouble(4, 0, t),
+            shadowColor: Colors.black.withOpacity(0.3),
+            clipBehavior: Clip.antiAlias,
+            child: SizedBox(
            width: width,
            height: height,
            child: Stack(
@@ -1315,41 +1511,41 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
                // Shows played portion with brighter color, unplayed with darker
                // Starts after album art so progress is visible
                // Slides with content during swipe, hidden during transition if peek available
+                // GPU PERF: Use conditional rendering + color alpha instead of Opacity
+                // to avoid double saveLayer (Opacity + ClipRRect)
                if (t < 0.5 && currentTrack?.duration != null && !(_inTransition && t < 0.1 && _peekPlayer != null))
                  Positioned(
-                    left: _collapsedArtSize + miniPlayerSlideOffset,
-                    top: 0,
-                    width: width - _collapsedArtSize,
-                    bottom: 0,
-                    child: ValueListenableBuilder<int>(
-                      valueListenable: _progressNotifier,
-                      builder: (context, elapsedSeconds, _) {
-                        final totalSeconds = currentTrack!.duration!.inSeconds;
-                        if (totalSeconds <= 0) return const SizedBox.shrink();
-                        final progress = (elapsedSeconds / totalSeconds).clamp(0.0, 1.0);
-                        // Fade out as we expand
-                        final progressOpacity = (1.0 - (t / 0.5)).clamp(0.0, 1.0);
-                        final progressAreaWidth = width - _collapsedArtSize;
-                        return Opacity(
-                          opacity: progressOpacity,
-                          child: ClipRRect(
+                      left: _collapsedArtSize + miniPlayerSlideOffset,
+                      top: 0,
+                      width: width - _collapsedArtSize,
+                      bottom: 0,
+                      child: ValueListenableBuilder<int>(
+                        valueListenable: _progressNotifier,
+                        builder: (context, elapsedSeconds, _) {
+                          final totalSeconds = currentTrack!.duration!.inSeconds;
+                          if (totalSeconds <= 0) return const SizedBox.shrink();
+                          final progress = (elapsedSeconds / totalSeconds).clamp(0.0, 1.0);
+                          // Fade out as we expand - use color alpha instead of Opacity widget
+                          final progressOpacity = (1.0 - (t / 0.5)).clamp(0.0, 1.0);
+                          final progressAreaWidth = width - _collapsedArtSize;
+                          return ClipRRect(
                            borderRadius: BorderRadius.only(
                              topRight: Radius.circular(borderRadius),
                              bottomRight: Radius.circular(borderRadius),
                            ),
+                            clipBehavior: Clip.hardEdge,
                            child: Align(
                              alignment: Alignment.centerLeft,
                              child: Container(
                                width: progressAreaWidth * progress,
                                height: height,
-                                color: collapsedBg,
+                                color: collapsedBg.withOpacity(progressOpacity),
                              ),
                            ),
-                          ),
-                        );
-                      },
+                          );
+                        },
+                      ),
                    ),
-                  ),

                // Peek player content (shows when dragging OR during transition)
                // Show when: actively dragging (slideOffset != 0) OR in transition state
@@ -1357,20 +1553,12 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
                if (t < 0.1 && _peekPlayer != null && (_slideOffset.abs() > 0.01 || _inTransition))
                  _buildPeekContent(
                    context: context,
-                    maProvider: maProvider,
                    peekPlayer: _peekPlayer,
                    peekImageUrl: _peekImageUrl,
                    slideOffset: _slideOffset,
                    containerWidth: collapsedWidth,
-                    artSize: _collapsedArtSize,
-                    titleLeft: collapsedTitleLeft,
-                    titleTop: collapsedTitleTop,
-                    titleWidth: collapsedTitleWidth,
-                    artistTop: collapsedArtistTop,
-                    titleFontSize: 16.0,
-                    artistFontSize: 14.0,
+                    backgroundColor: collapsedBg,
                    textColor: textColor,
-                    colorScheme: colorScheme,
                  ),

                // Album art - with slide animation when collapsed
@@ -1428,10 +1616,48 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
                  ),

                // Track title - with slide animation when collapsed
+                // When hint is visible, show lightbulb icon + "Pull to select players"
+                // When device reveal is visible, show player name instead of track name
                // Hidden during transition to prevent flash
                // FALLBACK: Show if transition active but no peek content available
                // GPU PERF: Use conditional instead of Opacity to avoid saveLayer
-                if (!(_inTransition && t < 0.1 && _peekPlayer != null))
+                // Hint text - vertically centered in mini player
+                if (widget.isHintVisible && t < 0.5 && !(_inTransition && t < 0.1 && _peekPlayer != null))
+                  Positioned(
+                    left: titleLeft + miniPlayerSlideOffset,
+                    // Center vertically: (64 - ~20) / 2 = 22
+                    top: (MiniPlayerLayout.height - 20) / 2,
+                    child: SizedBox(
+                      width: titleWidth,
+                      child: Row(
+                        mainAxisSize: MainAxisSize.min,
+                        children: [
+                          Icon(
+                            Icons.lightbulb_outline,
+                            size: 16,
+                            color: textColor,
+                          ),
+                          const SizedBox(width: 6),
+                          Flexible(
+                            child: Text(
+                              S.of(context)!.pullToSelectPlayers,
+                              style: TextStyle(
+                                color: textColor,
+                                fontSize: titleFontSize,
+                                fontWeight: MiniPlayerLayout.primaryFontWeight,
+                              ),
+                              maxLines: 1,
+                              overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
+                            ),
+                          ),
+                        ],
+                      ),
+                    ),
+                  ),
+
+                // Track title - with slide animation when collapsed
+                // Hidden when hint is visible
+                if (!(widget.isHintVisible && t < 0.5) && !(_inTransition && t < 0.1 && _peekPlayer != null))
                  Positioned(
                    left: titleLeft + miniPlayerSlideOffset,
                    top: titleTop,
@@ -1442,9 +1668,9 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
                        style: TextStyle(
                          color: textColor,
                          fontSize: titleFontSize,
-                          fontWeight: t > 0.5 ? FontWeight.w600 : FontWeight.w500,
+                          fontWeight: t > 0.5 ? FontWeight.w600 : MiniPlayerLayout.primaryFontWeight,
                          letterSpacing: t > 0.5 ? -0.5 : 0,
-                          height: 1.2,
+                          height: t > 0.5 ? 1.2 : null, // Only use line height when expanded
                        ),
                        textAlign: t > 0.5 ? TextAlign.center : TextAlign.left,
                        maxLines: t > 0.5 ? 2 : 1,
@@ -1455,22 +1681,25 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
                  ),

                // Artist/Author name - with slide animation when collapsed
+                // When hint is visible, show blank line
+                // When device reveal is visible, show "Now Playing" hint
                // For audiobooks: show author from audiobook context
                // Hidden during transition to prevent flash
                // FALLBACK: Show if transition active but no peek content available
                // GPU PERF: Use conditional instead of Opacity to avoid saveLayer
-                if (!(_inTransition && t < 0.1 && _peekPlayer != null))
+                if (!(_inTransition && t < 0.1 && _peekPlayer != null) && !(widget.isHintVisible && t < 0.5))
                  Positioned(
                    left: titleLeft + miniPlayerSlideOffset,
                    top: artistTop,
                    child: SizedBox(
                      width: titleWidth,
                      child: Text(
+                        // Always show artist/author (was showing "Now Playing" when device reveal visible)
                        maProvider.isPlayingAudiobook
                            ? (maProvider.currentAudiobook?.authorsString ?? S.of(context)!.unknownAuthor)
                            : currentTrack.artistsString,
                        style: TextStyle(
-                          color: textColor.withOpacity(t > 0.5 ? 0.7 : 0.6),
+                          color: textColor.withOpacity(t > 0.5 ? 0.7 : MiniPlayerLayout.secondaryTextOpacity),
                          fontSize: artistFontSize,
                          fontWeight: t > 0.5 ? FontWeight.w400 : FontWeight.normal,
                        ),
@@ -1482,6 +1711,26 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
                    ),
                  ),

+                // Player name - third line, only visible when collapsed
+                // Same size as artist, same color as track
+                if (t < 0.5 && !(_inTransition && t < 0.1 && _peekPlayer != null) && !(widget.isHintVisible && t < 0.5))
+                  Positioned(
+                    left: titleLeft + miniPlayerSlideOffset,
+                    top: playerNameTop,
+                    child: SizedBox(
+                      width: titleWidth,
+                      child: Text(
+                        selectedPlayer.name,
+                        style: TextStyle(
+                          color: textColor.withOpacity(1.0 - t * 2), // Fade out as expanding
+                          fontSize: MiniPlayerLayout.tertiaryFontSize,
+                        ),
+                        maxLines: 1,
+                        overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
+                      ),
+                    ),
+                  ),
+
                // Album name OR Chapter name (expanded only)
                // GPU PERF: Use color alpha instead of Opacity widget
                // For audiobooks: show current chapter; for music: show album
@@ -1651,7 +1900,60 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
                          t: t,
                          expandedElementsOpacity: expandedElementsOpacity,
                        )
-                      : Row(
+                      // When device reveal is visible (player list shown), use compact controls
+                      // like PlayerCard: Play, Next, Power - matching other players in the list
+                      : widget.isDeviceRevealVisible && t < 0.5
+                          ? Row(
+                              mainAxisSize: MainAxisSize.min,
+                              mainAxisAlignment: MainAxisAlignment.end,
+                              children: [
+                                // Play/Pause - compact like PlayerCard
+                                // Touch target increased to 44dp for accessibility
+                                Transform.translate(
+                                  offset: const Offset(3, 0),
+                                  child: SizedBox(
+                                    width: 44,
+                                    height: 44,
+                                    child: IconButton(
+                                      icon: Icon(
+                                        selectedPlayer.isPlaying ? Icons.pause_rounded : Icons.play_arrow_rounded,
+                                        color: textColor,
+                                        size: 28,
+                                      ),
+                                      onPressed: () => maProvider.playPauseSelectedPlayer(),
+                                      padding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+                                    ),
+                                  ),
+                                ),
+                                // Skip next - nudged right like PlayerCard
+                                Transform.translate(
+                                  offset: const Offset(6, 0),
+                                  child: IconButton(
+                                    icon: Icon(
+                                      Icons.skip_next_rounded,
+                                      color: textColor,
+                                      size: 28,
+                                    ),
+                                    onPressed: () => maProvider.nextTrackSelectedPlayer(),
+                                    padding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+                                    constraints: const BoxConstraints(),
+                                  ),
+                                ),
+                                // Power button - smallest, like PlayerCard
+                                IconButton(
+                                  icon: Icon(
+                                    Icons.power_settings_new_rounded,
+                                    color: selectedPlayer.powered ? textColor : textColor.withOpacity(0.5),
+                                    size: 20,
+                                  ),
+                                  onPressed: () => maProvider.togglePower(selectedPlayer.playerId),
+                                  padding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+                                  constraints: const BoxConstraints(),
+                                ),
+                                const SizedBox(width: 4),
+                              ],
+                            )
+                          : Row(
                    mainAxisSize: MainAxisSize.min,
                    mainAxisAlignment: t > 0.5 ? MainAxisAlignment.center : MainAxisAlignment.end,
                    children: [
@@ -1842,167 +2144,88 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
                      ),
                    ),
                  ),
+
+                // Volume swipe overlay (covers entire mini player when dragging volume)
+                // Only visible when device reveal is open and user is dragging
+                // Positioned last in Stack so it renders ON TOP of all content
+                if (_isDraggingVolume && t < 0.5)
+                  Positioned.fill(
+                    child: ClipRRect(
+                      borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(borderRadius),
+                      child: Stack(
+                        children: [
+                          // Unfilled (darker) background
+                          Container(color: collapsedBgUnplayed),
+                          // Filled (lighter) portion based on volume
+                          Align(
+                            alignment: Alignment.centerLeft,
+                            child: FractionallySizedBox(
+                              widthFactor: _dragVolumeLevel.clamp(0.0, 1.0),
+                              heightFactor: 1.0,
+                              child: Container(color: collapsedBg),
+                            ),
+                          ),
+                        ],
+                      ),
+                    ),
+                  ),
+
              ],
            ),
          ),
        ),
+        ),
      ),
    );
  }

  /// Build the peek player content that slides in from the edge during drag
+  /// Uses shared MiniPlayerContent for consistency
  Widget _buildPeekContent({
    required BuildContext context,
-    required MusicAssistantProvider maProvider,
    required dynamic peekPlayer,
    required String? peekImageUrl,
    required double slideOffset,
    required double containerWidth,
-    required double artSize,
-    required double titleLeft,
-    required double titleTop,
-    required double titleWidth,
-    required double artistTop,
-    required double titleFontSize,
-    required double artistFontSize,
+    required Color backgroundColor,
    required Color textColor,
-    required ColorScheme colorScheme,
  }) {
    // Calculate sliding position
-    // During transition (_inTransition = true), peek should be at center (offset 0)
-    // When sliding left (negative offset), peek comes from right
-    // When sliding right (positive offset), peek comes from left
-
    double peekBaseOffset;

    if (_inTransition && slideOffset.abs() < 0.01) {
-      // During transition with slideOffset at 0, show peek at center
      peekBaseOffset = 0.0;
    } else {
      final isFromRight = slideOffset < 0;
      final peekProgress = slideOffset.abs();
-
-      // Position calculation:
-      // From right: starts at containerWidth (off right edge), moves to 0 as progress increases
-      // From left: starts at -containerWidth (off left edge), moves to 0 as progress increases
      peekBaseOffset = isFromRight
-          ? containerWidth * (1 - peekProgress)  // Slides in from right
-          : -containerWidth * (1 - peekProgress); // Slides in from left
+          ? containerWidth * (1 - peekProgress)
+          : -containerWidth * (1 - peekProgress);
    }

