Merge branch 'develop' into fix-2359

51 files changed, 1367 insertions, 686 deletions

diff --git a/.circleci/config.yml b/.circleci/config.yml
index 256b3b882..bec559ed2 100644
--- a/.circleci/config.yml
+++ b/.circleci/config.yml
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ jobs:
             - v1-android-
 
       - run:
-          command: ./gradlew assembleDebug -PdisablePreDex
+          command: ./gradlew assembleDebug :core:testPlayDebugUnitTest -PdisablePreDex
           no_output_timeout: 1800
       
       - store_artifacts:
diff --git a/app/src/androidTest/java/de/test/antennapod/ui/PreferencesTest.java b/app/src/androidTest/java/de/test/antennapod/ui/PreferencesTest.java
index fb74378c7..9a5ea437c 100644
--- a/app/src/androidTest/java/de/test/antennapod/ui/PreferencesTest.java
+++ b/app/src/androidTest/java/de/test/antennapod/ui/PreferencesTest.java
@@ -55,6 +55,7 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
         } else {
             otherTheme = R.string.pref_theme_title_light;
         }
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.user_interface_label));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_set_theme_title));
         solo.waitForDialogToOpen();
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(otherTheme));
@@ -69,6 +70,7 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
         } else {
             otherTheme = R.string.pref_theme_title_light;
         }
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.user_interface_label));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_set_theme_title));
         solo.waitForDialogToOpen(1000);
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(otherTheme));
@@ -76,6 +78,7 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
     }
 
     public void testExpandNotification() {
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.user_interface_label));
         final int priority = UserPreferences.getNotifyPriority();
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_expandNotify_title));
         assertTrue(solo.waitForCondition(() -> priority != UserPreferences.getNotifyPriority(), Timeout.getLargeTimeout()));
@@ -84,7 +87,10 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
     }
 
     public void testEnablePersistentPlaybackControls() {
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.user_interface_label));
         final boolean persistNotify = UserPreferences.isPersistNotify();
+        solo.scrollDown();
+        solo.scrollDown();
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_persistNotify_title));
         assertTrue(solo.waitForCondition(() -> persistNotify != UserPreferences.isPersistNotify(), Timeout.getLargeTimeout()));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_persistNotify_title));
@@ -92,6 +98,8 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
     }
 
     public void testSetLockscreenButtons() {
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.user_interface_label));
+        solo.scrollDown();
         String[] buttons = res.getStringArray(R.array.compact_notification_buttons_options);
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_compact_notification_buttons_title));
         solo.waitForDialogToOpen(1000);
@@ -116,7 +124,10 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
     }
 
     public void testEnqueueAtFront() {
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.playback_pref));
         final boolean enqueueAtFront = UserPreferences.enqueueAtFront();
+        solo.scrollDown();
+        solo.scrollDown();
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_queueAddToFront_title));
         assertTrue(solo.waitForCondition(() -> enqueueAtFront != UserPreferences.enqueueAtFront(), Timeout.getLargeTimeout()));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_queueAddToFront_title));
@@ -124,6 +135,7 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
     }
 
     public void testHeadPhonesDisconnect() {
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.playback_pref));
         final boolean pauseOnHeadsetDisconnect = UserPreferences.isPauseOnHeadsetDisconnect();
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_pauseOnHeadsetDisconnect_title));
         assertTrue(solo.waitForCondition(() -> pauseOnHeadsetDisconnect != UserPreferences.isPauseOnHeadsetDisconnect(), Timeout.getLargeTimeout()));
@@ -132,6 +144,7 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
     }
 
     public void testHeadPhonesReconnect() {
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.playback_pref));
         if(UserPreferences.isPauseOnHeadsetDisconnect() == false) {
             solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_pauseOnHeadsetDisconnect_title));
             assertTrue(solo.waitForCondition(UserPreferences::isPauseOnHeadsetDisconnect, Timeout.getLargeTimeout()));
@@ -144,6 +157,7 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
     }
 
     public void testBluetoothReconnect() {
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.playback_pref));
         if(UserPreferences.isPauseOnHeadsetDisconnect() == false) {
             solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_pauseOnHeadsetDisconnect_title));
             assertTrue(solo.waitForCondition(UserPreferences::isPauseOnHeadsetDisconnect, Timeout.getLargeTimeout()));
@@ -156,7 +170,10 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
     }
 
     public void testContinuousPlayback() {
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.playback_pref));
         final boolean continuousPlayback = UserPreferences.isFollowQueue();
+        solo.scrollDown();
+        solo.scrollDown();
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_followQueue_title));
         assertTrue(solo.waitForCondition(() -> continuousPlayback != UserPreferences.isFollowQueue(), Timeout.getLargeTimeout()));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_followQueue_title));
@@ -164,6 +181,7 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
     }
 
     public void testAutoDelete() {
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.storage_pref));
         final boolean autoDelete = UserPreferences.isAutoDelete();
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_auto_delete_title));
         assertTrue(solo.waitForCondition(() -> autoDelete != UserPreferences.isAutoDelete(), Timeout.getLargeTimeout()));
@@ -172,6 +190,9 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
     }
 
     public void testPlaybackSpeeds() {
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.playback_pref));
+        solo.scrollDown();
+        solo.scrollDown();
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_playback_speed_title));
         solo.waitForDialogToOpen(1000);
         assertTrue(solo.searchText(res.getStringArray(R.array.playback_speed_values)[0]));
@@ -180,6 +201,7 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
     }
 
     public void testPauseForInterruptions() {
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.playback_pref));
         final boolean pauseForFocusLoss = UserPreferences.shouldPauseForFocusLoss();
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_pausePlaybackForFocusLoss_title));
         assertTrue(solo.waitForCondition(() -> pauseForFocusLoss != UserPreferences.shouldPauseForFocusLoss(), Timeout.getLargeTimeout()));
@@ -188,6 +210,7 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
     }
 
     public void testDisableUpdateInterval() {
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.network_pref));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_autoUpdateIntervallOrTime_sum));
         solo.waitForDialogToOpen();
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_autoUpdateIntervallOrTime_Disable));
@@ -195,6 +218,7 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
     }
 
     public void testSetUpdateInterval() {
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.network_pref));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_autoUpdateIntervallOrTime_title));
         solo.waitForDialogToOpen();
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_autoUpdateIntervallOrTime_Interval));
@@ -207,6 +231,7 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
     }
 
     public void testMobileUpdates() {
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.network_pref));
         final boolean mobileUpdates = UserPreferences.isAllowMobileUpdate();
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_mobileUpdate_title));
         assertTrue(solo.waitForCondition(() -> mobileUpdates != UserPreferences.isAllowMobileUpdate(), Timeout.getLargeTimeout()));
@@ -215,6 +240,7 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
     }
 
     public void testSetSequentialDownload() {
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.network_pref));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_parallel_downloads_title));
         solo.waitForDialogToOpen();
         solo.clearEditText(0);
@@ -224,6 +250,7 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
     }
 
     public void testSetParallelDownloads() {
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.network_pref));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_parallel_downloads_title));
         solo.waitForDialogToOpen();
         solo.clearEditText(0);
@@ -233,6 +260,7 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
     }
 
     public void testSetParallelDownloadsInvalidInput() {
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.network_pref));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_parallel_downloads_title));
         solo.waitForDialogToOpen();
         solo.clearEditText(0);
@@ -248,6 +276,7 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
         String[] values = res.getStringArray(R.array.episode_cache_size_values);
         String entry = entries[entries.length/2];
         final int value = Integer.valueOf(values[values.length/2]);
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.network_pref));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_automatic_download_title));
         solo.waitForText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_automatic_download_title));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_episode_cache_title));
@@ -261,6 +290,7 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
         String[] values = res.getStringArray(R.array.episode_cache_size_values);
         String minEntry = entries[0];
         final int minValue = Integer.valueOf(values[0]);
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.network_pref));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_automatic_download_title));
         solo.waitForText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_automatic_download_title));
         if(!UserPreferences.isEnableAutodownload()) {
@@ -278,6 +308,7 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
         String[] values = res.getStringArray(R.array.episode_cache_size_values);
         String maxEntry = entries[entries.length-1];
         final int maxValue = Integer.valueOf(values[values.length-1]);
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.network_pref));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_automatic_download_title));
         solo.waitForText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_automatic_download_title));
         if(!UserPreferences.isEnableAutodownload()) {
@@ -291,6 +322,7 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
 
     public void testAutomaticDownload() {
         final boolean automaticDownload = UserPreferences.isEnableAutodownload();
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.network_pref));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_automatic_download_title));
         solo.waitForText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_automatic_download_title));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_automatic_download_title));
@@ -312,6 +344,8 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
     }
 
     public void testEpisodeCleanupQueueOnly() {
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.network_pref));
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_automatic_download_title));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_episode_cleanup_title));
         solo.waitForText(solo.getString(R.string.episode_cleanup_queue_removal));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.episode_cleanup_queue_removal));
@@ -323,6 +357,8 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
     }
 
     public void testEpisodeCleanupNeverAlg() {
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.network_pref));
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_automatic_download_title));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_episode_cleanup_title));
         solo.waitForText(solo.getString(R.string.episode_cleanup_never));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.episode_cleanup_never));
@@ -334,6 +370,8 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
     }
 
     public void testEpisodeCleanupClassic() {
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.network_pref));
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_automatic_download_title));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_episode_cleanup_title));
         solo.waitForText(solo.getString(R.string.episode_cleanup_after_listening));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.episode_cleanup_after_listening));
@@ -349,6 +387,8 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
     }
 
     public void testEpisodeCleanupNumDays() {
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.network_pref));
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_automatic_download_title));
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_episode_cleanup_title));
         solo.waitForText(solo.getString(R.string.episode_cleanup_after_listening));
         solo.clickOnText("5");
@@ -368,6 +408,9 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
         int seconds = UserPreferences.getRewindSecs();
         int deltas[] = res.getIntArray(R.array.seek_delta_values);
 
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.playback_pref));
+        solo.scrollDown();
+        solo.scrollDown();
         solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.pref_rewind));
         solo.waitForDialogToOpen();
 
@@ -386,6 +429,9 @@ public class PreferencesTest extends ActivityInstrumentationTestCase2<Preference
     }
 
     public void testFastForwardChange() {
+        solo.clickOnText(solo.getString(R.string.playback_pref));
+        solo.scrollDown();
+        solo.scrollDown();
         for (int i = 2; i > 0; i--) { // repeat twice to catch any error where fastforward is tracking rewind
             int seconds = UserPreferences.getFastForwardSecs();
             int deltas[] = res.getIntArray(R.array.seek_delta_values);
diff --git a/app/src/main/AndroidManifest.xml b/app/src/main/AndroidManifest.xml
index 03ba97e08..c7541cb59 100644
--- a/app/src/main/AndroidManifest.xml
+++ b/app/src/main/AndroidManifest.xml
@@ -118,12 +118,13 @@
         </activity>
 
         <service
-            android:name=".service.PlayerWidgetService"
+            android:name=".core.service.PlayerWidgetJobService"
+            android:permission="android.permission.BIND_JOB_SERVICE"
             android:enabled="true"
             android:exported="false">
         </service>
 
-        <receiver android:name=".receiver.PlayerWidget">
+        <receiver android:name=".core.receiver.PlayerWidget">
             <intent-filter>
                 <action android:name="android.appwidget.action.APPWIDGET_UPDATE"/>
             </intent-filter>
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/AboutActivity.java b/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/AboutActivity.java
index 041053a25..4d9b50073 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/AboutActivity.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/AboutActivity.java
@@ -21,8 +21,7 @@ import java.nio.charset.Charset;
 
