Bump version to 2.6.1-beta

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

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>

lib/database/database.dart

@@ -93,12 +93,87 @@ 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
+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};
+}
+
+@DriftDatabase(tables: [Profiles, RecentlyPlayed, LibraryCache, SyncMetadata, PlaybackState, CachedPlayers, CachedQueue, HomeRowCache])
 class AppDatabase extends _$AppDatabase {
   AppDatabase([QueryExecutor? executor]) : super(executor ?? _openConnection());
 
   @override
-  int get schemaVersion => 1;
+  int get schemaVersion => 3;
 
   @override
   MigrationStrategy get migration {
@@ -107,7 +182,16 @@ class AppDatabase extends _$AppDatabase {
         await m.createAll();
       },
       onUpgrade: (Migrator m, int from, int to) async {
-        // Future migrations will go here
+        // Migration from v1 to v2: Add playback state, cached players, cached queue tables
+        if (from < 2) {
+          await m.createTable(playbackState);
+          await m.createTable(cachedPlayers);
+          await m.createTable(cachedQueue);
+        }
+        // Migration from v2 to v3: Add home row cache table
+        if (from < 3) {
+          await m.createTable(homeRowCache);
+        }
       },
     );
   }
@@ -327,4 +411,162 @@ class AppDatabase extends _$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();
+  }
 }

lib/l10n/app_de.arb

@@ -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 +270,21 @@
   "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"
+  "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": "Gerät gedrückt halten zum Synchronisieren"
 }

lib/l10n/app_en.arb

@@ -635,6 +635,11 @@
     "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 +1078,7 @@
     "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"
   },
@@ -1143,6 +1148,36 @@
     "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"
@@ -1161,5 +1196,70 @@
   "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": "Tap and hold a player to sync",
+  "@holdToSync": {
+    "description": "Hint for long-press to sync players"
+  },
+
+  "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"
   }
 }

lib/l10n/app_es.arb

@@ -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 +466,21 @@
     }
   },
   "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"
+  "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 un dispositivo para sincronizar"
 }

lib/main.dart

@@ -230,9 +230,9 @@ 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 +348,16 @@ 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 +370,32 @@ 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 +420,30 @@ 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 +470,8 @@ 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(

lib/models/media_item.dart

@@ -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,

lib/models/player.dart

@@ -12,6 +12,8 @@ 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)
 
   Player({
     required this.playerId,
@@ -25,6 +27,8 @@ class Player {
     this.volumeMuted,
     this.elapsedTime,
     this.elapsedTimeLastUpdated,
+    this.groupMembers,
+    this.syncedTo,
   });
 
   /// Create a copy of this Player with some fields replaced
@@ -40,6 +44,8 @@ class Player {
     bool? volumeMuted,
     double? elapsedTime,
     double? elapsedTimeLastUpdated,
+    List<String>? groupMembers,
+    String? syncedTo,
   }) {
     return Player(
       playerId: playerId ?? this.playerId,
@@ -53,6 +59,8 @@ class Player {
       volumeMuted: volumeMuted ?? this.volumeMuted,
       elapsedTime: elapsedTime ?? this.elapsedTime,
       elapsedTimeLastUpdated: elapsedTimeLastUpdated ?? this.elapsedTimeLastUpdated,
+      groupMembers: groupMembers ?? this.groupMembers,
+      syncedTo: syncedTo ?? this.syncedTo,
     );
   }
 
@@ -61,6 +69,12 @@ 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;
+
   // Track when this Player object was created (for local interpolation fallback)
   static final Map<String, double> _playerCreationTimes = {};
 
@@ -164,6 +178,13 @@ 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?;
+
     return Player(
       playerId: json['player_id'] as String,
       name: json['name'] as String,
@@ -176,6 +197,8 @@ class Player {
       volumeMuted: json['volume_muted'] as bool?,
       elapsedTime: elapsedTime,
       elapsedTimeLastUpdated: elapsedTimeLastUpdated,
+      groupMembers: groupMembers,
+      syncedTo: syncedTo,
     );
   }
 