-    // Check if peek player has a track - if not, show device info instead
+    // Check if peek player has a track
    final hasTrack = _peekTrack != null && peekImageUrl != null;
    final peekTrackName = hasTrack ? _peekTrack!.name : (peekPlayer?.name ?? S.of(context)!.unknown);
    final peekArtistName = hasTrack ? (_peekTrack!.artistsString ?? '') : S.of(context)!.swipeToSwitchDevice;
+    // Show player name as third line only when playing
+    final peekPlayerName = hasTrack ? (peekPlayer?.name ?? '') : null;

-    return Stack(
-      children: [
-        // Peek album art / device icon
-        Positioned(
-          left: peekBaseOffset,
-          top: 0,
-          child: Container(
-            width: artSize,
-            height: artSize,
-            decoration: BoxDecoration(
-              color: colorScheme.surfaceContainerHighest,
-            ),
-            child: hasTrack
-                ? CachedNetworkImage(
-                    imageUrl: peekImageUrl!,
-                    fit: BoxFit.cover,
-                    memCacheWidth: 256,
-                    memCacheHeight: 256,
-                    fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
-                    fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
-                    placeholderFadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
-                    placeholder: (_, __) => _buildMiniPlaceholderArt(colorScheme),
-                    errorWidget: (_, __, ___) => _buildMiniPlaceholderArt(colorScheme),
-                  )
-                : _buildDeviceIcon(peekPlayer?.name ?? '', artSize, colorScheme),
-          ),
-        ),
-
-        // Peek track title / device name
-        Positioned(
-          left: titleLeft + peekBaseOffset,
-          top: titleTop,
-          child: SizedBox(
-            width: titleWidth,
-            child: Text(
-              peekTrackName,
-              style: TextStyle(
-                color: textColor,
-                fontSize: titleFontSize,
-                fontWeight: FontWeight.w500,
-                height: 1.2,
-              ),
-              maxLines: 1,
-              overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
-            ),
-          ),
-        ),
-
-        // Peek artist name / device hint
-        Positioned(
-          left: titleLeft + peekBaseOffset,
-          top: artistTop,
-          child: SizedBox(
-            width: titleWidth,
-            child: Text(
-              peekArtistName,
-              style: TextStyle(
-                color: textColor.withOpacity(0.6),
-                fontSize: artistFontSize,
-              ),
-              maxLines: 1,
-              overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
-            ),
-          ),
-        ),
-      ],
-    );
-  }
-
-  /// Build device icon for non-playing peek player
-  Widget _buildDeviceIcon(String playerName, double size, ColorScheme colorScheme) {
-    final nameLower = playerName.toLowerCase();
-    IconData icon;
-    if (nameLower.contains('phone') || nameLower.contains('ensemble')) {
-      icon = Icons.phone_android_rounded;
-    } else if (nameLower.contains('group') || nameLower.contains('all')) {
-      icon = Icons.speaker_group_rounded;
-    } else if (nameLower.contains('tv') || nameLower.contains('television')) {
-      icon = Icons.tv_rounded;
-    } else if (nameLower.contains('cast') || nameLower.contains('chromecast')) {
-      icon = Icons.cast_rounded;
-    } else {
-      icon = Icons.speaker_rounded;
-    }
-
-    return Container(
-      color: colorScheme.surfaceContainerHighest,
-      child: Center(
-        child: Icon(
-          icon,
-          color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
-          size: size * 0.5,
-        ),
+    return Transform.translate(
+      offset: Offset(peekBaseOffset, 0),
+      child: MiniPlayerContent(
+        primaryText: peekTrackName,
+        secondaryText: peekArtistName,
+        tertiaryText: peekPlayerName,
+        imageUrl: hasTrack ? peekImageUrl : null,
+        playerName: peekPlayer?.name ?? '',
+        backgroundColor: backgroundColor,
+        textColor: textColor,
+        width: containerWidth,
+        slideOffset: 0, // Transform handles positioning
      ),
    );
  }

-  /// Simplified placeholder for mini player peek
-  Widget _buildMiniPlaceholderArt(ColorScheme colorScheme) {
-    return Container(
-      color: colorScheme.surfaceContainerHighest,
-      child: Icon(
-        Icons.music_note_rounded,
-        color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
-        size: 24,
-      ),
-    );
-  }

  /// Build peek player progress bar that slides in during swipe
  Widget _buildPeekProgressBar({
@@ -1,11 +1,15 @@
+import 'dart:async';
+import 'dart:ui';
 import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
 import 'package:flutter/services.dart';
 import 'package:provider/provider.dart';
 import '../l10n/app_localizations.dart';
 import '../providers/music_assistant_provider.dart';
 import '../providers/navigation_provider.dart';
+import '../services/settings_service.dart';
 import '../theme/theme_provider.dart';
 import 'expandable_player.dart';
+import 'player/mini_player_content.dart' show MiniPlayerLayout;
 import 'player/player_reveal_overlay.dart';

 /// Cached color with contrast adjustment
@@ -53,14 +57,14 @@ class BottomSpacing {
  /// Height of the bottom navigation bar
  static const double navBarHeight = 56.0;

-  /// Height of mini player when visible (64px height + 12px margin)
-  static const double miniPlayerHeight = 76.0;
+  /// Height of mini player when visible (height + 12px margin)
+  static double get miniPlayerHeight => MiniPlayerLayout.height + 12.0;

  /// Space needed when only nav bar is visible (with some extra padding)
  static const double navBarOnly = navBarHeight + 16.0;

  /// Space needed when mini player is also visible
-  static const double withMiniPlayer = navBarHeight + miniPlayerHeight + 22.0;
+  static double get withMiniPlayer => navBarHeight + miniPlayerHeight + 22.0;
 }

 /// ValueNotifier for player expansion progress (0.0 to 1.0) and background color
@@ -129,7 +133,7 @@ class GlobalPlayerOverlay extends StatefulWidget {
    _overlayStateKey.currentState?._dismissPlayerReveal();
  }

-  /// Trigger the bounce animation on mini player (called when overlay dismiss starts)
+  /// Trigger single bounce on mini player (called when device selector collapses)
  static void triggerBounce() {
    _overlayStateKey.currentState?._triggerBounce();
  }
@@ -144,13 +148,39 @@ class _GlobalPlayerOverlayState extends State<GlobalPlayerOverlay>
  late AnimationController _slideController;
  late Animation<double> _slideAnimation;

-  // Controller for player reveal animation with bounce
-  late AnimationController _bounceController;
-  late Animation<double> _bounceAnimation;
+  // Single bounce controller for device selector expand/collapse
+  late AnimationController _singleBounceController;
+
+  // Double bounce controller for hint
+  late AnimationController _doubleBounceController;

  // State for player reveal overlay
  bool _isRevealVisible = false;
-  double _bounceOffset = 0.0;
+
+  // State for interactive hint mode (blur backdrop + wait for user action)
+  bool _isHintModeActive = false;
+  Timer? _hintBounceTimer;
+
+  // Track if player reveal was triggered from onboarding (for showing extra hints)
+  bool _isOnboardingReveal = false;
+
+  // Bounce offset for mini player (used by both single and double bounce)
+  final _bounceOffsetNotifier = ValueNotifier<double>(0.0);
+
+  // Hint system state
+  // NOTE: AppStartup now handles the settings loading gate. It waits for:
+  // - First-time users: connected + player selected before showing HomeScreen
+  // - Returning users: connected before showing HomeScreen
+  // This eliminates the race condition that caused home screen flash.
+  bool _showHints = true;
+  bool _hasCompletedOnboarding = false; // First-use welcome screen
+  bool _hintTriggered = false; // Prevent multiple triggers per session
+  bool _settingsLoaded = false; // True once settings have been loaded from storage
+  bool _miniPlayerHintsReady = false; // True once connected with player (can show hints)
+  final _hintOpacityNotifier = ValueNotifier<double>(0.0);
+
+  // Welcome content fade-in animation
+  late AnimationController _welcomeFadeController;

  // Key for the reveal overlay
  final _revealKey = GlobalKey<PlayerRevealOverlayState>();
@@ -168,30 +198,134 @@ class _GlobalPlayerOverlayState extends State<GlobalPlayerOverlay>
      reverseCurve: Curves.easeInCubic,
    );

-    // Bounce animation - quick dip down then back up
-    _bounceController = AnimationController(
-      duration: const Duration(milliseconds: 200),
+    // Single bounce for device selector expand/collapse
+    _singleBounceController = AnimationController(
+      duration: const Duration(milliseconds: 400),
      vsync: this,
    );
-    _bounceAnimation = CurvedAnimation(
-      parent: _bounceController,
-      curve: Curves.easeOut,
+    _singleBounceController.addListener(() {
+      final t = Curves.easeOut.transform(_singleBounceController.value);
+      // Single bounce: up to 10px then back to 0
+      if (t < 0.5) {
+        _bounceOffsetNotifier.value = 10.0 * (t * 2);           // 0 -> 10
+      } else {
+        _bounceOffsetNotifier.value = 10.0 * ((1.0 - t) * 2);   // 10 -> 0
+      }
+    });
+
+    // Hint bounce - single gentle bounce to draw attention
+    _doubleBounceController = AnimationController(
+      duration: const Duration(milliseconds: 600),
+      vsync: this,
+    );
+    _doubleBounceController.addListener(() {
+      final t = Curves.easeOut.transform(_doubleBounceController.value);
+      // Single bounce: up 20px then back down
+      if (t < 0.5) {
+        _bounceOffsetNotifier.value = 20.0 * (t * 2);           // 0 -> 20
+      } else {
+        _bounceOffsetNotifier.value = 20.0 * ((1.0 - t) * 2);   // 20 -> 0
+      }
+    });
+
+    // Welcome content fade-in
+    _welcomeFadeController = AnimationController(
+      duration: const Duration(milliseconds: 800),
+      vsync: this,
    );

-    _bounceController.addListener(() {
-      setState(() {
-        // Quick dip: goes down 10px at peak (0.5), then back to 0
-        final t = _bounceAnimation.value;
-        // Sine curve: 0 -> 1 -> 0 as t goes 0 -> 0.5 -> 1
-        _bounceOffset = 10.0 * (t < 0.5 ? t * 2 : (1.0 - t) * 2);
-      });
+    // Load hint settings and start welcome immediately if needed
+    _loadHintSettings();
+  }
+
+  Future<void> _loadHintSettings() async {
+    _showHints = await SettingsService.getShowHints();
+    _hasCompletedOnboarding = await SettingsService.getHasCompletedOnboarding();
+    if (!mounted) return;
+
+    setState(() {
+      _settingsLoaded = true;
    });
+
+    // If first-time user and already connected (AppStartup waited for us),
+    // start welcome screen immediately - no race condition possible
+    if (!_hasCompletedOnboarding && !_hintTriggered) {
+      final provider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
+      if (provider.isConnected && provider.selectedPlayer != null) {
+        _miniPlayerHintsReady = true;
+        _startWelcomeScreen();
+        _startMiniPlayerBounce();
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  @override
+  void didChangeDependencies() {
+    super.didChangeDependencies();
+    // Check if we should enable mini player hints now that we have connection
+    _checkConnectionForMiniPlayerHints();
+  }
+
+  /// Check connection state and start welcome screen if appropriate.
+  /// This is called from multiple places:
+  /// 1. didChangeDependencies() - when widget first builds
+  /// 2. _loadHintSettings() - when settings finish loading
+  /// 3. build() - when provider state changes (via post-frame callback)
+  void _checkConnectionForMiniPlayerHints() {
+    if (_hintTriggered || !mounted || !_settingsLoaded) return;
+    if (_hasCompletedOnboarding) return; // Not first-time user
+
+    final provider = context.read<MusicAssistantProvider>();
+    if (provider.isConnected && provider.selectedPlayer != null) {
+      // Connected with a player - start welcome screen now
+      _miniPlayerHintsReady = true;
+      _startWelcomeScreen();
+      // Start the bounce animation now that mini player is visible
+      _startMiniPlayerBounce();
+    }
+  }
+
+  /// Start the bounce animation for mini player hints
+  void _startMiniPlayerBounce() {
+    if (!_isHintModeActive || !mounted) return;
+    _doubleBounceController.reset();
+    _doubleBounceController.forward();
+
+    // Repeat bounce every 2 seconds
+    _hintBounceTimer?.cancel();
+    _hintBounceTimer = Timer.periodic(const Duration(seconds: 2), (_) {
+      if (_isHintModeActive && mounted) {
+        _doubleBounceController.reset();
+        _doubleBounceController.forward();
+      }
+    });
+  }
+
+  /// Start the welcome screen with fade-in animation
+  void _startWelcomeScreen() {
+    if (_hintTriggered) return;
+    _hintTriggered = true;
+
+    // Activate hint mode immediately (blur backdrop visible)
+    setState(() {
+      _isHintModeActive = true;
+    });
+
+    // Fade in welcome content (logo + title)
+    _welcomeFadeController.forward();
+
+    // Mini player bounce is started separately once connected via _startMiniPlayerBounce()
  }