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.R;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.preferences.UserPreferences;
-import rx.Observable;
-import rx.Subscriber;
+import rx.Single;
 import rx.Subscription;
 import rx.android.schedulers.AndroidSchedulers;
 import rx.schedulers.Schedulers;
@@ -34,10 +33,8 @@ public class AboutActivity extends AppCompatActivity {
 
     private static final String TAG = AboutActivity.class.getSimpleName();
 
-    private WebView webview;
-    private LinearLayout webviewContainer;
-    private int depth = 0;
-
+    private WebView webView;
+    private LinearLayout webViewContainer;
     private Subscription subscription;
 
     @Override
@@ -46,28 +43,25 @@ public class AboutActivity extends AppCompatActivity {
         super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
         getSupportActionBar().setDisplayShowHomeEnabled(true);
         setContentView(R.layout.about);
-        webviewContainer = (LinearLayout) findViewById(R.id.webvContainer);
-        webview = (WebView) findViewById(R.id.webvAbout);
-        webview.getSettings().setCacheMode(WebSettings.LOAD_NO_CACHE);
+        webViewContainer = (LinearLayout) findViewById(R.id.webViewContainer);
+        webView = (WebView) findViewById(R.id.webViewAbout);
+        webView.getSettings().setCacheMode(WebSettings.LOAD_NO_CACHE);
         if (UserPreferences.getTheme() == R.style.Theme_AntennaPod_Dark) {
-            if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= 11
-                    && Build.VERSION.SDK_INT <= Build.VERSION_CODES.ICE_CREAM_SANDWICH_MR1) {
-                webview.setLayerType(View.LAYER_TYPE_SOFTWARE, null);
+            if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT <= Build.VERSION_CODES.ICE_CREAM_SANDWICH_MR1) {
+                webView.setLayerType(View.LAYER_TYPE_SOFTWARE, null);
             }
-            webview.setBackgroundColor(Color.TRANSPARENT);
+            webView.setBackgroundColor(Color.TRANSPARENT);
         }
-        webview.setWebViewClient(new WebViewClient() {
+        webView.setWebViewClient(new WebViewClient() {
 
             @Override
             public boolean shouldOverrideUrlLoading(WebView view, String url) {
-                if(url.startsWith("http")) {
-                    depth++;
-                    return false;
-                } else {
+                if (!url.startsWith("http")) {
                     url = url.replace("file:///android_asset/", "");
                     loadAsset(url);
                     return true;
                 }
+                return false;
             }
 
         });
@@ -75,7 +69,7 @@ public class AboutActivity extends AppCompatActivity {
     }
 
     private void loadAsset(String filename) {
-        subscription = Observable.create((Observable.OnSubscribe<String>) subscriber -> {
+        subscription = Single.create(subscriber -> {
             InputStream input = null;
             try {
                 TypedArray res = AboutActivity.this.getTheme().obtainStyledAttributes(
@@ -85,8 +79,7 @@ public class AboutActivity extends AppCompatActivity {
                 res.recycle();
                 input = getAssets().open(filename);
                 String webViewData = IOUtils.toString(input, Charset.defaultCharset());
-                if(!webViewData.startsWith("<!DOCTYPE html>")) {
-                    //webViewData = webViewData.replace("\n\n", "</p><p>");
+                if (!webViewData.startsWith("<!DOCTYPE html>")) {
                     webViewData = webViewData.replace("%", "&#37;");
                     webViewData =
                             "<!DOCTYPE html>" +
@@ -106,35 +99,29 @@ public class AboutActivity extends AppCompatActivity {
                             "    </style>" +
                             "</head><body><p>" + webViewData + "</p></body></html>";
                     webViewData = webViewData.replace("\n", "<br/>");
-                    depth++;
-                } else {
-                    depth = 0;
                 }
                 webViewData = String.format(webViewData, colorString);
-                subscriber.onNext(webViewData);
+                subscriber.onSuccess(webViewData);
             } catch (IOException e) {
+                Log.e(TAG, Log.getStackTraceString(e));
                 subscriber.onError(e);
             } finally {
                 IOUtils.closeQuietly(input);
             }
-            subscriber.onCompleted();
         })
                 .subscribeOn(Schedulers.newThread())
                 .observeOn(AndroidSchedulers.mainThread())
                 .subscribe(
-                        webviewData ->
-                                webview.loadDataWithBaseURL("file:///android_asset/", webviewData, "text/html", "utf-8", "about:blank"),
+                        webViewData ->
+                                webView.loadDataWithBaseURL("file:///android_asset/", webViewData.toString(), "text/html", "utf-8", "file:///android_asset/" + filename.toString()),
                         error -> Log.e(TAG, Log.getStackTraceString(error))
                 );
     }
 
     @Override
     public void onBackPressed() {
-        Log.d(TAG, "depth: " + depth);
-        if(depth == 1) {
-            loadAsset("about.html");
-        } else if(depth > 1) {
-            webview.goBack();
+        if (webView.canGoBack()) {
+            webView.goBack();
         } else {
             super.onBackPressed();
         }
@@ -156,9 +143,9 @@ public class AboutActivity extends AppCompatActivity {
         if(subscription != null) {
             subscription.unsubscribe();
         }
-        if (webviewContainer != null && webview != null) {
-            webviewContainer.removeAllViews();
-            webview.destroy();
+        if (webViewContainer != null && webView != null) {
+            webViewContainer.removeAllViews();
+            webView.destroy();
         }
     }
 }
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/AudioplayerActivity.java b/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/AudioplayerActivity.java
index 123f66661..207aec20f 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/AudioplayerActivity.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/AudioplayerActivity.java
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.feed.MediaType;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.preferences.UserPreferences;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.service.playback.PlaybackService;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.playback.ExternalMedia;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.playback.PlaybackServiceStarter;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.dialog.VariableSpeedDialog;
 
 /**
@@ -34,14 +35,13 @@ public class AudioplayerActivity extends MediaplayerInfoActivity {
             Log.d(TAG, "Received VIEW intent: " + intent.getData().getPath());
             ExternalMedia media = new ExternalMedia(intent.getData().getPath(),
                     MediaType.AUDIO);
-            Intent launchIntent = new Intent(this, PlaybackService.class);
-            launchIntent.putExtra(PlaybackService.EXTRA_PLAYABLE, media);
-            launchIntent.putExtra(PlaybackService.EXTRA_START_WHEN_PREPARED,
-                    true);
-            launchIntent.putExtra(PlaybackService.EXTRA_SHOULD_STREAM, false);
-            launchIntent.putExtra(PlaybackService.EXTRA_PREPARE_IMMEDIATELY,
-                    true);
-            startService(launchIntent);
+
+            new PlaybackServiceStarter(this, media)
+                    .startWhenPrepared(true)
+                    .shouldStream(false)
+                    .prepareImmediately(true)
+                    .start();
+
         } else if (PlaybackService.isCasting()) {
             Intent intent = PlaybackService.getPlayerActivityIntent(this);
             if (intent.getComponent() != null &&
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/ImportExportActivity.java b/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/ImportExportActivity.java
index 6a97adcc3..91462bce9 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/ImportExportActivity.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/ImportExportActivity.java
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ import android.os.Bundle;
 import android.os.Environment;
 import android.os.ParcelFileDescriptor;
 import android.support.design.widget.Snackbar;
-import android.support.v4.content.IntentCompat;
+import android.support.v7.app.ActionBar;
 import android.support.v7.app.AlertDialog;
 import android.support.v7.app.AppCompatActivity;
 import android.util.Log;
@@ -39,7 +39,10 @@ public class ImportExportActivity extends AppCompatActivity {
     protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
         setTheme(UserPreferences.getTheme());
         super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
-        getSupportActionBar().setDisplayShowHomeEnabled(true);
+        ActionBar actionBar = getSupportActionBar();
+        if (actionBar != null) {
+            actionBar.setDisplayShowHomeEnabled(true);
+        }
         setContentView(R.layout.import_export_activity);
 
         findViewById(R.id.button_export).setOnClickListener(view -> backup());
@@ -125,7 +128,7 @@ public class ImportExportActivity extends AppCompatActivity {
         d.setPositiveButton(android.R.string.ok, (dialogInterface, i) -> {
             Intent intent = new Intent(getApplicationContext(), SplashActivity.class);
             ComponentName cn = intent.getComponent();
-            Intent mainIntent = IntentCompat.makeRestartActivityTask(cn);
+            Intent mainIntent = Intent.makeRestartActivityTask(cn);
             startActivity(mainIntent);
         });
         d.show();
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/MainActivity.java b/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/MainActivity.java
index e593934a9..294ab5af8 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/MainActivity.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/MainActivity.java
@@ -30,6 +30,8 @@ import android.widget.ListView;
 
 import com.bumptech.glide.Glide;
 
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.event.ServiceEvent;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.gui.NotificationUtils;
 import org.apache.commons.lang3.ArrayUtils;
 import org.apache.commons.lang3.Validate;
 
@@ -200,6 +202,8 @@ public class MainActivity extends CastEnabledActivity implements NavDrawerActivi
         transaction.commit();
 
         checkFirstLaunch();
+        NotificationUtils.createChannels(this);
+        UserPreferences.restartUpdateAlarm(false);
     }
 
     private void saveLastNavFragment(String tag) {
@@ -739,6 +743,15 @@ public class MainActivity extends CastEnabledActivity implements NavDrawerActivi
         loadData();
     }
 
+    public void onEventMainThread(ServiceEvent event) {
+        Log.d(TAG, "onEvent(" + event + ")");
+        switch(event.action) {
+            case SERVICE_STARTED:
+                externalPlayerFragment.connectToPlaybackService();
+                break;
+        }
+    }
+
     public void onEventMainThread(ProgressEvent event) {
         Log.d(TAG, "onEvent(" + event + ")");
         switch(event.action) {
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/MediaplayerActivity.java b/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/MediaplayerActivity.java
index 35f9579df..091f8daab 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/MediaplayerActivity.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/MediaplayerActivity.java
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ import com.joanzapata.iconify.fonts.FontAwesomeIcons;
 import java.util.Locale;
 
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.R;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.event.ServiceEvent;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.feed.FeedItem;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.feed.FeedMedia;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.preferences.UserPreferences;
@@ -271,6 +272,9 @@ public abstract class MediaplayerActivity extends CastEnabledActivity implements
             controller.release();
         }
         controller = newPlaybackController();
+        setupGUI();
+        loadMediaInfo();
+        onPositionObserverUpdate();
     }
 
     @Override
@@ -620,11 +624,21 @@ public abstract class MediaplayerActivity extends CastEnabledActivity implements
         super.onResume();
         Log.d(TAG, "onResume()");
         StorageUtils.checkStorageAvailability(this);
-        if(controller != null) {
+        if (controller != null) {
             controller.init();
         }
     }
 
+    public void onEventMainThread(ServiceEvent event) {
+        Log.d(TAG, "onEvent(" + event + ")");
+        if (event.action == ServiceEvent.Action.SERVICE_STARTED) {
+            if (controller != null) {
+                controller.init();
+            }
+
+        }
+    }
+
     /**
      * Called by 'handleStatus()' when the PlaybackService is waiting for
      * a video surface.
@@ -865,6 +879,7 @@ public abstract class MediaplayerActivity extends CastEnabledActivity implements
         if(controller == null) {
             return;
         }
+        controller.init();
         controller.playPause();
     }
 