@@ -192,6 +215,8 @@ 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,
     };
   }
 }

lib/providers/connection_provider.dart

@@ -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();
   }

lib/screens/album_details_screen.dart

@@ -16,11 +16,14 @@ 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 +40,10 @@ 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 +53,31 @@ 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 +85,20 @@ 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 +120,10 @@ 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 +144,18 @@ 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 +171,34 @@ 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 +218,11 @@ 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 +239,12 @@ 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 +263,42 @@ 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 +315,46 @@ 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);
     }
   }
 
@@ -595,9 +661,12 @@ 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,
     );

lib/screens/artist_details_screen.dart

@@ -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');
@@ -427,20 +439,51 @@ 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);
     }
   }
 
@@ -510,10 +553,12 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
                         height: 200,
                         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,
                                   color: colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
@@ -817,6 +862,7 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
             child: AlbumDetailsScreen(
               album: album,
               heroTagSuffix: heroSuffix,
+              initialImageUrl: imageUrl,
             ),
           ),
         );
@@ -833,12 +879,14 @@ 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 +988,12 @@ 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 +1029,7 @@ class _ArtistDetailsScreenState extends State<ArtistDetailsScreen> {
             child: AlbumDetailsScreen(
               album: album,
               heroTagSuffix: 'artist_albums',
+              initialImageUrl: imageUrl,
             ),
           ),
         );

lib/screens/audiobook_author_screen.dart

@@ -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,
         ),
       ),
     );

lib/screens/audiobook_detail_screen.dart

@@ -15,11 +15,14 @@ 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 +122,10 @@ 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 +144,11 @@ 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 +169,30 @@ 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');
@@ -414,7 +429,9 @@ 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,
@@ -528,6 +545,8 @@ class _AudiobookDetailScreenState extends State<AudiobookDetailScreen> {
                               ? CachedNetworkImage(
                                   imageUrl: imageUrl,
                                   fit: BoxFit.cover,
+                                  fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                                  fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
                                   placeholder: (_, __) => Center(
                                     child: Icon(
                                       MdiIcons.bookOutline,

lib/screens/audiobook_series_screen.dart

@@ -517,6 +517,8 @@ class _AudiobookSeriesScreenState extends State<AudiobookSeriesScreen> {
                       ? CachedNetworkImage(
                           imageUrl: coverUrl,
                           fit: BoxFit.cover,
+                          fadeInDuration: Duration.zero,
+                          fadeOutDuration: Duration.zero,
                           placeholder: (_, __) => Container(
                             color: colorScheme.surfaceContainerHighest,
                           ),
@@ -633,7 +635,7 @@ 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 +655,8 @@ 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 +750,8 @@ 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 +817,18 @@ 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,
         ),
       ),
     );

lib/screens/library_albums_screen.dart

@@ -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),
       );

lib/screens/library_artists_screen.dart

@@ -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),
       );

lib/screens/library_playlists_screen.dart

@@ -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),
       );

lib/screens/library_tracks_screen.dart

@@ -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),
       );

lib/screens/login_screen.dart

@@ -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

lib/screens/new_home_screen.dart

@@ -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':

lib/screens/new_library_screen.dart

@@ -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,
+            ),
           ),
         );
       },

lib/screens/playlist_details_screen.dart

@@ -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);
     }
   }
 

lib/screens/search_screen.dart

@@ -200,7 +200,12 @@ class SearchScreenState extends State<SearchScreen> {
   Widget _buildSearchContent() {
     final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
 
-    if (_isSearching) {
+    // Show cached results even while searching - only show spinner if no cached results
+    final hasCachedResults = _searchResults['artists']?.isNotEmpty == true ||
+                             _searchResults['albums']?.isNotEmpty == true ||
+                             _searchResults['tracks']?.isNotEmpty == true;
+
+    if (_isSearching && !hasCachedResults) {
       return Center(
         child: CircularProgressIndicator(color: colorScheme.primary),
       );
@@ -491,7 +496,10 @@ class SearchScreenState extends State<SearchScreen> {
           Navigator.push(
             context,
             MaterialPageRoute(
-              builder: (context) => AlbumDetailsScreen(album: album),
+              builder: (context) => AlbumDetailsScreen(
+                album: album,
+                initialImageUrl: imageUrl,
+              ),
             ),
           );
         },

lib/screens/settings_screen.dart

@@ -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),

lib/services/cache_service.dart

@@ -1,12 +1,15 @@
+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;
 