  @override
  void dispose() {
+    _hintBounceTimer?.cancel();
    _slideController.dispose();
-    _bounceController.dispose();
+    _singleBounceController.dispose();
+    _doubleBounceController.dispose();
+    _welcomeFadeController.dispose();
+    _bounceOffsetNotifier.dispose();
+    _hintOpacityNotifier.dispose();
    super.dispose();
  }

@@ -209,18 +343,37 @@ class _GlobalPlayerOverlayState extends State<GlobalPlayerOverlay>
      GlobalPlayerOverlay.collapsePlayer();
    }
    HapticFeedback.mediumImpact();
-    _bounceController.reset();
+
+    // Track if coming from hint mode (for onboarding hints in player selector)
+    final wasInHintMode = _isHintModeActive;
+
+    // End hint mode if active (user learned the gesture!)
+    _hintBounceTimer?.cancel();
+    _hintBounceTimer = null;
+    _hintOpacityNotifier.value = 0.0;
+    _isHintModeActive = false;
+
+    // Mark onboarding as completed if coming from welcome screen
+    if (wasInHintMode) {
+      SettingsService.setHasCompletedOnboarding(true);
+    }
+
+    // Trigger single bounce on expand
+    _singleBounceController.reset();
+    _singleBounceController.forward();
+
    setState(() {
      _isRevealVisible = true;
+      _isOnboardingReveal = wasInHintMode;
    });
-    _bounceController.forward();
  }

  void _hidePlayerReveal() {
    if (!_isRevealVisible) return;
+    _bounceOffsetNotifier.value = 0;
    setState(() {
      _isRevealVisible = false;
-      _bounceOffset = 0;
+      _isOnboardingReveal = false;
    });
  }

@@ -228,14 +381,27 @@ class _GlobalPlayerOverlayState extends State<GlobalPlayerOverlay>
  void _dismissPlayerReveal() {
    if (!_isRevealVisible) return;
    // Call the overlay's dismiss method which has the slide animation
-    // Note: dismiss() triggers the bounce animation internally
    _revealKey.currentState?.dismiss();
  }

-  /// Trigger bounce animation on mini player
+  /// Trigger single bounce on mini player (called when device selector collapses)
  void _triggerBounce() {
-    _bounceController.reset();
-    _bounceController.forward();
+    _singleBounceController.reset();
+    _singleBounceController.forward();
+  }
+
+  /// End hint mode (called when user taps skip button)
+  void _endHintMode() {
+    if (!_isHintModeActive) return;
+    _hintBounceTimer?.cancel();
+    _hintBounceTimer = null;
+    _hintOpacityNotifier.value = 0.0;
+    _bounceOffsetNotifier.value = 0.0;
+    // Mark onboarding as completed (first use only)
+    SettingsService.setHasCompletedOnboarding(true);
+    setState(() {
+      _isHintModeActive = false;
+    });
  }

  @override
@@ -243,12 +409,46 @@ class _GlobalPlayerOverlayState extends State<GlobalPlayerOverlay>
    final theme = Theme.of(context);
    final colorScheme = theme.colorScheme;

-    // Handle back gesture at top level - dismiss device list if visible
+    // Watch provider to trigger rebuilds when connection state changes
+    final provider = context.watch<MusicAssistantProvider>();
+
+    // Compute whether this is a first-time user ready for welcome screen.
+    // This is SYNCHRONOUS - no setState needed - so it works in the same frame.
+    final isFirstTimeUserReady = _settingsLoaded &&
+        !_hasCompletedOnboarding &&
+        provider.isConnected &&
+        provider.selectedPlayer != null;
+
+    // Show welcome backdrop if:
+    // 1. Already in hint mode (_isHintModeActive), OR
+    // 2. First-time user ready but hint mode not started yet (!_hintTriggered)
+    // This ensures backdrop appears IMMEDIATELY when HomeScreen renders,
+    // preventing the flash. Welcome content fades in after via animation.
+    final shouldShowWelcomeBackdrop = _isHintModeActive ||
+        (isFirstTimeUserReady && !_hintTriggered);
+
+    // Trigger hint mode if conditions are met (for animations, bounce, etc)
+    if (isFirstTimeUserReady && !_hintTriggered) {
+      // Schedule for post-frame to avoid setState during build
+      WidgetsBinding.instance.addPostFrameCallback((_) {
+        if (mounted && !_hintTriggered) {
+          _miniPlayerHintsReady = true;
+          _startWelcomeScreen();
+          _startMiniPlayerBounce();
+        }
+      });
+    }
+
+    // Handle back gesture at top level - dismiss hint mode or device list if visible
    return PopScope(
-      canPop: !_isRevealVisible,
+      canPop: !_isRevealVisible && !_isHintModeActive,
      onPopInvokedWithResult: (didPop, result) {
-        if (!didPop && _isRevealVisible) {
-          _dismissPlayerReveal();
+        if (!didPop) {
+          if (_isHintModeActive) {
+            _endHintMode();
+          } else if (_isRevealVisible) {
+            _dismissPlayerReveal();
+          }
        }
      },
      child: Stack(
@@ -260,14 +460,18 @@ class _GlobalPlayerOverlayState extends State<GlobalPlayerOverlay>
          child: widget.child,
        ),
        // Global persistent bottom navigation bar - positioned at bottom
-        Positioned(
-          left: 0,
-          right: 0,
-          bottom: 0,
-          child: ListenableBuilder(
-            listenable: navigationProvider,
-            builder: (context, _) {
-              return Consumer<ThemeProvider>(
+        // Hide when: not connected, no player selected, OR showing welcome screen
+        // For first-time users, selectedPlayer becomes non-null at the same time
+        // as shouldShowWelcomeBackdrop becomes true, preventing any gap.
+        if (provider.isConnected && provider.selectedPlayer != null && !shouldShowWelcomeBackdrop)
+          Positioned(
+            left: 0,
+            right: 0,
+            bottom: 0,
+            child: ListenableBuilder(
+              listenable: navigationProvider,
+              builder: (context, _) {
+                return Consumer<ThemeProvider>(
                builder: (context, themeProvider, _) {
                  // Use adaptive primary color for bottom nav when adaptive theme is enabled
                  final sourceColor = themeProvider.adaptiveTheme
@@ -356,9 +560,125 @@ class _GlobalPlayerOverlayState extends State<GlobalPlayerOverlay>
                  );
                },
              );
-            },
+              },
+            ),
          ),
-        ),
+        // Blur backdrop for device selector (reveal mode) - static, no animation
+        if (_isRevealVisible && !_isHintModeActive)
+          Positioned.fill(
+            child: GestureDetector(
+              behavior: HitTestBehavior.opaque,
+              onTap: _dismissPlayerReveal,
+              child: BackdropFilter(
+                filter: ImageFilter.blur(sigmaX: 8.0, sigmaY: 8.0),
+                child: Container(
+                  color: colorScheme.surface.withOpacity(0.5),
+                ),
+              ),
+            ),
+          ),
+
+        // Welcome/hint backdrop - shows IMMEDIATELY when first-time user is ready.
+        // Uses computed `shouldShowWelcomeBackdrop` which is true BEFORE _isHintModeActive,
+        // preventing the 1-frame gap where home screen would be visible.
+        if (shouldShowWelcomeBackdrop)
+          Positioned.fill(
+            child: TweenAnimationBuilder<double>(
+              // Hold solid for 2s, then fade to 0.5 over 1s
+              tween: Tween<double>(begin: 1.0, end: 0.5),
+              duration: const Duration(seconds: 3),
+              curve: const Interval(0.67, 1.0, curve: Curves.easeOut),
+              builder: (context, opacity, child) {
+                return BackdropFilter(
+                  filter: ImageFilter.blur(sigmaX: 8.0, sigmaY: 8.0),
+                  child: Container(
+                    // Use same dark color as connection screen for seamless transition
+                    color: const Color(0xFF1a1a1a).withOpacity(opacity),
+                  ),
+                );
+              },
+            ),
+          ),
+
+        // Welcome message during hint mode - two positioned sections with fade-in
+        // Top section: Logo and Welcome title (stays fixed at top area)
+        if (_isHintModeActive)
+          Positioned(
+            left: 24,
+            right: 24,
+            // Position logo section high up - about 1/3 from top
+            top: MediaQuery.of(context).size.height * 0.15,
+            child: FadeTransition(
+              opacity: CurvedAnimation(
+                parent: _welcomeFadeController,
+                curve: Curves.easeOut,
+              ),
+              child: Column(
+                mainAxisSize: MainAxisSize.min,
+                children: [
+                  // Ensemble logo - same as settings screen
+                  Image.asset(
+                    'assets/images/ensemble_icon_transparent.png',
+                    width: MediaQuery.of(context).size.width * 0.5,
+                    fit: BoxFit.contain,
+                  ),
+                  const SizedBox(height: 24),
+                  // Welcome title
+                  Text(
+                    S.of(context)!.welcomeToEnsemble,
+                    style: theme.textTheme.headlineSmall?.copyWith(
+                      color: Colors.white,
+                      fontWeight: FontWeight.bold,
+                    ),
+                    textAlign: TextAlign.center,
+                  ),
+                ],
+              ),
+            ),
+          ),
+
+        // Bottom section: Hint text and Skip button (only show once mini player is visible)
+        if (_isHintModeActive && _miniPlayerHintsReady)
+          Positioned(
+            left: 24,
+            right: 24,
+            // Position so skip button is ~32px above mini player, matching skip-to-miniplayer gap
+            bottom: BottomSpacing.navBarHeight + BottomSpacing.miniPlayerHeight + MediaQuery.of(context).padding.bottom + 32,
+            child: FadeTransition(
+              opacity: CurvedAnimation(
+                parent: _welcomeFadeController,
+                curve: Curves.easeOut,
+              ),
+              child: Column(
+                mainAxisSize: MainAxisSize.min,
+                children: [
+                  // Hint text
+                  Text(
+                    S.of(context)!.welcomeMessage,
+                    style: theme.textTheme.bodyLarge?.copyWith(
+                      color: Colors.white,
+                      fontSize: 16,
+                      height: 1.4,
+                    ),
+                    textAlign: TextAlign.center,
+                  ),
+                  const SizedBox(height: 32),
+                  // Skip button - same gap above as below to mini player
+                  TextButton(
+                    onPressed: _endHintMode,
+                    child: Text(
+                      S.of(context)!.skip,
+                      style: TextStyle(
+                        color: Colors.white.withOpacity(0.7),
+                        fontSize: 14,
+                      ),
+                    ),
+                  ),
+                ],
+              ),
+            ),
+          ),
+
        // Player reveal overlay - renders BELOW mini player so cards slide behind it
        if (_isRevealVisible)
          PlayerRevealOverlay(
@@ -366,30 +686,45 @@ class _GlobalPlayerOverlayState extends State<GlobalPlayerOverlay>
            onDismiss: _hidePlayerReveal,
            miniPlayerBottom: BottomSpacing.navBarHeight + MediaQuery.of(context).padding.bottom + 12,
            miniPlayerHeight: 64,
+            showOnboardingHints: _isOnboardingReveal,
          ),

        // Global player overlay - renders ON TOP so cards slide behind it
        // Use Selector instead of Consumer to avoid rebuilds during animation
-        Selector<MusicAssistantProvider, ({bool isConnected, bool hasPlayer})>(
+        Selector<MusicAssistantProvider, ({bool isConnected, bool hasPlayer, bool hasTrack})>(
          selector: (_, provider) => (
            isConnected: provider.isConnected,
            hasPlayer: provider.selectedPlayer != null,
+            hasTrack: provider.currentTrack != 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,
-                  bounceOffset: _bounceOffset,
-                  onRevealPlayers: _showPlayerReveal,
+
+            // Combine slide, bounce, and hint animations with ValueListenableBuilders
+            // This prevents full widget tree rebuilds - only ExpandablePlayer updates
+            return ValueListenableBuilder<double>(
+              valueListenable: _bounceOffsetNotifier,
+              builder: (context, bounceOffset, _) {
+                return ValueListenableBuilder<double>(
+                  valueListenable: _hintOpacityNotifier,
+                  builder: (context, hintOpacity, _) {
+                    return AnimatedBuilder(
+                      animation: _slideAnimation,
+                      builder: (context, _) {
+                        return ExpandablePlayer(
+                          key: globalPlayerKey,
+                          slideOffset: _slideAnimation.value,
+                          bounceOffset: bounceOffset,
+                          onRevealPlayers: _showPlayerReveal,
+                          isDeviceRevealVisible: _isRevealVisible,
+                          isHintVisible: hintOpacity > 0,
+                        );
+                      },
+                    );
+                  },
                );
              },
            );
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
 import '../../l10n/app_localizations.dart';
+import 'mini_player_content.dart';

 /// A compact device selector bar shown when no track is playing
 class DeviceSelectorBar extends StatelessWidget {
@@ -34,6 +35,8 @@ class DeviceSelectorBar extends StatelessWidget {

  @override
  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
+    final swipeHint = hasMultiplePlayers ? S.of(context)!.swipeToSwitchDevice : null;
+
    return GestureDetector(
      onHorizontalDragStart: hasMultiplePlayers ? onHorizontalDragStart : null,
      onHorizontalDragUpdate: hasMultiplePlayers ? onHorizontalDragUpdate : null,
@@ -52,59 +55,19 @@ class DeviceSelectorBar extends StatelessWidget {
              children: [
                // Peek player content (shows when dragging)
                if (slideOffset.abs() > 0.01 && peekPlayer != null)
-                  _buildPeekContent(context),
+                  _buildPeekContent(context, swipeHint),