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/VideoplayerActivity.java b/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/VideoplayerActivity.java
index 733f39b63..c8fb12abc 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/VideoplayerActivity.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/activity/VideoplayerActivity.java
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.service.playback.PlayerStatus;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.gui.PictureInPictureUtil;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.playback.ExternalMedia;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.playback.Playable;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.playback.PlaybackServiceStarter;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.view.AspectRatioVideoView;
 
 import java.lang.ref.WeakReference;
@@ -82,14 +83,12 @@ public class VideoplayerActivity extends MediaplayerActivity {
             Log.d(TAG, "Received VIEW intent: " + intent.getData().getPath());
             ExternalMedia media = new ExternalMedia(intent.getData().getPath(),
                     MediaType.VIDEO);
-            Intent launchIntent = new Intent(this, PlaybackService.class);
-            launchIntent.putExtra(PlaybackService.EXTRA_PLAYABLE, media);
-            launchIntent.putExtra(PlaybackService.EXTRA_START_WHEN_PREPARED,
-                    true);
-            launchIntent.putExtra(PlaybackService.EXTRA_SHOULD_STREAM, false);
-            launchIntent.putExtra(PlaybackService.EXTRA_PREPARE_IMMEDIATELY,
-                    true);
-            startService(launchIntent);
+
+            new PlaybackServiceStarter(this, media)
+                    .startWhenPrepared(true)
+                    .shouldStream(false)
+                    .prepareImmediately(true)
+                    .start();
         } else if (PlaybackService.isCasting()) {
             Intent intent = PlaybackService.getPlayerActivityIntent(this);
             if (!intent.getComponent().getClassName().equals(VideoplayerActivity.class.getName())) {
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/adapter/DefaultActionButtonCallback.java b/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/adapter/DefaultActionButtonCallback.java
index 4a53be9dc..d8f324e8a 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/adapter/DefaultActionButtonCallback.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/adapter/DefaultActionButtonCallback.java
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import android.widget.Toast;
 
 import com.afollestad.materialdialogs.MaterialDialog;
 
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.playback.PlaybackServiceStarter;
 import org.apache.commons.lang3.Validate;
 
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.R;
@@ -80,13 +81,19 @@ public class DefaultActionButtonCallback implements ActionButtonCallback {
                     Toast.makeText(context, R.string.download_canceled_msg, Toast.LENGTH_LONG).show();
                 }
             } else { // media is downloaded
-                if (item.hasMedia() && item.getMedia().isCurrentlyPlaying()) {
+                if (media.isCurrentlyPlaying()) {
+                    new PlaybackServiceStarter(context, media)
+                            .startWhenPrepared(true)
+                            .shouldStream(false)
+                            .start();
                     context.sendBroadcast(new Intent(PlaybackService.ACTION_PAUSE_PLAY_CURRENT_EPISODE));
-                }
-                else if (item.hasMedia() && item.getMedia().isCurrentlyPaused()) {
+                } else if (media.isCurrentlyPaused()) {
+                    new PlaybackServiceStarter(context, media)
+                            .startWhenPrepared(true)
+                            .shouldStream(false)
+                            .start();
                     context.sendBroadcast(new Intent(PlaybackService.ACTION_RESUME_PLAY_CURRENT_EPISODE));
-                }
-                else {
+                } else {
                     DBTasks.playMedia(context, media, false, true, false);
                 }
             }
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/fragment/ExternalPlayerFragment.java b/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/fragment/ExternalPlayerFragment.java
index 2705e7402..b072aeaf2 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/fragment/ExternalPlayerFragment.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/fragment/ExternalPlayerFragment.java
@@ -37,7 +37,6 @@ public class ExternalPlayerFragment extends Fragment {
     private ImageButton butPlay;
     private TextView mFeedName;
     private ProgressBar mProgressBar;
-
     private PlaybackController controller;
 
     public ExternalPlayerFragment() {
@@ -83,6 +82,11 @@ public class ExternalPlayerFragment extends Fragment {
                 controller.playPause();
             }
         });
+        loadMediaInfo();
+    }
+
+    public void connectToPlaybackService() {
+        controller.init();
     }
 
     private PlaybackController setupPlaybackController() {
@@ -164,36 +168,35 @@ public class ExternalPlayerFragment extends Fragment {
 
     private boolean loadMediaInfo() {
         Log.d(TAG, "Loading media info");
-        if (controller != null && controller.serviceAvailable()) {
-            Playable media = controller.getMedia();
-            if (media != null) {
-                txtvTitle.setText(media.getEpisodeTitle());
-                mFeedName.setText(media.getFeedTitle());
-                mProgressBar.setProgress((int)
-                        ((double) controller.getPosition() / controller.getDuration() * 100));
-
-                Glide.with(getActivity())
-                        .load(media.getImageLocation())
-                        .placeholder(R.color.light_gray)
-                        .error(R.color.light_gray)
-                        .diskCacheStrategy(ApGlideSettings.AP_DISK_CACHE_STRATEGY)
-                        .fitCenter()
-                        .dontAnimate()
-                        .into(imgvCover);
-
-                fragmentLayout.setVisibility(View.VISIBLE);
-                if (controller.isPlayingVideoLocally()) {
-                    butPlay.setVisibility(View.GONE);
-                } else {
-                    butPlay.setVisibility(View.VISIBLE);
-                }
-                return true;
+        if (controller == null) {
+            Log.w(TAG, "loadMediaInfo was called while PlaybackController was null!");
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        Playable media = controller.getMedia();
+        if (media != null) {
+            txtvTitle.setText(media.getEpisodeTitle());
+            mFeedName.setText(media.getFeedTitle());
+            onPositionObserverUpdate();
+
+            Glide.with(getActivity())
+                    .load(media.getImageLocation())
+                    .placeholder(R.color.light_gray)
+                    .error(R.color.light_gray)
+                    .diskCacheStrategy(ApGlideSettings.AP_DISK_CACHE_STRATEGY)
+                    .fitCenter()
+                    .dontAnimate()
+                    .into(imgvCover);
+
+            fragmentLayout.setVisibility(View.VISIBLE);
+            if (controller.isPlayingVideoLocally()) {
+                butPlay.setVisibility(View.GONE);
             } else {
-                Log.w(TAG,  "loadMediaInfo was called while the media object of playbackService was null!");
-                return false;
+                butPlay.setVisibility(View.VISIBLE);
             }
+            return true;
         } else {
-            Log.w(TAG, "loadMediaInfo was called while playbackService was null!");
+            Log.w(TAG,  "loadMediaInfo was called while the media object of playbackService was null!");
             return false;
         }
     }
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/fragment/ItemFragment.java b/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/fragment/ItemFragment.java
index 2aa97977e..6b589493b 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/fragment/ItemFragment.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/fragment/ItemFragment.java
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ import com.bumptech.glide.Glide;
 import com.joanzapata.iconify.Iconify;
 import com.joanzapata.iconify.widget.IconButton;
 
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.service.playback.PlaybackService;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.NetworkUtils;
 import org.apache.commons.lang3.ArrayUtils;
 
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/service/PlayerWidgetService.java b/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/service/PlayerWidgetService.java
deleted file mode 100644
index 27203d0c9..000000000
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/service/PlayerWidgetService.java
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,265 +0,0 @@
-package de.danoeh.antennapod.service;
-
-import android.app.PendingIntent;
-import android.app.Service;
-import android.appwidget.AppWidgetManager;
-import android.content.ComponentName;
-import android.content.Intent;
-import android.content.ServiceConnection;
-import android.graphics.Bitmap;
-import android.os.Build;
-import android.os.IBinder;
-import android.util.Log;
-import android.view.KeyEvent;
-import android.view.View;
-import android.widget.RemoteViews;
-
-import com.bumptech.glide.Glide;
-
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.R;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.activity.MainActivity;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.feed.FeedItem;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.feed.FeedMedia;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.glide.ApGlideSettings;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.preferences.UserPreferences;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.receiver.MediaButtonReceiver;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.service.playback.PlaybackService;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.service.playback.PlayerStatus;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.storage.DBWriter;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.Converter;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.playback.Playable;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.fragment.QueueFragment;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.receiver.PlayerWidget;
-
-/**
- * Updates the state of the player widget
- */
-public class PlayerWidgetService extends Service {
-    private static final String TAG = "PlayerWidgetService";
-
-    private PlaybackService playbackService;
-
-    /**
-     * Controls write access to playbackservice reference
-     */
-    private final Object psLock = new Object();
-
-    /**
-     * True while service is updating the widget
-     */
-    private volatile boolean isUpdating;
-
-    public PlayerWidgetService() {
-    }
-
-    @Override
-    public void onCreate() {
-        super.onCreate();
-        Log.d(TAG, "Service created");
-        isUpdating = false;
-    }
-
-    @Override
-    public void onDestroy() {
-        super.onDestroy();
-        Log.d(TAG, "Service is about to be destroyed");
-        if (playbackService != null) {
-            Playable playable = playbackService.getPlayable();
-            if (playable != null && playable instanceof FeedMedia) {
-                FeedMedia media = (FeedMedia) playable;
-                if (media.hasAlmostEnded()) {
-                    Log.d(TAG, "smart mark as read");
-                    FeedItem item = media.getItem();
-                    DBWriter.markItemPlayed(item, FeedItem.PLAYED, false);
-                    DBWriter.removeQueueItem(this, item, false);
-                    DBWriter.addItemToPlaybackHistory(media);
-                    if (item.getFeed().getPreferences().getCurrentAutoDelete() &&
-                            (!item.isTagged(FeedItem.TAG_FAVORITE) || !UserPreferences.shouldFavoriteKeepEpisode())) {
-                        Log.d(TAG, "Delete " + media.toString());
-                        DBWriter.deleteFeedMediaOfItem(this, media.getId());
-                    }
-                }
-            }
-        }
-
-        try {
-            unbindService(mConnection);
-        } catch (IllegalArgumentException e) {
-            Log.w(TAG, "IllegalArgumentException when trying to unbind service");
-        }
-    }
-
-    @Override
-    public IBinder onBind(Intent intent) {
-        return null;
-    }
-
-    @Override
-    public int onStartCommand(Intent intent, int flags, int startId) {
-        if (!isUpdating) {
-            if (playbackService == null && PlaybackService.isRunning) {
-                bindService(new Intent(this, PlaybackService.class),
-                        mConnection, 0);
-            } else {
-                startViewUpdaterIfNotRunning();
-            }
-        } else {
-            Log.d(TAG, "Service was called while updating. Ignoring update request");
-        }
-        return Service.START_NOT_STICKY;
-    }
-
-    private void updateViews() {
-        isUpdating = true;
-
-        ComponentName playerWidget = new ComponentName(this, PlayerWidget.class);
-        AppWidgetManager manager = AppWidgetManager.getInstance(this);
-        RemoteViews views = new RemoteViews(getPackageName(),
-                R.layout.player_widget);
-        PendingIntent startMediaplayer = PendingIntent.getActivity(this, 0,
-                PlaybackService.getPlayerActivityIntent(this), 0);
-
-        Intent startApp = new Intent(getBaseContext(), MainActivity.class);
-        startApp.setFlags(Intent.FLAG_ACTIVITY_NEW_TASK);
-        startApp.putExtra(MainActivity.EXTRA_FRAGMENT_TAG, QueueFragment.TAG);
-        PendingIntent startAppPending = PendingIntent.getActivity(getBaseContext(), 0, startApp, PendingIntent.FLAG_UPDATE_CURRENT);
-
-        boolean nothingPlaying = false;
-        if (playbackService != null) {
-            final Playable media = playbackService.getPlayable();
-            if (media != null) {
-                PlayerStatus status = playbackService.getStatus();
-                views.setOnClickPendingIntent(R.id.layout_left, startMediaplayer);
-
-                try {
-                    Bitmap icon = null;
-                    int iconSize = getResources().getDimensionPixelSize(
-                            android.R.dimen.app_icon_size);
-                    icon = Glide.with(PlayerWidgetService.this)
-                            .load(media.getImageLocation())
-                            .asBitmap()
-                            .diskCacheStrategy(ApGlideSettings.AP_DISK_CACHE_STRATEGY)
-                            .centerCrop()
-                            .into(iconSize, iconSize)
-                            .get();
-                    views.setImageViewBitmap(R.id.imgvCover, icon);
-                } catch (Throwable tr) {
-                    Log.e(TAG, "Error loading the media icon for the widget", tr);
-                }
-
-                views.setTextViewText(R.id.txtvTitle, media.getEpisodeTitle());
-
-                String progressString = getProgressString();
-                if (progressString != null) {
-                    views.setViewVisibility(R.id.txtvProgress, View.VISIBLE);
-                    views.setTextViewText(R.id.txtvProgress, progressString);
-                }
-
-                if (status == PlayerStatus.PLAYING) {
-                    views.setImageViewResource(R.id.butPlay, R.drawable.ic_pause_white_24dp);
-                    if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= 15) {
-                        views.setContentDescription(R.id.butPlay, getString(R.string.pause_label));
-                    }
-                } else {
-                    views.setImageViewResource(R.id.butPlay, R.drawable.ic_play_arrow_white_24dp);
-                    if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= 15) {
-                        views.setContentDescription(R.id.butPlay, getString(R.string.play_label));
-                    }
-                }
-                views.setOnClickPendingIntent(R.id.butPlay,
-                        createMediaButtonIntent());
-            } else {
-                nothingPlaying = true;
-            }
-        } else {
-            nothingPlaying = true;
-        }
-
-        if (nothingPlaying) {
-            // start the app if they click anything
-            views.setOnClickPendingIntent(R.id.layout_left, startAppPending);
-            views.setOnClickPendingIntent(R.id.butPlay, startAppPending);
-            views.setViewVisibility(R.id.txtvProgress, View.INVISIBLE);
-            views.setImageViewResource(R.id.imgvCover, R.drawable.ic_stat_antenna_default);
-            views.setTextViewText(R.id.txtvTitle,
-                    this.getString(R.string.no_media_playing_label));
-            views.setImageViewResource(R.id.butPlay, R.drawable.ic_play_arrow_white_24dp);
-        }
-
-        manager.updateAppWidget(playerWidget, views);
-        isUpdating = false;
-    }
-
-    /**
-     * Creates an intent which fakes a mediabutton press
-     */
-    private PendingIntent createMediaButtonIntent() {
-        KeyEvent event = new KeyEvent(KeyEvent.ACTION_DOWN,
-                KeyEvent.KEYCODE_MEDIA_PLAY_PAUSE);
-        Intent startingIntent = new Intent(
-                MediaButtonReceiver.NOTIFY_BUTTON_RECEIVER);
-        startingIntent.putExtra(Intent.EXTRA_KEY_EVENT, event);
-
-        return PendingIntent.getBroadcast(this, 0, startingIntent, 0);
-    }
-
-    private String getProgressString() {
-        int position = playbackService.getCurrentPosition();
-        int duration = playbackService.getDuration();
-        if (position > 0 && duration > 0) {
-            return Converter.getDurationStringLong(position) + " / "
-                    + Converter.getDurationStringLong(duration);
-        } else {
-            return null;
-        }
-    }
-
-    private final ServiceConnection mConnection = new ServiceConnection() {
-        public void onServiceConnected(ComponentName className, IBinder service) {
-            Log.d(TAG, "Connection to service established");
-            synchronized (psLock) {
-                if(service instanceof PlaybackService.LocalBinder) {
-                    playbackService = ((PlaybackService.LocalBinder) service).getService();
-                    startViewUpdaterIfNotRunning();
-                }
-            }
-        }
-
-        @Override
-        public void onServiceDisconnected(ComponentName name) {
-            synchronized (psLock) {
-                playbackService = null;
-                Log.d(TAG, "Disconnected from service");
-            }
-        }
-
-    };
-
-    private void startViewUpdaterIfNotRunning() {
-        if (!isUpdating) {
-            ViewUpdater updateThread = new ViewUpdater(this);
-            updateThread.start();
-        }
-    }
-
-    class ViewUpdater extends Thread {
-        private static final String THREAD_NAME = "ViewUpdater";
-        private final PlayerWidgetService service;
-
-        public ViewUpdater(PlayerWidgetService service) {
-            super();
-            setName(THREAD_NAME);
-            this.service = service;
-
-        }
-
-        @Override
-        public void run() {
-            synchronized (psLock) {
-                service.updateViews();
-            }
-        }
-
-    }
-
-}
diff --git a/app/src/main/res/layout/about.xml b/app/src/main/res/layout/about.xml
index 02e232d9a..42f5e1245 100644
--- a/app/src/main/res/layout/about.xml
+++ b/app/src/main/res/layout/about.xml
@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
 <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
 <LinearLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
-    android:id="@+id/webvContainer"
+    android:id="@+id/webViewContainer"
     android:layout_width="match_parent"
     android:layout_height="match_parent"
     android:orientation="vertical" >
 