   // Home screen row caching
   List<Album>? _cachedRecentAlbums;
@@ -57,6 +60,8 @@ 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 +81,8 @@ 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 +102,8 @@ 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)
@@ -276,4 +285,78 @@ 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');
+      }
+    }();
+  }
 }

lib/services/database_service.dart

@@ -156,4 +156,87 @@ 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();
 }

lib/services/music_assistant_api.dart

@@ -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');
@@ -1973,6 +1996,45 @@ 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 {
     try {

lib/services/offline_action_queue.dart

@@ -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';
+}

lib/services/recently_played_service.dart

@@ -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}');
@@ -151,6 +154,12 @@ class RecentlyPlayedService {
           } catch (_) {}
         }
 
+        // 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(
           itemId: item.mediaId,
           provider: metadata?['provider'] ?? 'library',
@@ -160,6 +169,7 @@ class RecentlyPlayedService {
           artists: item.artistName != null
               ? [Artist(itemId: '', provider: '', name: item.artistName!)]
               : null,
+          metadata: albumMetadata,
         ));
 
         if (albums.length >= limit) break;

lib/services/sendspin_service.dart

@@ -518,8 +518,9 @@ 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 +581,7 @@ class SendspinService {
     _sendMessage({
       'type': 'client/time',
       'payload': {
-        'timestamp': timestampMicroseconds,
+        'client_transmitted': timestampMicroseconds,
       },
     }, allowDuringHandshake: allowDuringHandshake);
   }

lib/services/settings_service.dart

@@ -22,6 +22,8 @@ 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 +74,11 @@ 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);
@@ -364,6 +371,28 @@ 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
   static String _makePlayerName(String ownerName) {
     // Handle possessive: "Chris" -> "Chris' Phone", "Mom" -> "Mom's Phone"
@@ -738,4 +767,42 @@ 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);
+  }
 }

lib/theme/app_theme.dart

@@ -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}) {

lib/widgets/album_card.dart

@@ -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)

lib/widgets/album_row.dart

@@ -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),
           ),
           ],
         ),

lib/widgets/artist_avatar.dart

@@ -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),

lib/widgets/artist_card.dart

@@ -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,
+                            ),
+                          ),
+                  ),
                 ),
               ),
             ),

lib/widgets/artist_row.dart

@@ -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),
           ),
           ],
         ),

lib/widgets/audiobook_row.dart

@@ -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,

lib/widgets/expandable_player.dart

@@ -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
@@ -73,6 +84,9 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
   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;
 
@@ -150,7 +164,9 @@ 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 +336,49 @@ 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) {
-        setState(() {
-          _queue = queue;
-          _isLoadingQueue = false;
-        });
-      }
+    if (player == null) {
+      if (mounted) setState(() => _isLoadingQueue = false);
+      return;
+    }
+
+    // 1. Show cached queue immediately (if available)
+    final cachedQueue = await maProvider.getCachedQueue(player.playerId);
+    if (cachedQueue != null && cachedQueue.items.isNotEmpty && mounted) {
+      setState(() {
+        _queue = cachedQueue;
+        _isLoadingQueue = false;
+      });
     } else {
-      if (mounted) {
-        setState(() => _isLoadingQueue = false);
+      setState(() => _isLoadingQueue = true);
+    }
+
+    // 2. Fetch fresh queue in background
+    if (maProvider.api != null) {
+      try {
+        final freshQueue = await maProvider.getQueue(player.playerId);
+        if (mounted && freshQueue != null) {
+          // Only update if queue changed
+          final queueChanged = _queue == null ||
+              _queue!.items.length != freshQueue.items.length ||
+              _queue!.currentIndex != freshQueue.currentIndex;
+          if (queueChanged) {
+            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 {
@@ -417,14 +458,15 @@ 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 +488,10 @@ 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 +524,37 @@ 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) {
@@ -1101,23 +1167,18 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
     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);
 