                // Current player content
-                Transform.translate(
-                  offset: Offset(slideOffset * width, 0),
-                  child: Row(
-                    children: [
-                      // Speaker icon - same size as album art for consistent text alignment
-                      SizedBox(
-                        width: height,
-                        height: height,
-                        child: Container(
-                          color: Color.lerp(backgroundColor, Colors.black, 0.15),
-                          child: Center(
-                            child: Icon(
-                              _getPlayerIcon(selectedPlayer.name),
-                              color: textColor.withOpacity(0.4),
-                              size: 28,
-                            ),
-                          ),
-                        ),
-                      ),
-                      Expanded(
-                        child: Padding(
-                          padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 12),
-                          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(
-                                  S.of(context)!.swipeToSwitchDevice,
-                                  style: TextStyle(
-                                    color: textColor.withOpacity(0.6),
-                                    fontSize: 14,
-                                  ),
-                                ),
-                            ],
-                          ),
-                        ),
-                      ),
-                    ],
-                  ),
+                MiniPlayerContent(
+                  primaryText: selectedPlayer.name,
+                  secondaryText: swipeHint,
+                  imageUrl: null,
+                  playerName: selectedPlayer.name,
+                  backgroundColor: backgroundColor,
+                  textColor: textColor,
+                  width: width,
+                  slideOffset: slideOffset,
+                  isHint: swipeHint != null,
                ),
              ],
            ),
@@ -115,7 +78,7 @@ class DeviceSelectorBar extends StatelessWidget {
  }

  /// Build peek player content that slides in from the edge
-  Widget _buildPeekContent(BuildContext context) {
+  Widget _buildPeekContent(BuildContext context, String? swipeHint) {
    final isFromRight = slideOffset < 0;
    final peekProgress = slideOffset.abs();

@@ -126,70 +89,17 @@ class DeviceSelectorBar extends StatelessWidget {

    return Transform.translate(
      offset: Offset(peekBaseOffset, 0),
-      child: Row(
-        children: [
-          // Speaker icon - same size as album art for consistent text alignment
-          SizedBox(
-            width: height,
-            height: height,
-            child: Container(
-              color: Color.lerp(backgroundColor, Colors.black, 0.15),
-              child: Center(
-                child: Icon(
-                  _getPlayerIcon(peekPlayer.name),
-                  color: textColor.withOpacity(0.4),
-                  size: 28,
-                ),
-              ),
-            ),
-          ),
-          Expanded(
-            child: Padding(
-              padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 12),
-              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(
-                      S.of(context)!.swipeToSwitchDevice,
-                      style: TextStyle(
-                        color: textColor.withOpacity(0.6),
-                        fontSize: 14,
-                      ),
-                    ),
-                ],
-              ),
-            ),
-          ),
-        ],
+      child: MiniPlayerContent(
+        primaryText: peekPlayer.name,
+        secondaryText: swipeHint,
+        imageUrl: null,
+        playerName: peekPlayer.name,
+        backgroundColor: backgroundColor,
+        textColor: textColor,
+        width: width,
+        slideOffset: 0, // No additional slide - Transform handles positioning
+        isHint: swipeHint != null,
      ),
    );
  }
-
-  /// Get appropriate icon for player based on name
-  IconData _getPlayerIcon(String playerName) {
-    final nameLower = playerName.toLowerCase();
-    if (nameLower.contains('phone') || nameLower.contains('ensemble')) {
-      return Icons.phone_android_rounded;
-    } else if (nameLower.contains('group')) {
-      return Icons.speaker_group_rounded;
-    } else if (nameLower.contains('tv') || nameLower.contains('television')) {
-      return Icons.tv_rounded;
-    } else if (nameLower.contains('cast') || nameLower.contains('chromecast')) {
-      return Icons.cast_rounded;
-    } else {
-      return Icons.speaker_rounded;
-    }
-  }
 }
@@ -0,0 +1,249 @@
+import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
+import 'package:cached_network_image/cached_network_image.dart';
+
+/// Shared constants for mini player layout
+class MiniPlayerLayout {
+  static const double height = 72.0;
+  static const double artSize = 72.0;
+  static const double textLeftOffset = 10.0; // Gap between art and text
+  static const double textLeft = artSize + textLeftOffset; // 82px
+  // 3-line layout: track, artist, player
+  static const double primaryTop = 7.0;
+  static const double secondaryTop = 27.0;
+  static const double tertiaryTop = 46.0;
+  // 2-line layout (centered): player name, hint
+  static const double primaryTop2Line = 16.0;
+  static const double secondaryTop2Line = 36.0;
+  static const double textRightPadding = 12.0;
+  static const double iconSize = 28.0;
+  static const double iconOpacity = 0.4;
+  static const double secondaryTextOpacity = 0.6;
+  static const double primaryFontSize = 16.0;
+  static const double secondaryFontSize = 14.0;
+  static const double tertiaryFontSize = 14.0;
+  static const FontWeight primaryFontWeight = FontWeight.w500;
+}
+
+/// Unified mini player content widget used by:
+/// - DeviceSelectorBar (non-playing state)
+/// - ExpandablePlayer collapsed state (playing state)
+/// - Peek content during swipe gestures
+class MiniPlayerContent extends StatelessWidget {
+  /// Primary text line (track name or device name)
+  final String primaryText;
+
+  /// Secondary text line (artist name or "Swipe to switch device")
+  /// If null, primary text will be vertically centered
+  final String? secondaryText;
+
+  /// Tertiary text line (player name when playing)
+  /// If provided, uses 3-line layout; if null, uses centered 2-line layout
+  final String? tertiaryText;
+
+  /// Album art URL - if null, shows device icon
+  final String? imageUrl;
+
+  /// Player name for icon selection when no image
+  final String playerName;
+
+  /// Background color for the content area
+  final Color backgroundColor;
+
+  /// Text color
+  final Color textColor;
+
+  /// Width of the content area
+  final double width;
+
+  /// Horizontal slide offset for swipe animation (-1 to 1)
+  final double slideOffset;
+
+  /// Whether secondary text is a hint (shows lightbulb icon)
+  final bool isHint;
+
+  /// Whether to show the progress bar overlay (for playing state)
+  final bool showProgress;
+
+  /// Progress value 0.0 to 1.0 (only used if showProgress is true)
+  final double progress;
+
+  const MiniPlayerContent({
+    super.key,
+    required this.primaryText,
+    this.secondaryText,
+    this.tertiaryText,
+    this.imageUrl,
+    required this.playerName,
+    required this.backgroundColor,
+    required this.textColor,
+    required this.width,
+    this.slideOffset = 0.0,
+    this.isHint = false,
+    this.showProgress = false,
+    this.progress = 0.0,
+  });
+
+  @override
+  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
+    final hasSecondaryLine = secondaryText != null && secondaryText!.isNotEmpty;
+    final hasTertiaryLine = tertiaryText != null && tertiaryText!.isNotEmpty;
+    final slidePixels = slideOffset * width;
+
+    // Use 3-line layout when tertiary exists, 2-line centered otherwise
+    final primaryTop = hasTertiaryLine ? MiniPlayerLayout.primaryTop : MiniPlayerLayout.primaryTop2Line;
+    final secondaryTop = hasTertiaryLine ? MiniPlayerLayout.secondaryTop : MiniPlayerLayout.secondaryTop2Line;
+
+    // Calculate text width (leaves room for right padding)
+    final textWidth = width - MiniPlayerLayout.textLeft - MiniPlayerLayout.textRightPadding;
+
+    // Darkened background for icon area (matches DeviceSelectorBar)
+    final iconAreaBackground = Color.lerp(backgroundColor, Colors.black, 0.15)!;
+
+    return SizedBox(
+      width: width,
+      height: MiniPlayerLayout.height,
+      child: Stack(
+        clipBehavior: Clip.hardEdge,
+        children: [
+          // Progress bar background (only for playing state)
+          if (showProgress && progress > 0)
+            Positioned(
+              left: MiniPlayerLayout.artSize + slidePixels,
+              top: 0,
+              bottom: 0,
+              width: (width - MiniPlayerLayout.artSize) * progress,
+              child: Container(color: backgroundColor),
+            ),
+
+          // Art / Icon area - centered vertically
+          Positioned(
+            left: slidePixels,
+            top: (MiniPlayerLayout.height - MiniPlayerLayout.artSize) / 2,
+            child: SizedBox(
+              width: MiniPlayerLayout.artSize,
+              height: MiniPlayerLayout.artSize,
+              child: imageUrl != null
+                  ? CachedNetworkImage(
+                      imageUrl: imageUrl!,
+                      fit: BoxFit.cover,
+                      memCacheWidth: 256,
+                      memCacheHeight: 256,
+                      fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                      fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
+                      placeholder: (_, __) => _buildIconArea(iconAreaBackground),
+                      errorWidget: (_, __, ___) => _buildIconArea(iconAreaBackground),
+                    )
+                  : _buildIconArea(iconAreaBackground),
+            ),
+          ),
+
+          // Primary text line
+          Positioned(
+            left: MiniPlayerLayout.textLeft + slidePixels,
+            top: hasSecondaryLine
+                ? primaryTop
+                : (MiniPlayerLayout.height - MiniPlayerLayout.primaryFontSize) / 2,
+            right: MiniPlayerLayout.textRightPadding - slidePixels,
+            child: Text(
+              primaryText,
+              style: TextStyle(
+                color: textColor,
+                fontSize: MiniPlayerLayout.primaryFontSize,
+                fontWeight: MiniPlayerLayout.primaryFontWeight,
+              ),
+              maxLines: 1,
+              overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
+            ),
+          ),
+
+          // Secondary text line (with optional hint icon)
+          if (hasSecondaryLine)
+            Positioned(
+              left: MiniPlayerLayout.textLeft + slidePixels,
+              top: secondaryTop,
+              right: MiniPlayerLayout.textRightPadding - slidePixels,
+              child: isHint
+                  ? Row(
+                      mainAxisSize: MainAxisSize.min,
+                      children: [
+                        Icon(
+                          Icons.lightbulb_outline,
+                          size: 14,
+                          color: textColor.withOpacity(MiniPlayerLayout.secondaryTextOpacity),
+                        ),
+                        const SizedBox(width: 4),
+                        Flexible(
+                          child: Text(
+                            secondaryText!,
+                            style: TextStyle(
+                              color: textColor.withOpacity(MiniPlayerLayout.secondaryTextOpacity),
+                              fontSize: MiniPlayerLayout.secondaryFontSize,
+                            ),
+                            maxLines: 1,
+                            overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
+                          ),
+                        ),
+                      ],
+                    )
+                  : Text(
+                      secondaryText!,
+                      style: TextStyle(
+                        color: textColor.withOpacity(MiniPlayerLayout.secondaryTextOpacity),
+                        fontSize: MiniPlayerLayout.secondaryFontSize,
+                      ),
+                      maxLines: 1,
+                      overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
+                    ),
+            ),
+
+          // Tertiary text line (player name, only for 3-line layout)
+          if (hasTertiaryLine)
+            Positioned(
+              left: MiniPlayerLayout.textLeft + slidePixels,
+              top: MiniPlayerLayout.tertiaryTop,
+              right: MiniPlayerLayout.textRightPadding - slidePixels,
+              child: Text(
+                tertiaryText!,
+                style: TextStyle(
+                  color: textColor,
+                  fontSize: MiniPlayerLayout.tertiaryFontSize,
+                ),
+                maxLines: 1,
+                overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
+              ),
+            ),
+        ],
+      ),
+    );
+  }
+
+  /// Build the icon area with device-appropriate icon
+  Widget _buildIconArea(Color background) {
+    return Container(
+      color: background,
+      child: Center(
+        child: Icon(
+          _getPlayerIcon(playerName),
+          color: textColor.withOpacity(MiniPlayerLayout.iconOpacity),
+          size: MiniPlayerLayout.iconSize,
+        ),
+      ),
+    );
+  }
+
+  /// Get appropriate icon based on player name
+  static IconData _getPlayerIcon(String playerName) {
+    final nameLower = playerName.toLowerCase();
+    if (nameLower.contains('phone') || nameLower.contains('ensemble') || nameLower.contains('mobile')) {
+      return Icons.phone_android_rounded;
+    } else if (nameLower.contains('group') || nameLower.contains('sync') || nameLower.contains('all')) {
+      return Icons.speaker_group_rounded;
+    } else if (nameLower.contains('tv') || nameLower.contains('television')) {
+      return Icons.tv_rounded;
+    } else if (nameLower.contains('cast') || nameLower.contains('chromecast')) {
+      return Icons.cast_rounded;
+    } else {
+      return Icons.speaker_rounded;
+    }
+  }
+}
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
+import 'package:flutter/services.dart';
 import 'package:cached_network_image/cached_network_image.dart';
 import '../../providers/music_assistant_provider.dart';
 import '../../theme/design_tokens.dart';
@@ -6,18 +7,25 @@ import '../../l10n/app_localizations.dart';