     <WebView
-        android:id="@+id/webvAbout"
+        android:id="@+id/webViewAbout"
         android:layout_width="match_parent"
         android:layout_height="match_parent" />
 
diff --git a/app/src/main/res/layout/external_player_fragment.xml b/app/src/main/res/layout/external_player_fragment.xml
index 0efee08db..dc890807c 100644
--- a/app/src/main/res/layout/external_player_fragment.xml
+++ b/app/src/main/res/layout/external_player_fragment.xml
@@ -44,6 +44,7 @@
         android:layout_centerVertical="true"
         android:contentDescription="@string/pause_label"
         android:background="?attr/selectableItemBackground"
+        android:src="?attr/av_play_big"
         tools:src="@drawable/ic_play_arrow_white_36dp"/>
 
     <TextView
diff --git a/app/src/main/res/layout/mediaplayerinfo_activity.xml b/app/src/main/res/layout/mediaplayerinfo_activity.xml
index 64738eb45..21c4940b5 100644
--- a/app/src/main/res/layout/mediaplayerinfo_activity.xml
+++ b/app/src/main/res/layout/mediaplayerinfo_activity.xml
@@ -110,9 +110,9 @@
                     android:layout_centerHorizontal="true"
                     android:background="?attr/selectableItemBackground"
                     android:contentDescription="@string/pause_label"
-                    android:src="?attr/av_pause"
+                    android:src="?attr/av_play"
                     android:scaleType="fitCenter"
-                    tools:src="@drawable/ic_pause_white_36dp"
+                    tools:src="@drawable/ic_play_arrow_white_24dp"
                     tools:background="@android:color/holo_green_dark" />
 
                 <ImageButton
diff --git a/build.gradle b/build.gradle
index e0ad11e6c..bc1bb870d 100644
--- a/build.gradle
+++ b/build.gradle
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ project.ext {
 
     castCompanionLibVer = "2.9.1"
     playServicesVersion = "8.4.0"
-    wearableSupportVersion = "2.0.3"
+    wearableSupportVersion = "2.2.0"
 }
 
 task wrapper(type: Wrapper) {
diff --git a/core/build.gradle b/core/build.gradle
index de156d7c7..eb857269a 100644
--- a/core/build.gradle
+++ b/core/build.gradle
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ android {
         versionCode 1
         versionName "1.0"
         testApplicationId "de.danoeh.antennapod.core.tests"
-        testInstrumentationRunner "de.danoeh.antennapod.core.tests.AntennaPodTestRunner"
+        testInstrumentationRunner "de.danoeh.antennapod.core.AntennaPodTestRunner"
     }
     buildTypes {
         release {
@@ -79,6 +79,18 @@ dependencies {
     } else {
         System.out.println("core: free build hack, skipping some dependencies")
     }
+
+    testImplementation 'junit:junit:4.12'
+
+}
+
+tasks.withType(Test) {
+    testLogging {
+        exceptionFormat "full"
+        events "skipped", "passed", "failed"
+        showStandardStreams true
+        displayGranularity 2
+    }
 }
 
 allprojects {
diff --git a/core/src/androidTest/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/tests/AntennaPodTestRunner.java b/core/src/androidTest/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/AntennaPodTestRunner.java
index 78e854b41..5d086c054 100644
--- a/core/src/androidTest/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/tests/AntennaPodTestRunner.java
+++ b/core/src/androidTest/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/AntennaPodTestRunner.java
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-package de.danoeh.antennapod.core.tests;
+package de.danoeh.antennapod.core;
 
 import android.test.InstrumentationTestRunner;
 import android.test.suitebuilder.TestSuiteBuilder;
diff --git a/core/src/androidTest/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/tests/util/DateUtilsTest.java b/core/src/androidTest/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/DateUtilsTest.java
index ee90d9116..d5efdbc24 100644
--- a/core/src/androidTest/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/tests/util/DateUtilsTest.java
+++ b/core/src/androidTest/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/DateUtilsTest.java
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-package de.danoeh.antennapod.core.tests.util;
+package de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util;
 
 
 import android.test.AndroidTestCase;
@@ -7,8 +7,14 @@ import java.util.Date;
 import java.util.GregorianCalendar;
 import java.util.TimeZone;
 
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.DateUtils;
-
+/**
+ * Unit test for {@link DateUtils}.
+ *
+ * Note: It NEEDS to be run in android devices, i.e., it cannot be run in standard JDK, because
+ * the test invokes some android platform-specific behavior in the underlying
+ * {@link java.text.SimpleDateFormat} used by {@link DateUtils}.
+ *
+ */
 public class DateUtilsTest extends AndroidTestCase {
 
     public void testParseDateWithMicroseconds() throws Exception {
@@ -101,6 +107,12 @@ public class DateUtilsTest extends AndroidTestCase {
         assertEquals(expected, actual);
     }
 
+    /**
+     * Requires Android platform.
+     *
+     * Reason: Standard JDK cannot parse timezone <code>-08:00</code> (ISO 8601 format). It only accepts
+     * <code>-0800</code> (RFC 822 format)
+     */
     public void testParseDateWithNoTimezonePadding() throws Exception {
         GregorianCalendar exp = new GregorianCalendar(2017, 1, 22, 22, 28, 0);
         exp.setTimeZone(TimeZone.getTimeZone("UTC"));
@@ -109,6 +121,12 @@ public class DateUtilsTest extends AndroidTestCase {
         assertEquals(expected, actual);
     }
 
+    /**
+     * Requires Android platform. Root cause: {@link DateUtils} implementation makes
+     * use of ISO 8601 time zone, which does not work on standard JDK.
+     *
+     * @see #testParseDateWithNoTimezonePadding()
+     */
     public void testParseDateWithForCest() throws Exception {
         GregorianCalendar exp1 = new GregorianCalendar(2017, 0, 28, 22, 0, 0);
         exp1.setTimeZone(TimeZone.getTimeZone("UTC"));
diff --git a/core/src/main/AndroidManifest.xml b/core/src/main/AndroidManifest.xml
index 520139375..1146f2a87 100644
--- a/core/src/main/AndroidManifest.xml
+++ b/core/src/main/AndroidManifest.xml
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@
         </service>
         <service
             android:name=".service.GpodnetSyncService"
+            android:permission="android.permission.BIND_JOB_SERVICE"
             android:enabled="true" />
 
         <receiver
@@ -57,6 +58,12 @@
             android:exported="true"> <!-- allow feeds update to be triggered by external apps -->
         </receiver>
 
+        <service
+                android:name=".service.FeedUpdateJobService"
+                android:permission="android.permission.BIND_JOB_SERVICE" >
+
+        </service>
+
     </application>
 
 </manifest>
diff --git a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/asynctask/FlattrClickWorker.java b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/asynctask/FlattrClickWorker.java
index 5bd65f4e9..f4c99011a 100644
--- a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/asynctask/FlattrClickWorker.java
+++ b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/asynctask/FlattrClickWorker.java
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import android.support.v4.app.NotificationCompat;
 import android.util.Log;
 import android.widget.Toast;
 