@@ -1174,7 +1235,7 @@ 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);
 
@@ -1299,13 +1360,20 @@ 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(
+          decoration: BoxDecoration(
+            borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(borderRadius),
+            border: selectedPlayer.isGrouped && t < 0.5
+                ? 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 +1383,41 @@ 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 +1425,12 @@ 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
@@ -1428,23 +1488,64 @@ 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,
                     child: SizedBox(
                       width: titleWidth,
                       child: Text(
-                        currentTrack.name,
+                        // Show player name when device reveal visible and collapsed
+                        (widget.isDeviceRevealVisible && t < 0.5)
+                            ? selectedPlayer.name
+                            : currentTrack.name,
                         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 +1556,25 @@ 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,
                         ),
@@ -1846,163 +1950,55 @@ class ExpandablePlayerState extends State<ExpandablePlayer>
             ),
           ),
         ),
+        ),
       ),
     );
   }
 
   /// 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;
 
-    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,
+        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({

lib/widgets/global_player_overlay.dart

@@ -1,9 +1,12 @@
+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/player_reveal_overlay.dart';
@@ -129,7 +132,7 @@ 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 +147,39 @@ 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 +197,134 @@ 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 +342,37 @@ 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 +380,27 @@ 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 +408,46 @@ 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 +459,18 @@ 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 +559,125 @@ 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 +685,45 @@ 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,
+                        );
+                      },
+                    );
+                  },
                 );
               },
             );

lib/widgets/player/device_selector_bar.dart

@@ -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;
-    }
-  }
 }

lib/widgets/player/mini_player_content.dart

@@ -0,0 +1,216 @@
+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 = 64.0;
+  static const double artSize = 64.0;
+  static const double textLeftOffset = 10.0; // Gap between art and text
+  static const double textLeft = artSize + textLeftOffset; // 74px
+  static const double primaryTop = 13.0;
+  static const double secondaryTop = 33.0;
+  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 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;
+
+  /// 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.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 slidePixels = slideOffset * width;
+
+    // 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
+          Positioned(
+            left: slidePixels,
+            top: 0,
+            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
+                ? MiniPlayerLayout.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: MiniPlayerLayout.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,
+                    ),
+            ),
+        ],
+      ),
+    );
+  }
+
+  /// 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;
+    }
+  }
+}

lib/widgets/player/player_card.dart

@@ -12,13 +12,18 @@ class PlayerCard extends StatelessWidget {
   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;
 
+  // Pastel yellow for grouped players
+  static const Color groupBorderColor = Color(0xFFFFF59D);
+
   const PlayerCard({
     super.key,
     required this.player,
@@ -26,9 +31,11 @@ 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,
@@ -43,11 +50,15 @@ class PlayerCard extends StatelessWidget {
 
     return GestureDetector(
       onTap: onTap,
+      onLongPress: onLongPress,
       child: Container(
         height: cardHeight,
         decoration: BoxDecoration(
           color: backgroundColor,
           borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(borderRadius),
+          border: isGrouped
+              ? Border.all(color: groupBorderColor, width: 1.5)
+              : null,
           boxShadow: [
             BoxShadow(
               color: Colors.black.withOpacity(0.2),

lib/widgets/player/player_controls.dart

@@ -55,14 +55,13 @@ 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,
+            color: (shuffle == true ? primaryColor : textColor.withOpacity(0.5))
+                .withOpacity(expandedElementsOpacity),
+            onPressed: isLoadingQueue ? null : onToggleShuffle,
           ),
         if (isExpanded) SizedBox(width: _lerpDouble(0, 20, t)),
 