 /// A player card that matches the mini player's visual style.
 /// Used in the player reveal overlay when swiping down or tapping the device button.
-class PlayerCard extends StatelessWidget {
+/// Supports horizontal swipe to adjust volume with a two-tone overlay.
+class PlayerCard extends StatefulWidget {
  final dynamic player;
  final dynamic trackInfo;
  final String? albumArtUrl;
  final bool isSelected;
  final bool isPlaying;
+  final bool isGrouped;
  final Color backgroundColor;
  final Color textColor;
  final VoidCallback onTap;
+  final VoidCallback? onLongPress;
  final VoidCallback? onPlayPause;
  final VoidCallback? onSkipNext;
  final VoidCallback? onPower;
+  final ValueChanged<double>? onVolumeChange;
+
+  // Pastel yellow for grouped players
+  static const Color groupBorderColor = Color(0xFFFFF59D);

  const PlayerCard({
    super.key,
@@ -26,176 +34,313 @@ class PlayerCard extends StatelessWidget {
    this.albumArtUrl,
    required this.isSelected,
    required this.isPlaying,
+    this.isGrouped = false,
    required this.backgroundColor,
    required this.textColor,
    required this.onTap,
+    this.onLongPress,
    this.onPlayPause,
    this.onSkipNext,
    this.onPower,
+    this.onVolumeChange,
  });

+  @override
+  State<PlayerCard> createState() => _PlayerCardState();
+}
+
+class _PlayerCardState extends State<PlayerCard> {
+  bool _isDraggingVolume = false;
+  double _dragVolumeLevel = 0.0;
+  double _cardWidth = 0.0;
+  int _lastVolumeUpdateTime = 0;
+  static const int _volumeThrottleMs = 150; // Only send volume updates every 150ms
+
  @override
  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
    // Match mini player dimensions
-    const double cardHeight = Dimensions.miniPlayerHeight; // 64px
+    const double cardHeight = Dimensions.miniPlayerHeight;
    const double artSize = cardHeight;
    const double borderRadius = Radii.xl; // 16px - same as mini player

-    return GestureDetector(
-      onTap: onTap,
-      child: Container(
-        height: cardHeight,
-        decoration: BoxDecoration(
-          color: backgroundColor,
-          borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(borderRadius),
-          boxShadow: [
-            BoxShadow(
-              color: Colors.black.withOpacity(0.2),
-              blurRadius: 8,
-              offset: const Offset(0, 2),
-            ),
-          ],
-        ),
-        clipBehavior: Clip.antiAlias,
-        child: Row(
-          children: [
-            // Album art or speaker icon - same size for consistent text alignment
-            SizedBox(
-              width: artSize,
-              height: artSize,
-              child: albumArtUrl != null
-                  ? CachedNetworkImage(
-                      imageUrl: albumArtUrl!,
-                      fit: BoxFit.cover,
-                      memCacheWidth: 128,
-                      memCacheHeight: 128,
-                      fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
-                      fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
-                      placeholder: (_, __) => _buildSpeakerIcon(),
-                      errorWidget: (_, __, ___) => _buildSpeakerIcon(),
-                    )
-                  : _buildSpeakerIcon(),
-            ),
+    // Colors for volume overlay (same as mini player progress bar)
+    final filledColor = widget.backgroundColor;
+    final unfilledColor = Color.lerp(widget.backgroundColor, Colors.black, 0.3)!;

-            // Player info
-            Expanded(
-              child: Padding(
-                padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 12),
-                child: Column(
-                  mainAxisAlignment: MainAxisAlignment.center,
-                  crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
-                  children: [
-                    // Player name
-                    Row(
-                      children: [
-                        // Status indicator
-                        Container(
-                          width: 8,
-                          height: 8,
-                          margin: const EdgeInsets.only(right: 8),
-                          decoration: BoxDecoration(
-                            shape: BoxShape.circle,
-                            color: _getStatusColor(),
-                          ),
-                        ),
-                        Expanded(
-                          child: Text(
-                            player.name,
-                            style: TextStyle(
-                              color: textColor,
-                              fontSize: 16,
-                              fontWeight: FontWeight.w500,
-                              fontFamily: 'Roboto',
-                              decoration: TextDecoration.none,
-                            ),
-                            maxLines: 1,
-                            overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
-                          ),
-                        ),
-                      ],
-                    ),
-                    const SizedBox(height: 2),
-                    // Track name or status
-                    Text(
-                      _getSubtitle(context),
-                      style: TextStyle(
-                        color: textColor.withOpacity(0.6),
-                        fontSize: 14,
-                        fontFamily: 'Roboto',
-                        decoration: TextDecoration.none,
+    return LayoutBuilder(
+      builder: (context, constraints) {
+        _cardWidth = constraints.maxWidth;
+
+        return GestureDetector(
+          onTap: _isDraggingVolume ? null : widget.onTap,
+          onLongPress: _isDraggingVolume ? null : widget.onLongPress,
+          onHorizontalDragStart: _onDragStart,
+          onHorizontalDragUpdate: _onDragUpdate,
+          onHorizontalDragEnd: _onDragEnd,
+          onHorizontalDragCancel: _onDragCancel,
+          // Use Stack to render border ON TOP of content, preventing album art clipping
+          child: Stack(
+            children: [
+              // Main card content (hidden when dragging volume)
+              if (!_isDraggingVolume)
+                _buildCardContent(cardHeight, artSize, borderRadius),
+
+              // Volume overlay (shown when dragging)
+              if (_isDraggingVolume)
+                Container(
+                  height: cardHeight,
+                  decoration: BoxDecoration(
+                    color: unfilledColor,
+                    borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(borderRadius),
+                    boxShadow: [
+                      BoxShadow(
+                        color: Colors.black.withOpacity(0.2),
+                        blurRadius: 8,
+                        offset: const Offset(0, 2),
+                      ),
+                    ],
+                  ),
+                  clipBehavior: Clip.antiAlias,
+                  child: Align(
+                    alignment: Alignment.centerLeft,
+                    child: FractionallySizedBox(
+                      widthFactor: _dragVolumeLevel.clamp(0.0, 1.0),
+                      heightFactor: 1.0,
+                      child: Container(
+                        decoration: BoxDecoration(
+                          color: filledColor,
+                          borderRadius: BorderRadius.only(
+                            topLeft: Radius.circular(borderRadius),
+                            bottomLeft: Radius.circular(borderRadius),
+                          ),
+                        ),
                      ),
-                      maxLines: 1,
-                      overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
                    ),
-                  ],
-                ),
-              ),
-            ),
-
-            // Transport controls - compact sizing to align with mini player
-            // Play/Pause and Next only shown when powered with content
-            if (player.available && player.powered && trackInfo != null) ...[
-              // Play/Pause - slight nudge right
-              Transform.translate(
-                offset: const Offset(3, 0),
-                child: SizedBox(
-                  width: 28,
-                  height: 28,
-                  child: IconButton(
-                    icon: Icon(
-                      isPlaying ? Icons.pause_rounded : Icons.play_arrow_rounded,
-                      color: textColor,
-                      size: 28,
-                    ),
-                    onPressed: onPlayPause,
-                    padding: EdgeInsets.zero,
                  ),
                ),
+
+              // Border overlay - renders ON TOP to prevent clipping by album art
+              if (widget.isGrouped)
+                Positioned.fill(
+                  child: Container(
+                    decoration: BoxDecoration(
+                      borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(borderRadius),
+                      border: Border.all(color: PlayerCard.groupBorderColor, width: 1.5),
+                    ),
+                  ),
+                ),
+            ],
+          ),
+        );
+      },
+    );
+  }
+
+  Widget _buildCardContent(double cardHeight, double artSize, double borderRadius) {
+    return Container(
+      height: cardHeight,
+      decoration: BoxDecoration(
+        color: widget.backgroundColor,
+        borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(borderRadius),
+        boxShadow: [
+          BoxShadow(
+            color: Colors.black.withOpacity(0.2),
+            blurRadius: 8,
+            offset: const Offset(0, 2),
+          ),
+        ],
+      ),
+      clipBehavior: Clip.antiAlias,
+      child: Row(
+        children: [
+          // Album art or speaker icon - same size for consistent text alignment
+          SizedBox(
+            width: artSize,
+            height: artSize,
+            child: widget.albumArtUrl != null
+                ? CachedNetworkImage(
+                    imageUrl: widget.albumArtUrl!,
+                    fit: BoxFit.cover,
+                    memCacheWidth: 128,
+                    memCacheHeight: 128,
+                    fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                    fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
+                    placeholder: (_, __) => _buildSpeakerIcon(),
+                    errorWidget: (_, __, ___) => _buildSpeakerIcon(),
+                  )
+                : _buildSpeakerIcon(),
+          ),
+
+          // Player info
+          Expanded(
+            child: Padding(
+              padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 12),
+              child: Column(
+                mainAxisAlignment: MainAxisAlignment.center,
+                crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
+                children: [
+                  // Player name
+                  Row(
+                    children: [
+                      // Status indicator
+                      Container(
+                        width: 8,
+                        height: 8,
+                        margin: const EdgeInsets.only(right: 8),
+                        decoration: BoxDecoration(
+                          shape: BoxShape.circle,
+                          color: _getStatusColor(),
+                        ),
+                      ),
+                      Expanded(
+                        child: Text(
+                          widget.player.name,
+                          style: TextStyle(
+                            color: widget.textColor,
+                            fontSize: 16,
+                            fontWeight: FontWeight.w500,
+                            fontFamily: 'Roboto',
+                            decoration: TextDecoration.none,
+                          ),
+                          maxLines: 1,
+                          overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
+                        ),
+                      ),
+                    ],
+                  ),
+                  const SizedBox(height: 2),
+                  // Track name or status
+                  Text(
+                    _getSubtitle(context),
+                    style: TextStyle(
+                      color: widget.textColor.withOpacity(0.6),
+                      fontSize: 14,
+                      fontFamily: 'Roboto',
+                      decoration: TextDecoration.none,
+                    ),
+                    maxLines: 1,
+                    overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
+                  ),
+                ],
              ),
-              // Skip next - nudged right to close gap with power
-              Transform.translate(
-                offset: const Offset(6, 0),
+            ),
+          ),
+
+          // Transport controls - compact sizing to align with mini player
+          // Play/Pause and Next only shown when powered with content
+          if (widget.player.available && widget.player.powered && widget.trackInfo != null) ...[
+            // Play/Pause - slight nudge right
+            // Touch target increased to 44dp for accessibility (icon remains 28)
+            Transform.translate(
+              offset: const Offset(3, 0),
+              child: SizedBox(
+                width: 44,
+                height: 44,
                child: IconButton(
                  icon: Icon(
-                    Icons.skip_next_rounded,
-                    color: textColor,
+                    widget.isPlaying ? Icons.pause_rounded : Icons.play_arrow_rounded,
+                    color: widget.textColor,
                    size: 28,
                  ),
-                  onPressed: onSkipNext,
+                  onPressed: widget.onPlayPause,
                  padding: EdgeInsets.zero,
-                  constraints: const BoxConstraints(),
                ),
              ),
-            ],
-            // Power button - smallest
-            if (player.available)
-              IconButton(
+            ),
+            // Skip next - nudged right to close gap with power
+            Transform.translate(
+              offset: const Offset(6, 0),
+              child: IconButton(
                icon: Icon(
-                  Icons.power_settings_new_rounded,
-                  color: player.powered ? textColor : textColor.withOpacity(0.5),
-                  size: 20,
+                  Icons.skip_next_rounded,
+                  color: widget.textColor,
+                  size: 28,
                ),
-                onPressed: onPower,
+                onPressed: widget.onSkipNext,
                padding: EdgeInsets.zero,
                constraints: const BoxConstraints(),
              ),
-
-            const SizedBox(width: 4),
+            ),
          ],
-        ),
+          // Power button - smallest
+          if (widget.player.available)
+            IconButton(
+              icon: Icon(
+                Icons.power_settings_new_rounded,
+                color: widget.player.powered ? widget.textColor : widget.textColor.withOpacity(0.5),
+                size: 20,
+              ),
+              onPressed: widget.onPower,
+              padding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+              constraints: const BoxConstraints(),
+            ),
+
+          const SizedBox(width: 4),
+        ],
      ),
    );
  }

+  void _onDragStart(DragStartDetails details) {
+    // Get current volume from player
+    final currentVolume = (widget.player.volumeLevel ?? 0).toDouble() / 100.0;
+    setState(() {
+      _isDraggingVolume = true;
+      _dragVolumeLevel = currentVolume;
+    });
+    HapticFeedback.lightImpact();
+  }
+
+  void _onDragUpdate(DragUpdateDetails details) {
+    if (!_isDraggingVolume || _cardWidth <= 0) return;
+
+    // Directional volume: drag right = increase, drag left = decrease
+    // Distance determines amount of change (full card width = 100%)
+    // Multiple swipes accumulate - each starts from current volume
+    final dragDelta = details.delta.dx;
+    final volumeDelta = dragDelta / _cardWidth;
+
+    final newVolume = (_dragVolumeLevel + volumeDelta).clamp(0.0, 1.0);
+
+    // Always update visual
+    if ((newVolume - _dragVolumeLevel).abs() > 0.001) {
+      setState(() {
+        _dragVolumeLevel = newVolume;
+      });
+
+      // Throttle API calls to prevent flooding
+      final now = DateTime.now().millisecondsSinceEpoch;
+      if (now - _lastVolumeUpdateTime >= _volumeThrottleMs) {
+        _lastVolumeUpdateTime = now;
+        widget.onVolumeChange?.call(newVolume);
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  void _onDragEnd(DragEndDetails details) {
+    // Send final volume on release
+    widget.onVolumeChange?.call(_dragVolumeLevel);
+    setState(() {
+      _isDraggingVolume = false;
+    });
+    HapticFeedback.lightImpact();
+  }
+
+  void _onDragCancel() {
+    setState(() {
+      _isDraggingVolume = false;
+    });
+  }
+
  Widget _buildSpeakerIcon() {
    // Darker shade of the card background to match album art square
-    final iconBgColor = Color.lerp(backgroundColor, Colors.black, 0.15)!;
+    final iconBgColor = Color.lerp(widget.backgroundColor, Colors.black, 0.15)!;
    return Container(
      color: iconBgColor,
      child: Center(
        child: Icon(
          Icons.speaker_rounded,
-          color: textColor.withOpacity(0.4),
+          color: widget.textColor.withOpacity(0.4),
          size: 28,
        ),
      ),
@@ -203,30 +348,30 @@ class PlayerCard extends StatelessWidget {
  }