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.gui.NotificationUtils;
 import org.shredzone.flattr4j.exception.FlattrException;
 
 import java.util.LinkedList;
@@ -175,7 +176,7 @@ public class FlattrClickWorker extends AsyncTask<Void, Integer, FlattrClickWorke
         PendingIntent contentIntent = PendingIntent.getActivity(context, 0,
                 ClientConfig.flattrCallbacks.getFlattrAuthenticationActivityIntent(context), 0);
 
-        Notification notification = new NotificationCompat.Builder(context)
+        Notification notification = new NotificationCompat.Builder(context, NotificationUtils.CHANNEL_ID_ERROR)
                 .setStyle(new NotificationCompat.BigTextStyle().bigText(context.getString(R.string.no_flattr_token_notification_msg)))
                 .setContentIntent(contentIntent)
                 .setContentTitle(context.getString(R.string.no_flattr_token_title))
@@ -208,7 +209,7 @@ public class FlattrClickWorker extends AsyncTask<Void, Integer, FlattrClickWorke
                     + context.getString(R.string.flattr_click_failure_count, failed);
         }
 
-        Notification notification = new NotificationCompat.Builder(context)
+        Notification notification = new NotificationCompat.Builder(context, NotificationUtils.CHANNEL_ID_ERROR)
                 .setStyle(new NotificationCompat.BigTextStyle().bigText(subtext))
                 .setContentIntent(contentIntent)
                 .setContentTitle(title)
diff --git a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/event/ServiceEvent.java b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/event/ServiceEvent.java
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..b3241a8b6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/event/ServiceEvent.java
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+package de.danoeh.antennapod.core.event;
+
+public class ServiceEvent {
+    public enum Action {
+        SERVICE_STARTED
+    }
+
+    public final Action action;
+
+    public ServiceEvent(Action action) {
+        this.action = action;
+    }
+}
diff --git a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/preferences/UserPreferences.java b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/preferences/UserPreferences.java
index a93012d59..44b2fa2b2 100644
--- a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/preferences/UserPreferences.java
+++ b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/preferences/UserPreferences.java
@@ -1,18 +1,21 @@
 package de.danoeh.antennapod.core.preferences;
 
-import android.app.AlarmManager;
-import android.app.PendingIntent;
 import android.content.Context;
-import android.content.Intent;
 import android.content.SharedPreferences;
-import android.os.SystemClock;
 import android.preference.PreferenceManager;
 import android.support.annotation.IntRange;
 import android.support.annotation.NonNull;
 import android.support.v4.app.NotificationCompat;
 import android.text.TextUtils;
 import android.util.Log;
-
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.R;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.service.download.ProxyConfig;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.storage.APCleanupAlgorithm;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.storage.APNullCleanupAlgorithm;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.storage.APQueueCleanupAlgorithm;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.storage.EpisodeCleanupAlgorithm;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.Converter;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.download.AutoUpdateManager;
 import org.json.JSONArray;
 import org.json.JSONException;
 
@@ -21,19 +24,9 @@ import java.io.IOException;
 import java.net.Proxy;
 import java.util.ArrayList;
 import java.util.Arrays;
-import java.util.Calendar;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.concurrent.TimeUnit;
 
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.R;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.receiver.FeedUpdateReceiver;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.service.download.ProxyConfig;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.storage.APCleanupAlgorithm;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.storage.APNullCleanupAlgorithm;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.storage.APQueueCleanupAlgorithm;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.storage.EpisodeCleanupAlgorithm;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.Converter;
-
 /**
  * Provides access to preferences set by the user in the settings screen. A
  * private instance of this class must first be instantiated via
@@ -781,58 +774,15 @@ public class UserPreferences {
         int[] timeOfDay = getUpdateTimeOfDay();
         Log.d(TAG, "timeOfDay: " + Arrays.toString(timeOfDay));
         if (timeOfDay.length == 2) {
-            restartUpdateTimeOfDayAlarm(timeOfDay[0], timeOfDay[1]);
+            AutoUpdateManager.restartUpdateTimeOfDayAlarm(context, timeOfDay[0], timeOfDay[1]);
         } else {
             long milliseconds = getUpdateInterval();
             long startTrigger = milliseconds;
             if (now) {
                 startTrigger = TimeUnit.SECONDS.toMillis(10);
             }
-            restartUpdateIntervalAlarm(startTrigger, milliseconds);
-        }
-    }
-
-    /**
-     * Sets the interval in which the feeds are refreshed automatically
-     */
-    private static void restartUpdateIntervalAlarm(long triggerAtMillis, long intervalMillis) {
-        Log.d(TAG, "Restarting update alarm.");
-        AlarmManager alarmManager = (AlarmManager) context.getSystemService(Context.ALARM_SERVICE);
-        Intent intent = new Intent(context, FeedUpdateReceiver.class);
-        PendingIntent updateIntent = PendingIntent.getBroadcast(context, 0, intent, 0);
-        alarmManager.cancel(updateIntent);
-        if (intervalMillis > 0) {
-            alarmManager.set(AlarmManager.ELAPSED_REALTIME_WAKEUP,
-                    SystemClock.elapsedRealtime() + triggerAtMillis,
-                    updateIntent);
-            Log.d(TAG, "Changed alarm to new interval " + TimeUnit.MILLISECONDS.toHours(intervalMillis) + " h");
-        } else {
-            Log.d(TAG, "Automatic update was deactivated");
-        }
-    }
-
-    /**
-     * Sets time of day the feeds are refreshed automatically
-     */
-    private static void restartUpdateTimeOfDayAlarm(int hoursOfDay, int minute) {
-        Log.d(TAG, "Restarting update alarm.");
-        AlarmManager alarmManager = (AlarmManager) context.getSystemService(Context.ALARM_SERVICE);
-        PendingIntent updateIntent = PendingIntent.getBroadcast(context, 0,
-                new Intent(context, FeedUpdateReceiver.class), 0);
-        alarmManager.cancel(updateIntent);
-
-        Calendar now = Calendar.getInstance();
-        Calendar alarm = (Calendar)now.clone();
-        alarm.set(Calendar.HOUR_OF_DAY, hoursOfDay);
-        alarm.set(Calendar.MINUTE, minute);
-        if (alarm.before(now) || alarm.equals(now)) {
-            alarm.add(Calendar.DATE, 1);
+            AutoUpdateManager.restartUpdateIntervalAlarm(context, startTrigger, milliseconds);
         }
-        Log.d(TAG, "Alarm set for: " + alarm.toString() + " : " + alarm.getTimeInMillis());
-        alarmManager.set(AlarmManager.RTC_WAKEUP,
-                alarm.getTimeInMillis(),
-                updateIntent);
-        Log.d(TAG, "Changed alarm to new time of day " + hoursOfDay + ":" + minute);
     }
 
     /**
diff --git a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/receiver/FeedUpdateReceiver.java b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/receiver/FeedUpdateReceiver.java
index 9bbeb7c88..05e12f6df 100644
--- a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/receiver/FeedUpdateReceiver.java
+++ b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/receiver/FeedUpdateReceiver.java
@@ -7,8 +7,7 @@ import android.util.Log;
 
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.ClientConfig;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.preferences.UserPreferences;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.storage.DBTasks;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.NetworkUtils;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.FeedUpdateUtils;
 
 /**
  * Refreshes all feeds when it receives an intent
@@ -21,11 +20,7 @@ public class FeedUpdateReceiver extends BroadcastReceiver {
     public void onReceive(Context context, Intent intent) {
         Log.d(TAG, "Received intent");
         ClientConfig.initialize(context);
-        if (NetworkUtils.networkAvailable() && NetworkUtils.isDownloadAllowed()) {
-            DBTasks.refreshAllFeeds(context, null);
-        } else {
-            Log.d(TAG, "Blocking automatic update: no wifi available / no mobile updates allowed");
-        }
+        FeedUpdateUtils.startAutoUpdate(context, null);
         UserPreferences.restartUpdateAlarm(false);
     }
 
diff --git a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/receiver/MediaButtonReceiver.java b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/receiver/MediaButtonReceiver.java
index 9b4b91151..b191dbf8b 100644
--- a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/receiver/MediaButtonReceiver.java
+++ b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/receiver/MediaButtonReceiver.java
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ package de.danoeh.antennapod.core.receiver;
 import android.content.BroadcastReceiver;
 import android.content.Context;
 import android.content.Intent;
+import android.support.v4.content.ContextCompat;
 import android.util.Log;
 import android.view.KeyEvent;
 
@@ -29,7 +30,7 @@ public class MediaButtonReceiver extends BroadcastReceiver {
 			Intent serviceIntent = new Intent(context, PlaybackService.class);
 			serviceIntent.putExtra(EXTRA_KEYCODE, event.getKeyCode());
 			serviceIntent.putExtra(EXTRA_SOURCE, event.getSource());
-			context.startService(serviceIntent);
+			ContextCompat.startForegroundService(context, serviceIntent);
 		}
 
 	}
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/receiver/PlayerWidget.java b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/receiver/PlayerWidget.java
index a90f0f706..edc2ea3e0 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/receiver/PlayerWidget.java
+++ b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/receiver/PlayerWidget.java
@@ -1,17 +1,15 @@
-package de.danoeh.antennapod.receiver;
+package de.danoeh.antennapod.core.receiver;
 
 import android.appwidget.AppWidgetManager;
 import android.appwidget.AppWidgetProvider;
 import android.content.Context;
 import android.content.Intent;
 import android.content.SharedPreferences;
-import android.text.TextUtils;
 import android.util.Log;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.service.PlayerWidgetJobService;
 
 import java.util.Arrays;
 
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.service.playback.PlaybackService;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.service.PlayerWidgetService;
 
 public class PlayerWidget extends AppWidgetProvider {
     private static final String TAG = "PlayerWidget";
@@ -22,17 +20,7 @@ public class PlayerWidget extends AppWidgetProvider {
     public void onReceive(Context context, Intent intent) {
         Log.d(TAG, "onReceive");
         super.onReceive(context, intent);
-        // don't do anything if we're not enabled
-        if (!isEnabled(context)) {
-            return;
-        }
-
-        // these come from the PlaybackService when things should get updated
-        if (TextUtils.equals(intent.getAction(), PlaybackService.FORCE_WIDGET_UPDATE)) {
-            startUpdate(context);
-        } else if (TextUtils.equals(intent.getAction(), PlaybackService.STOP_WIDGET_UPDATE)) {
-            stopUpdate(context);
-        }
+        PlayerWidgetJobService.updateWidget(context);
     }
 
     @Override
@@ -40,14 +28,13 @@ public class PlayerWidget extends AppWidgetProvider {
         super.onEnabled(context);
         Log.d(TAG, "Widget enabled");
         setEnabled(context, true);
-        startUpdate(context);
+        PlayerWidgetJobService.updateWidget(context);
     }
 
     @Override
-    public void onUpdate(Context context, AppWidgetManager appWidgetManager,
-                         int[] appWidgetIds) {
+    public void onUpdate(Context context, AppWidgetManager appWidgetManager, int[] appWidgetIds) {
         Log.d(TAG, "onUpdate() called with: " + "context = [" + context + "], appWidgetManager = [" + appWidgetManager + "], appWidgetIds = [" + Arrays.toString(appWidgetIds) + "]");
-        startUpdate(context);
+        PlayerWidgetJobService.updateWidget(context);
     }
 
