Media notification shows [Unknown] for video title and channel name on first playback (0.28.4 / 0.28.5)

[TransZAllen]

Checklist

• I am able to reproduce the bug with the latest version given here: CLICK THIS LINK.
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Affected version

NewPipe 0.28.4 + 0.28.5

Affected Android/Custom ROM version

Android 13

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Description

On NewPipe versions 0.28.4 and 0.28.5, the Android media notification consistently shows [Unknown] instead of the video title and channel name during playback.

This issue occurs reliably on the first playback of any video, regardless of which video is selected.

Subsequent videos may display either previous video info or [Unknown].

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Expected behavior

The media notification should always display:

• The correct video title
• The correct channel name

for the currently playing video.

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Actual behavior

• On first playback, the notification always shows [Unknown]

• switching videos may:

  • Remain [Unknown], or
  • Show info from the previous video

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Scenario A: First playback -> switch videos without closing player

Steps to reproduce:

1. Open NewPipe
2. Go to YouTube and select any two videos
3. Play the first video (foreground or background)
4. Pull down the notification shade

Result:

• The media notification shows [Unknown] for both title and channel name (always reproducible)

5. Play the second video without closing the player or pressing any exit buttons
6. Pull down the notification shade

Result:

• [Unknown] disappears
• But the notification shows video info from the first video, not the second

Screen recording for the scenario A:

first_Unknown_second_notRight-2-reduce_size.mp4

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Scenario B: First playback -> close player -> switch videos

Steps to reproduce:

1. Open NewPipe
2. Go to YouTube platform and Select any two videos
3. Play the first video in the foreground
4. Pull down the notification shade

Result:

• The media notification shows [Unknown]

5. Return to the app
6. Tap the player screen to show close/exit button (✕) in the top-left corner
7. Tap the ✕ button to close the current video
8. Play the second video
9. Pull down the notification shade

Result:

• The notification still shows [Unknown]
• Video info are not updated correctly

Screen recording for the scenario B:

first_Unknown_second_Unknown-reduce_size.mp4

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Additional notes

• The issue occurs on the first playback after opening the app
• It affects both foreground and background playback
• Occurs with all videos tested
• Always reproducible