  Color _getStatusColor() {
-    if (!player.available) {
+    if (!widget.player.available) {
      return Colors.grey.withOpacity(0.5);
    }
-    if (!player.powered) {
+    if (!widget.player.powered) {
      return Colors.grey;
    }
-    if (isPlaying) {
+    if (widget.isPlaying) {
      return Colors.green;
    }
-    if (trackInfo != null) {
+    if (widget.trackInfo != null) {
      return Colors.orange; // Has content but paused
    }
    return Colors.grey.shade400; // Idle
  }

  String _getSubtitle(BuildContext context) {
-    if (!player.available) {
+    if (!widget.player.available) {
      return S.of(context)!.playerStateUnavailable;
    }
-    if (!player.powered) {
+    if (!widget.player.powered) {
      return S.of(context)!.playerStateOff;
    }
-    if (trackInfo != null) {
-      return trackInfo.name ?? S.of(context)!.playerStateIdle;
+    if (widget.trackInfo != null) {
+      return widget.trackInfo.name ?? S.of(context)!.playerStateIdle;
    }
    return S.of(context)!.playerStateIdle;
  }
@@ -55,24 +55,29 @@ class PlayerControls extends StatelessWidget {
      mainAxisAlignment: isExpanded ? MainAxisAlignment.center : MainAxisAlignment.end,
      children: [
        // Shuffle (expanded only)
-        if (isExpanded)
-          Opacity(
-            opacity: expandedElementsOpacity,
-            child: _buildSecondaryButton(
-              icon: Icons.shuffle_rounded,
-              color: shuffle == true ? primaryColor : textColor.withOpacity(0.5),
-              onPressed: isLoadingQueue ? null : onToggleShuffle,
-            ),
+        // GPU PERF: Use color alpha instead of Opacity to avoid saveLayer
+        if (isExpanded && expandedElementsOpacity > 0.1)
+          _buildSecondaryButton(
+            icon: Icons.shuffle_rounded,
+            // Fix: compute final opacity once to avoid multiplicative opacity bug
+            color: shuffle == true
+                ? primaryColor.withOpacity(expandedElementsOpacity)
+                : textColor.withOpacity(0.5 * expandedElementsOpacity),
+            onPressed: isLoadingQueue ? null : onToggleShuffle,
          ),
        if (isExpanded) SizedBox(width: _lerpDouble(0, 20, t)),

        // Previous
-        _buildControlButton(
-          icon: Icons.skip_previous_rounded,
-          color: textColor,
-          size: skipButtonSize,
-          onPressed: onPrevious,
-          useAnimation: isExpanded,
+        Semantics(
+          button: true,
+          label: 'Previous track',
+          child: _buildControlButton(
+            icon: Icons.skip_previous_rounded,
+            color: textColor,
+            size: skipButtonSize,
+            onPressed: onPrevious,
+            useAnimation: isExpanded,
+          ),
        ),
        SizedBox(width: _lerpDouble(0, 20, t)),

@@ -81,26 +86,29 @@ class PlayerControls extends StatelessWidget {
        SizedBox(width: _lerpDouble(0, 20, t)),

        // Next
-        _buildControlButton(
-          icon: Icons.skip_next_rounded,
-          color: textColor,
-          size: skipButtonSize,
-          onPressed: onNext,
-          useAnimation: isExpanded,
+        Semantics(
+          button: true,
+          label: 'Next track',
+          child: _buildControlButton(
+            icon: Icons.skip_next_rounded,
+            color: textColor,
+            size: skipButtonSize,
+            onPressed: onNext,
+            useAnimation: isExpanded,
+          ),
        ),

        // Repeat (expanded only)
+        // GPU PERF: Use color alpha instead of Opacity to avoid saveLayer
        if (isExpanded) SizedBox(width: _lerpDouble(0, 20, t)),
-        if (isExpanded)
-          Opacity(
-            opacity: expandedElementsOpacity,
-            child: _buildSecondaryButton(
-              icon: repeatMode == 'one' ? Icons.repeat_one_rounded : Icons.repeat_rounded,
-              color: repeatMode != null && repeatMode != 'off'
-                  ? primaryColor
-                  : textColor.withOpacity(0.5),
-              onPressed: isLoadingQueue ? null : onCycleRepeat,
-            ),
+        if (isExpanded && expandedElementsOpacity > 0.1)
+          _buildSecondaryButton(
+            icon: repeatMode == 'one' ? Icons.repeat_one_rounded : Icons.repeat_rounded,
+            // Fix: compute final opacity once to avoid multiplicative opacity bug
+            color: (repeatMode != null && repeatMode != 'off')
+                ? primaryColor.withOpacity(expandedElementsOpacity)
+                : textColor.withOpacity(0.5 * expandedElementsOpacity),
+            onPressed: isLoadingQueue ? null : onCycleRepeat,
          ),
      ],
    );
@@ -153,21 +161,26 @@ class PlayerControls extends StatelessWidget {
    final bgColor = Color.lerp(Colors.transparent, primaryColor, progress);
    final iconColor = Color.lerp(textColor, backgroundColor, progress);

-    return GestureDetector(
-      onLongPress: onStop,
-      child: Container(
-        width: playButtonContainerSize,
-        height: playButtonContainerSize,
-        decoration: BoxDecoration(
-          color: bgColor,
-          shape: BoxShape.circle,
-        ),
-        child: IconButton(
-          icon: Icon(isPlaying ? Icons.pause_rounded : Icons.play_arrow_rounded),
-          color: iconColor,
-          iconSize: playButtonSize,
-          onPressed: onPlayPause,
-          padding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+    return Semantics(
+      button: true,
+      label: isPlaying ? 'Pause' : 'Play',
+      hint: 'Long press to stop',
+      child: GestureDetector(
+        onLongPress: onStop,
+        child: Container(
+          width: playButtonContainerSize,
+          height: playButtonContainerSize,
+          decoration: BoxDecoration(
+            color: bgColor,
+            shape: BoxShape.circle,
+          ),
+          child: IconButton(
+            icon: Icon(isPlaying ? Icons.pause_rounded : Icons.play_arrow_rounded),
+            color: iconColor,
+            iconSize: playButtonSize,
+            onPressed: onPlayPause,
+            padding: EdgeInsets.zero,
+          ),
        ),
      ),
    );
@@ -2,7 +2,9 @@ import 'dart:async';
 import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
 import 'package:flutter/services.dart';
 import 'package:provider/provider.dart';
+import '../../l10n/app_localizations.dart';
 import '../../providers/music_assistant_provider.dart';
+import '../../services/settings_service.dart';
 import '../../theme/design_tokens.dart';
 import '../../theme/theme_provider.dart';
 import '../../theme/palette_helper.dart';
@@ -16,12 +18,14 @@ class PlayerRevealOverlay extends StatefulWidget {
  final VoidCallback onDismiss;
  final double miniPlayerBottom; // Bottom position of mini player
  final double miniPlayerHeight;
+  final bool showOnboardingHints; // Show additional hints for first-time users

  const PlayerRevealOverlay({
    super.key,
    required this.onDismiss,
    required this.miniPlayerBottom,
    required this.miniPlayerHeight,
+    this.showOnboardingHints = false,
  });

  @override
@@ -40,13 +44,25 @@ class PlayerRevealOverlayState extends State<PlayerRevealOverlay>
  double _dragOffset = 0;
  bool _isDragging = false;

+  // Scroll controller for when player list overflows
+  final ScrollController _scrollController = ScrollController();
+  bool _isScrollable = false;
+
  // Cache extracted colors per player for per-device accent colors
  final Map<String, ColorScheme?> _playerColors = {};

+  // Hint system
+  bool _showHints = true;
+
  @override
  void initState() {
    super.initState();

+    // Load hint settings
+    SettingsService.getShowHints().then((value) {
+      if (mounted) setState(() => _showHints = value);
+    });
+
    _revealController = AnimationController(
      vsync: this,
    );
@@ -116,6 +132,7 @@ class PlayerRevealOverlayState extends State<PlayerRevealOverlay>
  void dispose() {
    _revealController.dispose();
    _refreshTimer?.cancel();
+    _scrollController.dispose();
    super.dispose();
  }

@@ -127,7 +144,7 @@ class PlayerRevealOverlayState extends State<PlayerRevealOverlay>

  /// Animate dismissal and call callback when done
  void dismiss() {
-    // Trigger settle bounce on mini player when cards are ~70% collapsed
+    // Trigger single bounce on mini player when cards are ~70% collapsed
    // This creates the effect of cards "landing" on the mini player
    bool bounceFired = false;
    void checkBounce() {
@@ -145,19 +162,51 @@ class PlayerRevealOverlayState extends State<PlayerRevealOverlay>
    });
  }

+  /// Check if scroll is at top (or not scrollable)
+  bool get _isAtTop {
+    if (!_isScrollable) return true;
+    if (!_scrollController.hasClients) return true;
+    return _scrollController.offset <= 0;
+  }
+
  void _handleVerticalDragUpdate(DragUpdateDetails details) {
+    final delta = details.primaryDelta ?? 0;
+
+    // If scrollable and not at top, let scroll handle it
+    if (_isScrollable && !_isAtTop) {
+      // Scroll the list
+      if (_scrollController.hasClients) {
+        final newOffset = _scrollController.offset - delta;
+        _scrollController.jumpTo(newOffset.clamp(0.0, _scrollController.position.maxScrollExtent));
+      }
+      return;
+    }
+
+    // At top: check if trying to scroll down (view more) or dismiss
+    if (_isScrollable && delta < 0 && _scrollController.hasClients) {
+      // Swiping up (delta negative) = scroll down to see more players
+      final newOffset = _scrollController.offset - delta;
+      _scrollController.jumpTo(newOffset.clamp(0.0, _scrollController.position.maxScrollExtent));
+      return;
+    }
+
+    // Only process dismiss gesture when swiping DOWN (positive delta = finger moving down)
+    // Ignore swipe up when not scrollable - cards should stay fixed
+    if (delta <= 0) return;
+
+    // Swiping down = dismiss gesture
    setState(() {
      _isDragging = true;
-      // Negate delta so swipe down = cards move down (toward dismissal)
-      _dragOffset -= details.primaryDelta ?? 0;
-      // Clamp: allow moving down (positive) freely, limit moving up to 20px
-      _dragOffset = _dragOffset.clamp(-20.0, double.infinity);
+      _dragOffset += delta;
    });
  }

  void _handleVerticalDragEnd(DragEndDetails details) {
    final velocity = details.primaryVelocity ?? 0;

+    // If not dragging (was scrolling), don't dismiss
+    if (!_isDragging) return;
+
    // Dismiss if dragged down enough or with enough velocity
    if (_dragOffset > 100 || velocity > 500) {
      HapticFeedback.lightImpact();
@@ -203,6 +252,21 @@ class PlayerRevealOverlayState extends State<PlayerRevealOverlay>
        const cardSpacing = 12.0;
        final totalStackHeight = players.length * cardHeight + (players.length - 1) * cardSpacing;

+        // Calculate max available height (80% of screen minus mini player area)
+        final screenHeight = MediaQuery.of(context).size.height;
+        final statusBarHeight = MediaQuery.of(context).padding.top;
+        final bottomPadding = widget.miniPlayerBottom + widget.miniPlayerHeight + 20;
+        final maxListHeight = (screenHeight - statusBarHeight - bottomPadding) * 0.8;
+
+        // Determine if scrolling is needed
+        final needsScroll = totalStackHeight > maxListHeight;
+        // Update scrollable state (used by gesture handlers)
+        WidgetsBinding.instance.addPostFrameCallback((_) {
+          if (_isScrollable != needsScroll) {
+            _isScrollable = needsScroll;
+          }
+        });
+
        return AnimatedBuilder(
          animation: _revealAnimation,
          builder: (context, child) {
@@ -210,13 +274,12 @@ class PlayerRevealOverlayState extends State<PlayerRevealOverlay>

            return Stack(
              children: [
-                // Backdrop - tap to dismiss
+                // Backdrop - tap to dismiss (darkness handled by GlobalPlayerOverlay)
                Positioned.fill(
                  child: GestureDetector(
                    onTap: dismiss,
-                    child: Container(
-                      color: Colors.black.withOpacity(0.6 * _backdropAnimation.value),
-                    ),
+                    behavior: HitTestBehavior.opaque,
+                    child: const SizedBox.expand(),
                  ),
                ),