     @Override
@@ -55,20 +42,9 @@ public class PlayerWidget extends AppWidgetProvider {
         super.onDisabled(context);
         Log.d(TAG, "Widget disabled");
         setEnabled(context, false);
-        stopUpdate(context);
-    }
-
-    private void startUpdate(Context context) {
-        Log.d(TAG, "startUpdate() called with: " + "context = [" + context + "]");
-        context.startService(new Intent(context, PlayerWidgetService.class));
-    }
-
-    private void stopUpdate(Context context) {
-        Log.d(TAG, "stopUpdate() called with: " + "context = [" + context + "]");
-        context.stopService(new Intent(context, PlayerWidgetService.class));
     }
 
-    private boolean isEnabled(Context context) {
+    public static boolean isEnabled(Context context) {
         SharedPreferences prefs = context.getSharedPreferences(PREFS_NAME, Context.MODE_PRIVATE);
         return prefs.getBoolean(KEY_ENABLED, false);
     }
diff --git a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/service/FeedUpdateJobService.java b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/service/FeedUpdateJobService.java
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..55a8d6b86
--- /dev/null
+++ b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/service/FeedUpdateJobService.java
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+package de.danoeh.antennapod.core.service;
+
+import android.app.job.JobParameters;
+import android.app.job.JobService;
+import android.os.Build;
+import android.support.annotation.RequiresApi;
+import android.util.Log;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.ClientConfig;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.preferences.UserPreferences;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.FeedUpdateUtils;
+
+@RequiresApi(api = Build.VERSION_CODES.LOLLIPOP)
+public class FeedUpdateJobService extends JobService {
+    private static final String TAG = "FeedUpdateJobService";
+
+    @Override
+    public boolean onStartJob(JobParameters params) {
+        Log.d(TAG, "Job started");
+        ClientConfig.initialize(getApplicationContext());
+
+        FeedUpdateUtils.startAutoUpdate(getApplicationContext(), () -> {
+            UserPreferences.restartUpdateAlarm(false);
+            jobFinished(params, false); // needsReschedule = false
+        });
+
+        return true;
+    }
+
+    @Override
+    public boolean onStopJob(JobParameters params) {
+        return true;
+    }
+
+}
diff --git a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/service/GpodnetSyncService.java b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/service/GpodnetSyncService.java
index a723097a2..de040603d 100644
--- a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/service/GpodnetSyncService.java
+++ b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/service/GpodnetSyncService.java
@@ -3,10 +3,10 @@ package de.danoeh.antennapod.core.service;
 import android.app.Notification;
 import android.app.NotificationManager;
 import android.app.PendingIntent;
-import android.app.Service;
 import android.content.Context;
 import android.content.Intent;
-import android.os.IBinder;
+import android.support.annotation.NonNull;
+import android.support.v4.app.JobIntentService;
 import android.support.v4.app.NotificationCompat;
 import android.support.v4.util.ArrayMap;
 import android.util.Log;
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ import android.util.Pair;
 import java.util.Collection;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
+import java.util.concurrent.atomic.AtomicInteger;
 
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.ClientConfig;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.R;
@@ -37,12 +38,13 @@ import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.storage.DBWriter;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.storage.DownloadRequestException;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.storage.DownloadRequester;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.NetworkUtils;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.gui.NotificationUtils;
 
 /**
  * Synchronizes local subscriptions with gpodder.net service. The service should be started with ACTION_SYNC as an action argument.
  * This class also provides static methods for starting the GpodnetSyncService.
  */
-public class GpodnetSyncService extends Service {
+public class GpodnetSyncService extends JobIntentService {
     private static final String TAG = "GpodnetSyncService";
 
     private static final long WAIT_INTERVAL = 5000L;
@@ -55,12 +57,17 @@ public class GpodnetSyncService extends Service {
 
     private GpodnetService service;
 
-    private boolean syncSubscriptions = false;
-    private boolean syncActions = false;
+    private static final AtomicInteger syncActionCount = new AtomicInteger(0);
+    private static boolean syncSubscriptions = false;
+    private static boolean syncActions = false;
+
+    private static void enqueueWork(Context context, Intent intent) {
+        enqueueWork(context, GpodnetSyncService.class, 0, intent);
+    }
 
     @Override
-    public int onStartCommand(Intent intent, int flags, int startId) {
-        final String action = (intent != null) ? intent.getStringExtra(ARG_ACTION) : null;
+    protected void onHandleWork(@NonNull Intent intent) {
+        final String action = intent.getStringExtra(ARG_ACTION);
         if (action != null) {
             switch(action) {
                 case ACTION_SYNC:
@@ -78,24 +85,20 @@ public class GpodnetSyncService extends Service {
             }
             if(syncSubscriptions || syncActions) {
                 Log.d(TAG, String.format("Waiting %d milliseconds before uploading changes", WAIT_INTERVAL));
-                syncWaiterThread.restart();
+                int syncActionId = syncActionCount.incrementAndGet();
+                try {
+                    Thread.sleep(WAIT_INTERVAL);
+                } catch (InterruptedException e) {
+                    e.printStackTrace();
+                }
+                if (syncActionId == syncActionCount.get()) {
+                    // onHandleWork was not called again in the meantime
+                    sync();
+                }
             }
         } else {
             Log.e(TAG, "Received invalid intent: action argument is null");
         }
-        return START_STICKY;
-    }
-
-    @Override
-    public void onDestroy() {
-        super.onDestroy();
-        Log.d(TAG, "onDestroy");
-        syncWaiterThread.interrupt();
-    }
-
-    @Override
-    public IBinder onBind(Intent intent) {
-        return null;
     }
 
     private synchronized GpodnetService tryLogin() throws GpodnetServiceException {
@@ -109,6 +112,7 @@ public class GpodnetSyncService extends Service {
 
     private synchronized void sync() {
         if (!GpodnetPreferences.loggedIn() || !NetworkUtils.networkAvailable()) {
+            stopForeground(true);
             stopSelf();
             return;
         }
@@ -125,7 +129,6 @@ public class GpodnetSyncService extends Service {
             }
             syncActions = false;
         }
-        stopSelf();
     }
 
     private synchronized void syncSubscriptionChanges() {
@@ -319,7 +322,7 @@ public class GpodnetSyncService extends Service {
         }
 
         PendingIntent activityIntent = ClientConfig.gpodnetCallbacks.getGpodnetSyncServiceErrorNotificationPendingIntent(this);
-        Notification notification = new NotificationCompat.Builder(this)
+        Notification notification = new NotificationCompat.Builder(this, NotificationUtils.CHANNEL_ID_ERROR)
                 .setContentTitle(title)
                 .setContentText(description)
                 .setContentIntent(activityIntent)
@@ -331,69 +334,11 @@ public class GpodnetSyncService extends Service {
         nm.notify(id, notification);
     }
 
-    private final WaiterThread syncWaiterThread = new WaiterThread(WAIT_INTERVAL) {
-        @Override
-        public void onWaitCompleted() {
-            sync();
-        }
-    };
-
-    private abstract class WaiterThread {
-        private final long waitInterval;
-        private Thread thread;
-
-        private WaiterThread(long waitInterval) {
-            this.waitInterval = waitInterval;
-            reinit();
-        }
-
-        public abstract void onWaitCompleted();
-
-        public void exec() {
-            if (!thread.isAlive()) {
-                thread.start();
-            }
-        }
-
-        private void reinit() {
-            if (thread != null && thread.isAlive()) {
-            Log.d(TAG, "Interrupting waiter thread");
-                thread.interrupt();
-            }
-            thread = new Thread() {
-                @Override
-                public void run() {
-                    try {
-                        Thread.sleep(waitInterval);
-                    } catch (InterruptedException e) {
-                        e.printStackTrace();
-                    }
-                    if (!isInterrupted()) {
-                        synchronized (this) {
-                            onWaitCompleted();
-                        }
-                    }
-                }
-            };
-        }
-
-        public void restart() {
-            reinit();
-            exec();
-        }
-
-        public void interrupt() {
-            if (thread != null && thread.isAlive()) {
-                thread.interrupt();
-            }
-        }
-    }
-
     public static void sendSyncIntent(Context context) {
         if (GpodnetPreferences.loggedIn()) {
             Intent intent = new Intent(context, GpodnetSyncService.class);
             intent.putExtra(ARG_ACTION, ACTION_SYNC);
-            context.startService(intent);
+            enqueueWork(context, intent);
         }
     }
 
@@ -401,7 +346,7 @@ public class GpodnetSyncService extends Service {
         if (GpodnetPreferences.loggedIn()) {
             Intent intent = new Intent(context, GpodnetSyncService.class);
             intent.putExtra(ARG_ACTION, ACTION_SYNC_SUBSCRIPTIONS);
-            context.startService(intent);
+            enqueueWork(context, intent);
         }
     }
 