@@ -90,17 +89,16 @@ class PlayerControls extends StatelessWidget {
         ),
 
         // 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,
+            color: (repeatMode != null && repeatMode != 'off'
+                    ? primaryColor
+                    : textColor.withOpacity(0.5))
+                .withOpacity(expandedElementsOpacity),
+            onPressed: isLoadingQueue ? null : onCycleRepeat,
           ),
       ],
     );

lib/widgets/player/player_reveal_overlay.dart

@@ -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
@@ -43,10 +47,18 @@ class PlayerRevealOverlayState extends State<PlayerRevealOverlay>
   // 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,
     );
@@ -127,7 +139,7 @@ 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() {
@@ -210,13 +222,12 @@ 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(),
                   ),
                 ),
 
@@ -231,6 +242,53 @@ class PlayerRevealOverlayState extends State<PlayerRevealOverlay>
                     child: Column(
                       mainAxisSize: MainAxisSize.min,
                       children: [
+                        // 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;
+                              final hintText = isOnboarding
+                                  ? S.of(context)!.selectPlayerHint
+                                  : S.of(context)!.holdToSync;
+
+                              return Transform.translate(
+                                offset: Offset(0, hintSlideOffset),
+                                child: Padding(
+                                  padding: const EdgeInsets.only(bottom: 12),
+                                  child: Material(
+                                    type: MaterialType.transparency,
+                                    child: Row(
+                                      mainAxisSize: MainAxisSize.min,
+                                      children: [
+                                        Icon(
+                                          isOnboarding ? Icons.touch_app_outlined : Icons.lightbulb_outline,
+                                          size: 18,
+                                          color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.7),
+                                        ),
+                                        const SizedBox(width: 6),
+                                        Text(
+                                          hintText,
+                                          style: TextStyle(
+                                            color: colorScheme.onSurface.withOpacity(0.7),
+                                            fontSize: 16,
+                                            fontWeight: FontWeight.w500,
+                                          ),
+                                        ),
+                                      ],
+                                    ),
+                                  ),
+                                ),
+                              );
+                            },
+                          ),
                         // Build player cards - all slide from behind mini player
                         ...List.generate(players.length, (index) {
                           final player = players[index];
@@ -269,6 +327,7 @@ class PlayerRevealOverlayState extends State<PlayerRevealOverlay>
                                 albumArtUrl: albumArtUrl,
                                 isSelected: false,
                                 isPlaying: isPlaying,
+                                isGrouped: player.isGrouped,
                                 backgroundColor: cardBgColor,
                                 textColor: cardTextColor,
                                 onTap: () {
@@ -276,6 +335,17 @@ 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);

lib/widgets/player/queue_panel.dart

@@ -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),

lib/widgets/player_selector.dart

@@ -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 +19,60 @@ class PlayerSelector extends StatelessWidget {
     final availablePlayers = maProvider.availablePlayers;
     final colorScheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
 
+    // Count players that are currently playing (excluding selected player)
+    // User already sees if selected player is playing, badge shows "other" activity
+    final selectedPlayerId = selectedPlayer?.playerId;
+    final playingCount = availablePlayers
+        .where((p) => p.state == 'playing' && p.playerId != selectedPlayerId)
+        .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,
-                ),
-              ],
+              ),
             ),
           ),
         ),
@@ -198,6 +219,11 @@ class _PlayerSelectorSheetState extends State<_PlayerSelectorSheet> {
                                 );
                               }
 
+                              // Check if this player is part of a sync group
+                              final isGrouped = player.isGrouped;
+                              // Pastel yellow for grouped players
+                              const groupBorderColor = Color(0xFFFFF59D);
+
                               return Padding(
                                 padding: const EdgeInsets.only(bottom: 8),
                                 child: InkWell(
@@ -205,6 +231,23 @@ 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 +256,9 @@ 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: [
@@ -302,6 +348,35 @@ 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(

lib/widgets/series_row.dart

@@ -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,
                         ),

lib/widgets/track_row.dart

@@ -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,

pubspec.yaml

@@ -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: 2.6.1-beta+29
 
 environment:
   sdk: '>=3.0.0 <4.0.0'