@@ -231,7 +294,134 @@ class PlayerRevealOverlayState extends State<PlayerRevealOverlay>
                    child: Column(
                      mainAxisSize: MainAxisSize.min,
                      children: [
-                        // Build player cards - all slide from behind mini player
+                        // Hint above player list - different for onboarding vs regular use
+                        // Onboarding: show first-time hint (how to select)
+                        // Regular: show sync hint (tap and hold to sync)
+                        if (players.isNotEmpty && (_showHints || widget.showOnboardingHints))
+                          Builder(
+                            builder: (context) {
+                              // Calculate slide offset to match the topmost card
+                              const baseOffset = 80.0;
+                              final hintDistanceToTravel = baseOffset + (players.length * (cardHeight + cardSpacing));
+                              final hintSlideOffset = hintDistanceToTravel * (1.0 - t);
+
+                              // Show different hint for onboarding vs regular use
+                              final isOnboarding = widget.showOnboardingHints;
+
+                              Widget buildHintRow(IconData icon, String text) {
+                                return Row(
+                                  mainAxisSize: MainAxisSize.min,
+                                  children: [
+                                    Icon(
+                                      icon,
+                                      size: 18,
+                                      color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.7),
+                                    ),
+                                    const SizedBox(width: 6),
+                                    Text(
+                                      text,
+                                      style: TextStyle(
+                                        color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.7),
+                                        fontSize: 16,
+                                        fontWeight: FontWeight.w500,
+                                      ),
+                                    ),
+                                  ],
+                                );
+                              }
+
+                              return Transform.translate(
+                                offset: Offset(0, hintSlideOffset),
+                                child: Padding(
+                                  padding: const EdgeInsets.only(bottom: 12),
+                                  child: Material(
+                                    type: MaterialType.transparency,
+                                    child: isOnboarding
+                                        ? buildHintRow(Icons.touch_app_outlined, S.of(context)!.selectPlayerHint)
+                                        : Column(
+                                            mainAxisSize: MainAxisSize.min,
+                                            children: [
+                                              buildHintRow(Icons.lightbulb_outline, S.of(context)!.holdToSync),
+                                              const SizedBox(height: 4),
+                                              buildHintRow(Icons.lightbulb_outline, S.of(context)!.swipeToAdjustVolume),
+                                            ],
+                                          ),
+                                  ),
+                                ),
+                              );
+                            },
+                          ),
+                        // Build player cards - scrollable when overflow, otherwise static
+                        // Using ListView.builder for many players: only builds visible items
+                        // This significantly improves animation performance with 10+ players
+                        if (needsScroll)
+                          ConstrainedBox(
+                            constraints: BoxConstraints(maxHeight: maxListHeight),
+                            child: ListView.builder(
+                              controller: _scrollController,
+                              physics: const ClampingScrollPhysics(),
+                              itemCount: players.length,
+                              // Fixed height per item for optimal scroll performance
+                              itemExtent: cardHeight + cardSpacing,
+                              itemBuilder: (context, index) {
+                                final player = players[index];
+                                final isPlaying = player.state == 'playing';
+                                final playerTrack = maProvider.getCachedTrackForPlayer(player.playerId);
+                                String? albumArtUrl;
+                                if (playerTrack != null && player.available && player.powered) {
+                                  albumArtUrl = maProvider.getImageUrl(playerTrack, size: 128);
+                                }
+                                final playerColorScheme = _playerColors[player.playerId];
+                                final cardBgColor = playerColorScheme?.primaryContainer ?? defaultBgColor;
+                                final cardTextColor = playerColorScheme?.onPrimaryContainer ?? defaultTextColor;
+
+                                // Animation: slide from behind mini player
+                                // Only calculate for items that will be built (visible ones)
+                                const baseOffset = 80.0;
+                                final reverseIndex = players.length - 1 - index;
+                                final distanceToTravel = baseOffset + (reverseIndex * (cardHeight + cardSpacing));
+                                final slideOffset = distanceToTravel * (1.0 - t);
+
+                                return Transform.translate(
+                                  offset: Offset(0, slideOffset),
+                                  child: Padding(
+                                    padding: const EdgeInsets.only(bottom: cardSpacing),
+                                    child: PlayerCard(
+                                      player: player,
+                                      trackInfo: playerTrack,
+                                      albumArtUrl: albumArtUrl,
+                                      isSelected: false,
+                                      isPlaying: isPlaying,
+                                      isGrouped: maProvider.isPlayerManuallySynced(player.playerId),
+                                      backgroundColor: cardBgColor,
+                                      textColor: cardTextColor,
+                                      onTap: () {
+                                        HapticFeedback.mediumImpact();
+                                        maProvider.selectPlayer(player);
+                                        dismiss();
+                                      },
+                                      onLongPress: () {
+                                        HapticFeedback.mediumImpact();
+                                        maProvider.togglePlayerSync(player.playerId);
+                                      },
+                                      onPlayPause: () {
+                                        if (isPlaying) {
+                                          maProvider.pausePlayer(player.playerId);
+                                        } else {
+                                          maProvider.resumePlayer(player.playerId);
+                                        }
+                                      },
+                                      onSkipNext: () => maProvider.nextTrack(player.playerId),
+                                      onPower: () => maProvider.togglePower(player.playerId),
+                                      onVolumeChange: (volume) => maProvider.setVolume(player.playerId, (volume * 100).round()),
+                                    ),
+                                  ),
+                                );
+                              },
+                            ),
+                          )
+                        else
+                        // Non-scrollable list for when players fit
                        ...List.generate(players.length, (index) {
                          final player = players[index];
                          final isPlaying = player.state == 'playing';
@@ -269,6 +459,7 @@ class PlayerRevealOverlayState extends State<PlayerRevealOverlay>
                                albumArtUrl: albumArtUrl,
                                isSelected: false,
                                isPlaying: isPlaying,
+                                isGrouped: maProvider.isPlayerManuallySynced(player.playerId),
                                backgroundColor: cardBgColor,
                                textColor: cardTextColor,
                                onTap: () {
@@ -276,6 +467,17 @@ class PlayerRevealOverlayState extends State<PlayerRevealOverlay>
                                  maProvider.selectPlayer(player);
                                  dismiss();
                                },
+                                onLongPress: () {
+                                  HapticFeedback.mediumImpact();
+                                  debugPrint('🔗 Long-press on ${player.name} (${player.playerId})');
+                                  ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+                                    SnackBar(
+                                      content: Text('Syncing ${player.name}...'),
+                                      duration: const Duration(seconds: 2),
+                                    ),
+                                  );
+                                  maProvider.togglePlayerSync(player.playerId);
+                                },
                                onPlayPause: () {
                                  if (isPlaying) {
                                    maProvider.pausePlayer(player.playerId);
@@ -289,6 +491,7 @@ class PlayerRevealOverlayState extends State<PlayerRevealOverlay>
                                onPower: () {
                                  maProvider.togglePower(player.playerId);
                                },
+                                onVolumeChange: (volume) => maProvider.setVolume(player.playerId, (volume * 100).round()),
                              ),
                            ),
                          );
@@ -118,6 +118,11 @@ class QueuePanel extends StatelessWidget {
                      ? CachedNetworkImage(
                          imageUrl: imageUrl,
                          fit: BoxFit.cover,
+                          // PERF: 4x cache size for 44x44 display, zero fade for scrolling
+                          memCacheWidth: 176,
+                          memCacheHeight: 176,
+                          fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                          fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
                          placeholder: (context, url) => Container(
                            color: textColor.withOpacity(0.1),
                            child: Icon(Icons.music_note, color: textColor.withOpacity(0.3), size: 20),
@@ -0,0 +1,226 @@
+import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
+import '../models/player.dart';
+import '../l10n/app_localizations.dart';
+
+/// A themed bottom sheet for selecting a player.
+///
+/// Supports adaptive theming - pass [adaptiveColorScheme] to use colors
+/// extracted from album art, matching the detail screen backgrounds.
+class PlayerPickerSheet extends StatelessWidget {
+  final String title;
+  final List<Player> players;
+  final Player? selectedPlayer;
+  final ColorScheme? adaptiveColorScheme;
+  final Future<void> Function(Player player) onPlayerSelected;
+
+  const PlayerPickerSheet({
+    super.key,
+    required this.title,
+    required this.players,
+    this.selectedPlayer,
+    this.adaptiveColorScheme,
+    required this.onPlayerSelected,
+  });
+
+  @override
+  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
+    final themeColorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
+    final colorScheme = adaptiveColorScheme ?? themeColorScheme;
+
+    // Use surface container for slightly elevated look, or adaptive surface
+    final backgroundColor = adaptiveColorScheme?.surface ?? themeColorScheme.surfaceContainerHigh;
+    final onBackgroundColor = adaptiveColorScheme?.onSurface ?? themeColorScheme.onSurface;
+
+    return Container(
+      decoration: BoxDecoration(
+        color: backgroundColor,
+        borderRadius: const BorderRadius.vertical(top: Radius.circular(20)),
+      ),
+      child: Column(
+        mainAxisSize: MainAxisSize.min,
+        children: [
+          // Drag handle
+          Padding(
+            padding: const EdgeInsets.only(top: 12, bottom: 8),
+            child: Container(
+              width: 32,
+              height: 4,
+              decoration: BoxDecoration(
+                color: onBackgroundColor.withOpacity(0.3),
+                borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(2),
+              ),
+            ),
+          ),
+
+          // Title
+          Padding(
+            padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 24, vertical: 8),
+            child: Text(
+              title,
+              style: Theme.of(context).textTheme.titleLarge?.copyWith(
+                color: onBackgroundColor,
+              ),
+              textAlign: TextAlign.center,
+            ),
+          ),
+
+          const SizedBox(height: 8),
+
+          // Player list
+          if (players.isEmpty)
+            Padding(
+              padding: const EdgeInsets.all(32.0),
+              child: Text(
+                S.of(context)!.noPlayersAvailable,
+                style: TextStyle(color: onBackgroundColor.withOpacity(0.6)),
+              ),
+            )
+          else
+            Flexible(
+              child: ListView.builder(
+                shrinkWrap: true,
+                padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 8),
+                itemCount: players.length,
+                itemBuilder: (context, index) {
+                  final player = players[index];
+                  final isSelected = selectedPlayer?.playerId == player.playerId;
+
+                  return _PlayerTile(
+                    player: player,
+                    isSelected: isSelected,
+                    colorScheme: colorScheme,
+                    onBackgroundColor: onBackgroundColor,
+                    onTap: () => onPlayerSelected(player),
+                  );
+                },
+              ),
+            ),
+
+          SizedBox(height: MediaQuery.of(context).padding.bottom + 70),
+        ],
+      ),
+    );
+  }
+}
+
+class _PlayerTile extends StatelessWidget {
+  final Player player;
+  final bool isSelected;
+  final ColorScheme colorScheme;
+  final Color onBackgroundColor;
+  final VoidCallback onTap;
+
+  const _PlayerTile({
+    required this.player,
+    required this.isSelected,
+    required this.colorScheme,
+    required this.onBackgroundColor,
+    required this.onTap,
+  });
+
+  @override
+  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
+    // Status color based on player state
+    Color statusColor;
+    if (!player.available) {
+      statusColor = Colors.grey.withOpacity(0.5);
+    } else if (!player.powered) {
+      statusColor = Colors.grey;
+    } else if (player.state == 'playing') {
+      statusColor = Colors.green;
+    } else {
+      statusColor = Colors.orange; // Idle/paused but powered
+    }
+
+    return Padding(
+      padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(vertical: 2),
+      child: Material(
+        color: isSelected
+            ? colorScheme.primaryContainer.withOpacity(0.3)
+            : Colors.transparent,
+        borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(12),
+        child: InkWell(
+          onTap: onTap,
+          borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(12),
+          child: Padding(
+            padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 16, vertical: 12),
+            child: Row(
+              children: [
+                // Status indicator
+                Container(
+                  width: 8,
+                  height: 8,
+                  decoration: BoxDecoration(
+                    shape: BoxShape.circle,
+                    color: statusColor,
+                  ),
+                ),
+                const SizedBox(width: 12),
+
+                // Speaker icon
+                Icon(
+                  Icons.speaker_rounded,
+                  color: isSelected
+                      ? colorScheme.primary
+                      : onBackgroundColor.withOpacity(0.7),
+                  size: 24,
+                ),
+                const SizedBox(width: 12),
+
+                // Player name
+                Expanded(
+                  child: Text(
+                    player.name,
+                    style: TextStyle(
+                      color: isSelected
+                          ? colorScheme.primary
+                          : onBackgroundColor,
+                      fontWeight: isSelected ? FontWeight.w600 : FontWeight.normal,
+                      fontSize: 16,
+                    ),
+                  ),
+                ),
+
+                // Selected checkmark
+                if (isSelected)
+                  Icon(
+                    Icons.check_circle_rounded,
+                    color: colorScheme.primary,
+                    size: 20,
+                  ),
+              ],
+            ),
+          ),
+        ),
+      ),
+    );
+  }
+}
+
+/// Shows the player picker bottom sheet with adaptive theming.
+///
+/// Returns the selected player, or null if dismissed.
+Future<void> showPlayerPickerSheet({
+  required BuildContext context,
+  required String title,
+  required List<Player> players,
+  Player? selectedPlayer,
+  ColorScheme? adaptiveColorScheme,
+  required Future<void> Function(Player player) onPlayerSelected,
+}) {
+  return showModalBottomSheet(
+    context: context,
+    backgroundColor: Colors.transparent,
+    isScrollControlled: true,
+    builder: (context) => PlayerPickerSheet(
+      title: title,
+      players: players,
+      selectedPlayer: selectedPlayer,
+      adaptiveColorScheme: adaptiveColorScheme,
+      onPlayerSelected: (player) async {
+        Navigator.pop(context);
+        await onPlayerSelected(player);
+      },
+    ),
+  );
+}
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import 'dart:async';
 import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
+import 'package:flutter/services.dart';
 import 'package:material_design_icons_flutter/material_design_icons_flutter.dart';
 import 'package:provider/provider.dart';
 import 'package:cached_network_image/cached_network_image.dart';
@@ -18,40 +19,61 @@ class PlayerSelector extends StatelessWidget {
    final availablePlayers = maProvider.availablePlayers;
    final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;