@@ -409,7 +354,7 @@ public class GpodnetSyncService extends Service {
         if (GpodnetPreferences.loggedIn()) {
             Intent intent = new Intent(context, GpodnetSyncService.class);
             intent.putExtra(ARG_ACTION, ACTION_SYNC_ACTIONS);
-            context.startService(intent);
+            enqueueWork(context, intent);
         }
     }
 }
diff --git a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/service/PlayerWidgetJobService.java b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/service/PlayerWidgetJobService.java
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..01fbcbf56
--- /dev/null
+++ b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/service/PlayerWidgetJobService.java
@@ -0,0 +1,197 @@
+package de.danoeh.antennapod.core.service;
+
+import android.app.PendingIntent;
+import android.appwidget.AppWidgetManager;
+import android.content.ComponentName;
+import android.content.Context;
+import android.content.Intent;
+import android.content.ServiceConnection;
+import android.graphics.Bitmap;
+import android.os.Build;
+import android.os.IBinder;
+import android.support.annotation.NonNull;
+import android.support.v4.app.JobIntentService;
+import android.util.Log;
+import android.view.KeyEvent;
+import android.view.View;
+import android.widget.RemoteViews;
+
+import com.bumptech.glide.Glide;
+
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.R;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.glide.ApGlideSettings;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.receiver.MediaButtonReceiver;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.service.playback.PlaybackService;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.service.playback.PlayerStatus;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.Converter;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.playback.Playable;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.receiver.PlayerWidget;
+
+/**
+ * Updates the state of the player widget
+ */
+public class PlayerWidgetJobService extends JobIntentService {
+    private static final String TAG = "PlayerWidgetJobService";
+
+    private PlaybackService playbackService;
+    private final Object waitForService = new Object();
+
+    public static void updateWidget(Context context) {
+        enqueueWork(context, PlayerWidgetJobService.class, 0, new Intent(context, PlayerWidgetJobService.class));
+    }
+
+    @Override
+    protected void onHandleWork(@NonNull Intent intent) {
+        if (!PlayerWidget.isEnabled(getApplicationContext())) {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        if (PlaybackService.isRunning && playbackService == null) {
+            synchronized (waitForService) {
+                bindService(new Intent(this, PlaybackService.class), mConnection, 0);
+                while (playbackService == null) {
+                    try {
+                        waitForService.wait();
+                    } catch (InterruptedException e) {
+                        return;
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        updateViews();
+
+        if (playbackService != null) {
+            try {
+                unbindService(mConnection);
+            } catch (IllegalArgumentException e) {
+                Log.w(TAG, "IllegalArgumentException when trying to unbind service");
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    private void updateViews() {
+
+        ComponentName playerWidget = new ComponentName(this, PlayerWidget.class);
+        AppWidgetManager manager = AppWidgetManager.getInstance(this);
+        RemoteViews views = new RemoteViews(getPackageName(), R.layout.player_widget);
+        PendingIntent startMediaplayer = PendingIntent.getActivity(this, 0,
+                PlaybackService.getPlayerActivityIntent(this), 0);
+
+        final PendingIntent startAppPending = PendingIntent.getActivity(this, 0,
+                PlaybackService.getPlayerActivityIntent(this),
+                PendingIntent.FLAG_UPDATE_CURRENT);
+
+        boolean nothingPlaying = false;
+        Playable media;
+        PlayerStatus status;
+        if (playbackService != null) {
+            media = playbackService.getPlayable();
+            status = playbackService.getStatus();
+        } else {
+            media = Playable.PlayableUtils.createInstanceFromPreferences(getApplicationContext());
+            status = PlayerStatus.STOPPED;
+        }
+
+        if (media != null) {
+            views.setOnClickPendingIntent(R.id.layout_left, startMediaplayer);
+
+            try {
+                Bitmap icon = null;
+                int iconSize = getResources().getDimensionPixelSize(
+                        android.R.dimen.app_icon_size);
+                icon = Glide.with(PlayerWidgetJobService.this)
+                        .load(media.getImageLocation())
+                        .asBitmap()
+                        .diskCacheStrategy(ApGlideSettings.AP_DISK_CACHE_STRATEGY)
+                        .centerCrop()
+                        .into(iconSize, iconSize)
+                        .get();
+                views.setImageViewBitmap(R.id.imgvCover, icon);
+            } catch (Throwable tr) {
+                Log.e(TAG, "Error loading the media icon for the widget", tr);
+            }
+
+            views.setTextViewText(R.id.txtvTitle, media.getEpisodeTitle());
+
+            String progressString;
+            if (playbackService != null) {
+                progressString = getProgressString(playbackService.getCurrentPosition(), playbackService.getDuration());
+            } else {
+                progressString = getProgressString(media.getPosition(), media.getDuration());
+            }
+
+            if (progressString != null) {
+                views.setViewVisibility(R.id.txtvProgress, View.VISIBLE);
+                views.setTextViewText(R.id.txtvProgress, progressString);
+            }
+
+            if (status == PlayerStatus.PLAYING) {
+                views.setImageViewResource(R.id.butPlay, R.drawable.ic_pause_white_24dp);
+                if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= 15) {
+                    views.setContentDescription(R.id.butPlay, getString(R.string.pause_label));
+                }
+            } else {
+                views.setImageViewResource(R.id.butPlay, R.drawable.ic_play_arrow_white_24dp);
+                if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= 15) {
+                    views.setContentDescription(R.id.butPlay, getString(R.string.play_label));
+                }
+            }
+            views.setOnClickPendingIntent(R.id.butPlay, createMediaButtonIntent());
+        } else {
+            nothingPlaying = true;
+        }
+
+        if (nothingPlaying) {
+            // start the app if they click anything
+            views.setOnClickPendingIntent(R.id.layout_left, startAppPending);
+            views.setOnClickPendingIntent(R.id.butPlay, startAppPending);
+            views.setViewVisibility(R.id.txtvProgress, View.INVISIBLE);
+            views.setTextViewText(R.id.txtvTitle,
+                    this.getString(R.string.no_media_playing_label));
+            views.setImageViewResource(R.id.butPlay, R.drawable.ic_play_arrow_white_24dp);
+        }
+
+        manager.updateAppWidget(playerWidget, views);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Creates an intent which fakes a mediabutton press
+     */
+    private PendingIntent createMediaButtonIntent() {
+        KeyEvent event = new KeyEvent(KeyEvent.ACTION_DOWN, KeyEvent.KEYCODE_MEDIA_PLAY_PAUSE);
+        Intent startingIntent = new Intent(getBaseContext(), MediaButtonReceiver.class);
+        startingIntent.setAction(MediaButtonReceiver.NOTIFY_BUTTON_RECEIVER);
+        startingIntent.putExtra(Intent.EXTRA_KEY_EVENT, event);
+
+        return PendingIntent.getBroadcast(this, 0, startingIntent, 0);
+    }
+
+    private String getProgressString(int position, int duration) {
+        if (position > 0 && duration > 0) {
+            return Converter.getDurationStringLong(position) + " / "
+                    + Converter.getDurationStringLong(duration);
+        } else {
+            return null;
+        }
+    }
+
+    private final ServiceConnection mConnection = new ServiceConnection() {
+        public void onServiceConnected(ComponentName className, IBinder service) {
+            Log.d(TAG, "Connection to service established");
+            if (service instanceof PlaybackService.LocalBinder) {
+                synchronized (waitForService) {
+                    playbackService = ((PlaybackService.LocalBinder) service).getService();
+                    waitForService.notifyAll();
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        @Override
+        public void onServiceDisconnected(ComponentName name) {
+            playbackService = null;
+            Log.d(TAG, "Disconnected from service");
+        }
+
+    };
+}
diff --git a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/service/download/DownloadService.java b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/service/download/DownloadService.java
index a62c9d8bf..9c2266622 100644
--- a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/service/download/DownloadService.java
+++ b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/service/download/DownloadService.java
@@ -7,8 +7,6 @@ import android.content.BroadcastReceiver;
 import android.content.Context;
 import android.content.Intent;
 import android.content.IntentFilter;
-import android.graphics.Bitmap;
-import android.graphics.BitmapFactory;
 import android.media.MediaMetadataRetriever;
 import android.os.Binder;
 import android.os.Build;
@@ -22,6 +20,7 @@ import android.util.Log;
 import android.util.Pair;
 import android.webkit.URLUtil;
 
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.gui.NotificationUtils;
 import org.apache.commons.io.FileUtils;
 import org.xml.sax.SAXException;
 
@@ -295,6 +294,7 @@ public class DownloadService extends Service {
 
         setupNotificationBuilders();
         requester = DownloadRequester.getInstance();
+        startForeground(NOTIFICATION_ID, updateNotifications());
     }
 
     @Override
@@ -339,7 +339,7 @@ public class DownloadService extends Service {
     }
 
     private void setupNotificationBuilders() {
-        notificationCompatBuilder = new NotificationCompat.Builder(this)
+        notificationCompatBuilder = new NotificationCompat.Builder(this, NotificationUtils.CHANNEL_ID_DOWNLOADING)
                 .setOngoing(true)
                 .setContentIntent(ClientConfig.downloadServiceCallbacks.getNotificationContentIntent(this))
                 .setSmallIcon(R.drawable.stat_notify_sync);
@@ -352,7 +352,7 @@ public class DownloadService extends Service {
 
     /**
      * Updates the contents of the service's notifications. Should be called
-     * before setupNotificationBuilders.
+     * after setupNotificationBuilders.
      */
     private Notification updateNotifications() {
         if (notificationCompatBuilder == null) {
@@ -499,7 +499,7 @@ public class DownloadService extends Service {
         if (createReport) {
             Log.d(TAG, "Creating report");
             // create notification object
-            NotificationCompat.Builder builder = new NotificationCompat.Builder(this)
+            NotificationCompat.Builder builder = new NotificationCompat.Builder(this, NotificationUtils.CHANNEL_ID_ERROR)
                     .setTicker(getString(R.string.download_report_title))
                     .setContentTitle(getString(R.string.download_report_content_title))
                     .setContentText(
@@ -551,7 +551,7 @@ public class DownloadService extends Service {
             final String resourceTitle = (downloadRequest.getTitle() != null) ?
                     downloadRequest.getTitle() : downloadRequest.getSource();
 
-            NotificationCompat.Builder builder = new NotificationCompat.Builder(DownloadService.this);
+            NotificationCompat.Builder builder = new NotificationCompat.Builder(DownloadService.this, NotificationUtils.CHANNEL_ID_USER_ACTION);
             builder.setTicker(getText(R.string.authentication_notification_title))
                     .setContentTitle(getText(R.string.authentication_notification_title))
                     .setContentText(getText(R.string.authentication_notification_msg))
@@ -1107,7 +1107,7 @@ public class DownloadService extends Service {
      * that every image reference is unique.
      */
     @VisibleForTesting
-    public static void removeDuplicateImages(Feed feed) {
+    static void removeDuplicateImages(Feed feed) {
         Set<String> known = new HashSet<>();
         for (FeedItem item : feed.getItems()) {
             String url = item.hasItemImage() ? item.getImage().getDownload_url() : null;
diff --git a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/service/playback/PlaybackService.java b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/service/playback/PlaybackService.java
index 0bd516f4e..be6cb346d 100644
--- a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/service/playback/PlaybackService.java
+++ b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/service/playback/PlaybackService.java
@@ -30,12 +30,10 @@ import android.support.v4.media.MediaDescriptionCompat;
 import android.support.v4.media.MediaMetadataCompat;
 import android.support.v4.media.session.MediaSessionCompat;
 import android.support.v4.media.session.PlaybackStateCompat;
-import android.support.v4.view.InputDeviceCompat;
-import android.support.v7.app.NotificationCompat;
+import android.support.v4.app.NotificationCompat;
 import android.text.TextUtils;
 import android.util.Log;
 import android.util.Pair;
-import android.view.InputDevice;
 import android.view.KeyEvent;
 import android.view.SurfaceHolder;
 import android.widget.Toast;
@@ -49,6 +47,7 @@ import java.util.List;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.ClientConfig;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.R;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.event.MessageEvent;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.event.ServiceEvent;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.feed.Chapter;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.feed.Feed;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.feed.FeedItem;
@@ -60,11 +59,13 @@ import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.preferences.PlaybackPreferences;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.preferences.SleepTimerPreferences;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.preferences.UserPreferences;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.receiver.MediaButtonReceiver;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.service.PlayerWidgetJobService;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.storage.DBReader;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.storage.DBTasks;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.storage.DBWriter;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.storage.FeedSearcher;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.IntList;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.gui.NotificationUtils;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.QueueAccess;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.playback.ExternalMedia;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.playback.Playable;
@@ -74,8 +75,6 @@ import de.greenrobot.event.EventBus;
  * Controls the MediaPlayer that plays a FeedMedia-file
  */
 public class PlaybackService extends MediaBrowserServiceCompat {
-    public static final String FORCE_WIDGET_UPDATE = "de.danoeh.antennapod.FORCE_WIDGET_UPDATE";
-    public static final String STOP_WIDGET_UPDATE = "de.danoeh.antennapod.STOP_WIDGET_UPDATE";
     /**
      * Logging tag
      */
@@ -313,6 +312,31 @@ public class PlaybackService extends MediaBrowserServiceCompat {
         flavorHelper.initializeMediaPlayer(PlaybackService.this);
 
         mediaSession.setActive(true);
+
+        NotificationCompat.Builder notificationBuilder = createBasicNotification();
+        startForeground(NOTIFICATION_ID, notificationBuilder.build());
+        EventBus.getDefault().post(new ServiceEvent(ServiceEvent.Action.SERVICE_STARTED));
+
+
+        setupNotification(Playable.PlayableUtils.createInstanceFromPreferences(getApplicationContext()));
+    }
+
+    private NotificationCompat.Builder createBasicNotification() {
+        final int smallIcon = ClientConfig.playbackServiceCallbacks.getNotificationIconResource(getApplicationContext());
+
+        final PendingIntent pIntent = PendingIntent.getActivity(this, 0,
+                PlaybackService.getPlayerActivityIntent(this),
+                PendingIntent.FLAG_UPDATE_CURRENT);
+
+        return new NotificationCompat.Builder(
+                this, NotificationUtils.CHANNEL_ID_PLAYING)
+                .setContentTitle(getString(R.string.app_name))
+                .setContentText("Service is running") // Just in case the notification is not updated (should not occur)
+                .setOngoing(false)
+                .setContentIntent(pIntent)
+                .setWhen(0) // we don't need the time
+                .setSmallIcon(smallIcon)
+                .setPriority(NotificationCompat.PRIORITY_MIN);
     }
 
