Bug 508901 - Control connected devices' media from Windows' media controls
Summary: Control connected devices' media from Windows' media controls
Status: REPORTED
Alias: None
Product: kdeconnect
Classification: Applications
Component: windows-application (other bugs)
Version First Reported In: unspecified
Platform: Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows
: NOR wishlist
Target Milestone: ---
Assignee: brute4s99
URL:
Keywords:
Depends on:
Blocks:
 
Reported: 2025-08-29 15:43 UTC by atlascore
Modified: 2025-08-29 21:54 UTC (History)
1 user (show)

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Description atlascore 2025-08-29 15:43:21 UTC
This is a feature request, not a bug.

SUMMARY
Controlling Android media from KDE Connect on Linux (or GSConnect) is possible and very reliable, very well thought out, and integrates in the desktop's "media controls" as if a media player on Android were a media player running on the computer. (Note that I'm referring to Android here, when in reality any platform could apply, Linux or heck, even another Windows device. This is just the one I am picturing as of writing this.)
While it is possible to open the KDE Connect app to get media controls for any running app on a connected device, it does not integrate with Windows' media controls (oft referred to as "SMTC"), meaning it isn't possible to see at a glance what's playing in Windows 10's volume controls, in Windows 11's quick settings menu (where one can control Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, volume, etc., above that panel should appear any running media controls), or via other apps that integrate with Windows' media controls (e.g. FluentFlyout on Windows 11).

STEPS TO REPRODUCE
1. Connect a device and play media on said device. (e.g. play music on an Android phone)
2. Check the media controls (Windows 10: raise/lower volume, Windows 11: open Quick Settings)
3. Mash the media control buttons (play/pause, stop, skip, ...)

OBSERVED RESULT
Nothing appears in the media controls, and the control keys (play/pause) do not affect the connected device's media player, despite appearing in KDE Connect.

EXPECTED RESULT
Any running media playback notification on a connected device should appear in said media controls, and the user should be able to pause their connected device's media by pressing their computer's Pause key.

SOFTWARE/OS VERSIONS
Windows: 11 24H2 (sorry.)
KDE Frameworks Version: 6.15.0
Qt Version: 6.8.3
KDE Connect on Windows: 25.04.2
KDE Connect on Android: 1.33.4

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
I believe SMTC stuff requires C#, I haven't seen any implementation in C/C++.
Apologies if this is improperly written or categorised. I believe using the "wishlist" severity option is the right thing to do for feature requests?