+    // Count players that are currently playing MA content (excluding selected player)
+    // User already sees if selected player is playing, badge shows "other" activity
+    // Exclude external sources (Spotify Connect, TV optical, etc.) - they're not playing MA content
+    final selectedPlayerId = selectedPlayer?.playerId;
+    final playingCount = availablePlayers
+        .where((p) => p.state == 'playing' && p.playerId != selectedPlayerId && !p.isExternalSource)
+        .length;
+
    return Padding(
      padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 8.0),
-      child: Material(
-        color: colorScheme.primaryContainer,
-        borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(8),
-        child: InkWell(
-          onTap: () => _showPlayerSelector(context, maProvider, availablePlayers),
+      child: Badge(
+        isLabelVisible: playingCount > 0,
+        backgroundColor: colorScheme.tertiary,
+        textColor: colorScheme.onTertiary,
+        label: Text(
+          playingCount.toString(),
+          style: TextStyle(
+            fontWeight: FontWeight.w900,
+            fontSize: 11,
+            color: colorScheme.onTertiary,
+          ),
+        ),
+        child: Material(
+          color: colorScheme.primaryContainer,
          borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(8),
-          child: Padding(
-            padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 12.0, vertical: 8.0),
-            child: Row(
-              mainAxisSize: MainAxisSize.min,
-              children: [
-                if (selectedPlayer != null) ...[
-                  ConstrainedBox(
-                    constraints: const BoxConstraints(maxWidth: 120),
-                    child: Text(
-                      selectedPlayer.name,
-                      style: TextStyle(
-                        color: colorScheme.onPrimaryContainer,
-                        fontWeight: FontWeight.w600,
+          child: InkWell(
+            onTap: () => _showPlayerSelector(context, maProvider, availablePlayers),
+            borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(8),
+            child: Padding(
+              padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 12.0, vertical: 8.0),
+              child: Row(
+                mainAxisSize: MainAxisSize.min,
+                children: [
+                  if (selectedPlayer != null) ...[
+                    ConstrainedBox(
+                      constraints: const BoxConstraints(maxWidth: 120),
+                      child: Text(
+                        selectedPlayer.name,
+                        style: TextStyle(
+                          color: colorScheme.onPrimaryContainer,
+                          fontWeight: FontWeight.w600,
+                        ),
+                        maxLines: 1,
+                        overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
                      ),
-                      maxLines: 1,
-                      overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
                    ),
+                    const SizedBox(width: 8),
+                  ],
+                  Icon(
+                    MdiIcons.castAudio,
+                    color: colorScheme.onPrimaryContainer,
+                    size: 20,
                  ),
-                  const SizedBox(width: 8),
                ],
-                Icon(
-                  MdiIcons.castAudio,
-                  color: colorScheme.onPrimaryContainer,
-                  size: 20,
-                ),
-              ],
+              ),
            ),
          ),
        ),
@@ -181,23 +203,34 @@ class _PlayerSelectorSheetState extends State<_PlayerSelectorSheet> {
                              // but still have track info - treat as "has content" for display
                              final isIdle = player.state == 'idle';

+                              // Check for external source (optical, Spotify, etc.)
+                              final isExternalSource = player.isExternalSource;
+
                              // Get track info - use current track for selected player, cache for others
-                              final playerTrack = isSelected
-                                  ? currentTrack
-                                  : maProvider.getCachedTrackForPlayer(player.playerId);
+                              // Skip track info for external sources
+                              final playerTrack = isExternalSource
+                                  ? null
+                                  : (isSelected
+                                      ? currentTrack
+                                      : maProvider.getCachedTrackForPlayer(player.playerId));

-                              // Player has content if playing, paused, or idle with cached track
-                              final hasContent = isPlaying || isPaused || (isIdle && playerTrack != null);
+                              // Player has content if playing, paused, or idle with cached track (but not external source)
+                              final hasContent = !isExternalSource && (isPlaying || isPaused || (isIdle && playerTrack != null));

-                              // Get album art for any player with content
+                              // Get album art for any player with content (skip for external source)
                              String? albumArtUrl;
-                              if (playerTrack != null && isOn && hasContent) {
+                              if (!isExternalSource && playerTrack != null && isOn && hasContent) {
                                albumArtUrl = maProvider.getImageUrl(
                                  playerTrack.album ?? playerTrack,
                                  size: 128,
                                );
                              }

+                              // Check if this player is manually synced (not a pre-configured group)
+                              final isGrouped = maProvider.isPlayerManuallySynced(player.playerId);
+                              // Pastel yellow for grouped players
+                              const groupBorderColor = Color(0xFFFFF59D);
+
                              return Padding(
                                padding: const EdgeInsets.only(bottom: 8),
                                child: InkWell(
@@ -205,6 +238,23 @@ class _PlayerSelectorSheetState extends State<_PlayerSelectorSheet> {
                                    maProvider.selectPlayer(player);
                                    Navigator.pop(context);
                                  },
+                                  onLongPress: () {
+                                    // Haptic feedback for sync action
+                                    HapticFeedback.mediumImpact();
+
+                                    // Show snackbar for visual feedback
+                                    ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
+                                      SnackBar(
+                                        content: Text('Syncing ${player.name}...'),
+                                        duration: const Duration(seconds: 2),
+                                      ),
+                                    );
+
+                                    // Long-press to sync/unsync player
+                                    debugPrint('🔗 Long-press on ${player.name} (${player.playerId})');
+                                    debugPrint('🔗 Player isGrouped: ${player.isGrouped}, groupMembers: ${player.groupMembers}');
+                                    maProvider.togglePlayerSync(player.playerId);
+                                  },
                                  borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(16),
                                  child: Container(
                                    height: 72,
@@ -213,6 +263,9 @@ class _PlayerSelectorSheetState extends State<_PlayerSelectorSheet> {
                                          ? colorScheme.primary.withOpacity(0.15)
                                          : colorScheme.surfaceVariant.withOpacity(0.3),
                                      borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(16),
+                                      border: isGrouped
+                                          ? Border.all(color: groupBorderColor, width: 1.5)
+                                          : null,
                                    ),
                                    child: Row(
                                      children: [
@@ -275,11 +328,13 @@ class _PlayerSelectorSheetState extends State<_PlayerSelectorSheet> {
                                                          ? colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.24)
                                                          : !isOn
                                                              ? colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.3)
-                                                              : isPlaying
-                                                                  ? Colors.green
-                                                                  : hasContent
-                                                                      ? Colors.orange // paused or idle with content
-                                                                      : colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant.withOpacity(0.5),
+                                                              : isExternalSource
+                                                                  ? Colors.cyan // external source (optical, Spotify, etc.)
+                                                                  : isPlaying
+                                                                      ? Colors.green
+                                                                      : hasContent
+                                                                          ? Colors.orange // paused or idle with content
+                                                                          : colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant.withOpacity(0.5),
                                                    ),
                                                  ),
                                                  const SizedBox(width: 6),
@@ -289,9 +344,11 @@ class _PlayerSelectorSheetState extends State<_PlayerSelectorSheet> {
                                                          ? S.of(context)!.playerStateUnavailable
                                                          : !isOn
                                                              ? S.of(context)!.playerStateOff
-                                                              : hasContent && playerTrack != null
-                                                                  ? playerTrack.name
-                                                                  : S.of(context)!.playerStateIdle,
+                                                              : isExternalSource
+                                                                  ? S.of(context)!.playerStateExternalSource
+                                                                  : hasContent && playerTrack != null
+                                                                      ? playerTrack.name
+                                                                      : S.of(context)!.playerStateIdle,
                                                      style: TextStyle(
                                                        color: player.available
                                                            ? colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant
@@ -302,6 +359,35 @@ class _PlayerSelectorSheetState extends State<_PlayerSelectorSheet> {
                                                      overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
                                                    ),
                                                  ),
+                                                  if (isGrouped) ...[
+                                                    const SizedBox(width: 8),
+                                                    Container(
+                                                      padding: const EdgeInsets.symmetric(horizontal: 6, vertical: 2),
+                                                      decoration: BoxDecoration(
+                                                        color: groupBorderColor.withOpacity(0.3),
+                                                        borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(4),
+                                                      ),
+                                                      child: Row(
+                                                        mainAxisSize: MainAxisSize.min,
+                                                        children: [
+                                                          Icon(
+                                                            Icons.link_rounded,
+                                                            size: 10,
+                                                            color: Colors.amber.shade800,
+                                                          ),
+                                                          const SizedBox(width: 3),
+                                                          Text(
+                                                            'Synced',
+                                                            style: TextStyle(
+                                                              color: Colors.amber.shade800,
+                                                              fontSize: 10,
+                                                              fontWeight: FontWeight.w600,
+                                                            ),
+                                                          ),
+                                                        ],
+                                                      ),
+                                                    ),
+                                                  ],
                                                  if (isSelected) ...[
                                                    const SizedBox(width: 8),
                                                    Container(
@@ -325,8 +411,8 @@ class _PlayerSelectorSheetState extends State<_PlayerSelectorSheet> {
                                            ],
                                          ),
                                        ),
-                                        // Play/Pause button
-                                        if (player.available && isOn)
+                                        // Play/Pause button (hidden for external sources - controls don't work)
+                                        if (player.available && isOn && !isExternalSource)
                                          IconButton(
                                            icon: Icon(
                                              isPlaying ? Icons.pause_rounded : Icons.play_arrow_rounded,
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import '../models/media_item.dart';
 import '../providers/music_assistant_provider.dart';
 import '../services/debug_logger.dart';
 import '../screens/audiobook_series_screen.dart';
+import '../utils/page_transitions.dart';

 class SeriesRow extends StatefulWidget {
  final String title;
@@ -267,10 +268,11 @@ class _SeriesCard extends StatelessWidget {

    return GestureDetector(
      onTap: () {
+        // PERF: Use FadeSlidePageRoute for consistent hero animation timing
        Navigator.push(
          context,
-          MaterialPageRoute(
-            builder: (context) => AudiobookSeriesScreen(
+          FadeSlidePageRoute(
+            child: AudiobookSeriesScreen(
              series: series,
              heroTag: heroTag,
              initialCovers: covers,
@@ -284,6 +286,44 @@ class _SeriesCard extends StatelessWidget {
          // Use AspectRatio to guarantee square cover
          Hero(
            tag: heroTag,
+            // PERF: Use flightShuttleBuilder to avoid animating complex grid
+            // during hero flight. Show cached first cover image instead.
+            flightShuttleBuilder: (flightContext, animation, direction, fromContext, toContext) {
+              // Use first cover as simple placeholder during flight
+              final heroChild = toContext.widget as Hero;
+              return AnimatedBuilder(
+                animation: animation,
+                builder: (context, child) {
+                  return ClipRRect(
+                    borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(8 + 4 * animation.value),
+                    child: child,
+                  );
+                },
+                child: covers != null && covers!.isNotEmpty
+                    ? CachedNetworkImage(
+                        imageUrl: covers!.first,
+                        fit: BoxFit.cover,
+                        fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                        fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
+                        placeholder: (_, __) => Container(
+                          color: colorScheme.surfaceContainerHighest,
+                        ),
+                        errorWidget: (_, __, ___) => Container(
+                          color: colorScheme.surfaceContainerHighest,
+                        ),
+                      )
+                    : Container(
+                        color: colorScheme.surfaceContainerHighest,
+                        child: Center(
+                          child: Icon(
+                            Icons.collections_bookmark_rounded,
+                            size: 48,
+                            color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant.withOpacity(0.5),
+                          ),
+                        ),
+                      ),
+              );
+            },
            child: AspectRatio(
              aspectRatio: 1,
              child: ClipRRect(
@@ -373,6 +413,8 @@ class _SeriesCard extends StatelessWidget {
                    ? CachedNetworkImage(
                        imageUrl: coverUrl,
                        fit: BoxFit.cover,
+                        fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                        fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
                        placeholder: (_, __) => Container(
                          color: colorScheme.surfaceContainerHighest,
                        ),
@@ -186,7 +186,9 @@ class _TrackCard extends StatelessWidget {
                          fit: BoxFit.cover,
                          memCacheWidth: 256,
                          memCacheHeight: 256,
-                          fadeInDuration: const Duration(milliseconds: 150),
+                          // PERF: Duration.zero for smooth scrolling
+                          fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                          fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
                          placeholder: (context, url) => const SizedBox(),
                          errorWidget: (context, url, error) => Icon(
                            Icons.music_note_rounded,
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 name: ensemble
 description: A minimalistic Music Assistant client built with Flutter
 publish_to: 'none'
-version: 2.3.3-beta+25
+version: 2.7.4-beta+36

 environment:
  sdk: '>=3.0.0 <4.0.0'
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@ dependencies:

  # Storage
  shared_preferences: ^2.2.2
+  flutter_secure_storage: ^9.2.2
  drift: ^2.22.0
  drift_flutter: 0.2.0
  path_provider: ^2.1.5