     @Override
@@ -487,6 +511,8 @@ public class PlaybackService extends MediaBrowserServiceCompat {
                 } else if (status == PlayerStatus.INITIALIZED) {
                     mediaPlayer.setStartWhenPrepared(true);
                     mediaPlayer.prepare();
+                } else if (mediaPlayer.getPlayable() == null) {
+                    startPlayingFromPreferences();
                 }
                 return true;
             case KeyEvent.KEYCODE_MEDIA_PLAY:
@@ -495,6 +521,8 @@ public class PlaybackService extends MediaBrowserServiceCompat {
                 } else if (status == PlayerStatus.INITIALIZED) {
                     mediaPlayer.setStartWhenPrepared(true);
                     mediaPlayer.prepare();
+                } else if (mediaPlayer.getPlayable() == null) {
+                    startPlayingFromPreferences();
                 }
                 return true;
             case KeyEvent.KEYCODE_MEDIA_PAUSE:
@@ -548,6 +576,15 @@ public class PlaybackService extends MediaBrowserServiceCompat {
         return false;
     }
 
+    private void startPlayingFromPreferences() {
+        Playable playable = Playable.PlayableUtils.createInstanceFromPreferences(getApplicationContext());
+        if (playable != null) {
+            mediaPlayer.playMediaObject(playable, false, true, true);
+            started = true;
+            PlaybackService.this.updateMediaSessionMetadata(playable);
+        }
+    }
+
     /**
      * Called by a mediaplayer Activity as soon as it has prepared its
      * mediaplayer.
@@ -566,8 +603,10 @@ public class PlaybackService extends MediaBrowserServiceCompat {
     }
 
     public void notifyVideoSurfaceAbandoned() {
-        stopForeground(!UserPreferences.isPersistNotify());
+        mediaPlayer.pause(true, false);
         mediaPlayer.resetVideoSurface();
+        setupNotification(getPlayable());
+        stopForeground(!UserPreferences.isPersistNotify());
     }
 
     private final PlaybackServiceTaskManager.PSTMCallback taskManagerCallback = new PlaybackServiceTaskManager.PSTMCallback() {
@@ -601,7 +640,7 @@ public class PlaybackService extends MediaBrowserServiceCompat {
 
         @Override
         public void onWidgetUpdaterTick() {
-            updateWidget();
+            PlayerWidgetJobService.updateWidget(getBaseContext());
         }
 
         @Override
@@ -663,7 +702,7 @@ public class PlaybackService extends MediaBrowserServiceCompat {
             Intent statusUpdate = new Intent(ACTION_PLAYER_STATUS_CHANGED);
             // statusUpdate.putExtra(EXTRA_NEW_PLAYER_STATUS, newInfo.playerStatus.ordinal());
             sendBroadcast(statusUpdate);
-            updateWidget();
+            PlayerWidgetJobService.updateWidget(getBaseContext());
             bluetoothNotifyChange(newInfo, AVRCP_ACTION_PLAYER_STATUS_CHANGED);
             bluetoothNotifyChange(newInfo, AVRCP_ACTION_META_CHANGED);
         }
@@ -806,7 +845,6 @@ public class PlaybackService extends MediaBrowserServiceCompat {
             if (!isCasting) {
                 stopForeground(true);
             }
-            stopWidgetUpdater();
         }
         if (mediaType == null) {
             sendNotificationBroadcast(NOTIFICATION_TYPE_PLAYBACK_END, 0);
@@ -1170,10 +1208,10 @@ public class PlaybackService extends MediaBrowserServiceCompat {
      * Prepares notification and starts the service in the foreground.
      */
     private void setupNotification(final PlaybackServiceMediaPlayer.PSMPInfo info) {
-        final PendingIntent pIntent = PendingIntent.getActivity(this, 0,
-                PlaybackService.getPlayerActivityIntent(this),
-                PendingIntent.FLAG_UPDATE_CURRENT);
+        setupNotification(info.playable);
+    }
 
+    private synchronized void setupNotification(final Playable playable) {
         if (notificationSetupThread != null) {
             notificationSetupThread.interrupt();
         }
@@ -1183,12 +1221,12 @@ public class PlaybackService extends MediaBrowserServiceCompat {
             @Override
             public void run() {
                 Log.d(TAG, "Starting background work");
-                if (info.playable != null) {
+                if (playable != null) {
                     int iconSize = getResources().getDimensionPixelSize(
                             android.R.dimen.notification_large_icon_width);
                     try {
                         icon = Glide.with(PlaybackService.this)
-                                .load(info.playable.getImageLocation())
+                                .load(playable.getImageLocation())
                                 .asBitmap()
                                 .diskCacheStrategy(ApGlideSettings.AP_DISK_CACHE_STRATEGY)
                                 .centerCrop()
@@ -1207,24 +1245,18 @@ public class PlaybackService extends MediaBrowserServiceCompat {
                     return;
                 }
                 PlayerStatus playerStatus = mediaPlayer.getPlayerStatus();
-                final int smallIcon = ClientConfig.playbackServiceCallbacks.getNotificationIconResource(getApplicationContext());
 
-                if (!Thread.currentThread().isInterrupted() && started && info.playable != null) {
-                    String contentText = info.playable.getEpisodeTitle();
-                    String contentTitle = info.playable.getFeedTitle();
+                if (!Thread.currentThread().isInterrupted() && started && playable != null) {
+                    String contentText = playable.getEpisodeTitle();
+                    String contentTitle = playable.getFeedTitle();
                     Notification notification;
 
                     // Builder is v7, even if some not overwritten methods return its parent's v4 interface
-                    NotificationCompat.Builder notificationBuilder = (NotificationCompat.Builder) new NotificationCompat.Builder(
-                            PlaybackService.this)
-                            .setContentTitle(contentTitle)
+                    NotificationCompat.Builder notificationBuilder = createBasicNotification();
+                    notificationBuilder.setContentTitle(contentTitle)
                             .setContentText(contentText)
-                            .setOngoing(false)
-                            .setContentIntent(pIntent)
-                            .setLargeIcon(icon)
-                            .setSmallIcon(smallIcon)
-                            .setWhen(0) // we don't need the time
-                            .setPriority(UserPreferences.getNotifyPriority()); // set notification priority
+                            .setPriority(UserPreferences.getNotifyPriority())
+                            .setLargeIcon(icon); // set notification priority
                     IntList compactActionList = new IntList();
 
                     int numActions = 0; // we start and 0 and then increment by 1 for each call to addAction
@@ -1292,7 +1324,7 @@ public class PlaybackService extends MediaBrowserServiceCompat {
 
                     PendingIntent stopButtonPendingIntent = getPendingIntentForMediaAction(
                             KeyEvent.KEYCODE_MEDIA_STOP, numActions);
-                    notificationBuilder.setStyle(new android.support.v7.app.NotificationCompat.MediaStyle()
+                    notificationBuilder.setStyle(new android.support.v4.media.app.NotificationCompat.MediaStyle()
                             .setMediaSession(mediaSession.getSessionToken())
                             .setShowActionsInCompactView(compactActionList.toArray())
                             .setShowCancelButton(true)
@@ -1359,16 +1391,6 @@ public class PlaybackService extends MediaBrowserServiceCompat {
         }
     }
 
-    private void stopWidgetUpdater() {
-        taskManager.cancelWidgetUpdater();
-        sendBroadcast(new Intent(STOP_WIDGET_UPDATE));
-    }
-
-    private void updateWidget() {
-        PlaybackService.this.sendBroadcast(new Intent(
-                FORCE_WIDGET_UPDATE));
-    }
-
     public boolean sleepTimerActive() {
         return taskManager.isSleepTimerActive();
     }
diff --git a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/storage/DBTasks.java b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/storage/DBTasks.java
index 573954412..da500fd3e 100644
--- a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/storage/DBTasks.java
+++ b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/storage/DBTasks.java
@@ -4,6 +4,8 @@ import android.content.Context;
 import android.content.Intent;
 import android.content.SharedPreferences;
 import android.database.Cursor;
+import android.support.annotation.Nullable;
+import android.support.v4.content.ContextCompat;
 import android.util.Log;
 
 import java.util.ArrayList;
@@ -38,6 +40,7 @@ import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.LongList;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.comparator.FeedItemPubdateComparator;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.exception.MediaFileNotFoundException;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.flattr.FlattrUtils;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.playback.PlaybackServiceStarter;
 
 import static android.content.Context.MODE_PRIVATE;
 
@@ -123,16 +126,13 @@ public final class DBTasks {
                             media);
                 }
             }
-            // Start playback Service
-            Intent launchIntent = new Intent(context, PlaybackService.class);
-            launchIntent.putExtra(PlaybackService.EXTRA_PLAYABLE, media);
-            launchIntent.putExtra(PlaybackService.EXTRA_START_WHEN_PREPARED,
-                    startWhenPrepared);
-            launchIntent.putExtra(PlaybackService.EXTRA_SHOULD_STREAM,
-                    shouldStream);
-            launchIntent.putExtra(PlaybackService.EXTRA_PREPARE_IMMEDIATELY,
-                    true);
-            context.startService(launchIntent);
+
+            new PlaybackServiceStarter(context, media)
+                    .callEvenIfRunning(true)
+                    .startWhenPrepared(startWhenPrepared)
+                    .shouldStream(shouldStream)
+                    .start();
+
             if (showPlayer) {
                 // Launch media player
                 context.startActivity(PlaybackService.getPlayerActivityIntent(
@@ -155,42 +155,56 @@ public final class DBTasks {
      * Refreshes a given list of Feeds in a separate Thread. This method might ignore subsequent calls if it is still
      * enqueuing Feeds for download from a previous call
      *
-     * @param context Might be used for accessing the database
-     * @param feeds   List of Feeds that should be refreshed.
+     * @param context  Might be used for accessing the database
+     * @param feeds    List of Feeds that should be refreshed.
      */
-    public static void refreshAllFeeds(final Context context,
-                                       final List<Feed> feeds) {
-        if (isRefreshing.compareAndSet(false, true)) {
-            new Thread() {
-                public void run() {
-                    if (feeds != null) {
-                        refreshFeeds(context, feeds);
-                    } else {
-                        refreshFeeds(context, DBReader.getFeedList());
-                    }
-                    isRefreshing.set(false);
+    public static void refreshAllFeeds(final Context context, final List<Feed> feeds) {
+        refreshAllFeeds(context, feeds, null);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Refreshes a given list of Feeds in a separate Thread. This method might ignore subsequent calls if it is still
+     * enqueuing Feeds for download from a previous call
+     *
+     * @param context  Might be used for accessing the database
+     * @param feeds    List of Feeds that should be refreshed.
+     * @param callback Called after everything was added enqueued for download. Might be null.
+     */
+    public static void refreshAllFeeds(final Context context, final List<Feed> feeds, @Nullable Runnable callback) {
+        if (!isRefreshing.compareAndSet(false, true)) {
+            Log.d(TAG, "Ignoring request to refresh all feeds: Refresh lock is locked");
+            return;
+        }
 
-                    SharedPreferences prefs = context.getSharedPreferences(PREF_NAME, MODE_PRIVATE);
-                    prefs.edit().putLong(PREF_LAST_REFRESH, System.currentTimeMillis()).apply();
+        new Thread(() -> {
+            if (feeds != null) {
+                refreshFeeds(context, feeds);
+            } else {
+                refreshFeeds(context, DBReader.getFeedList());
+            }
+            isRefreshing.set(false);
 
-                    if (FlattrUtils.hasToken()) {
-                        Log.d(TAG, "Flattring all pending things.");
-                        new FlattrClickWorker(context).executeAsync(); // flattr pending things
+            SharedPreferences prefs = context.getSharedPreferences(PREF_NAME, MODE_PRIVATE);
+            prefs.edit().putLong(PREF_LAST_REFRESH, System.currentTimeMillis()).apply();
 
-                        Log.d(TAG, "Fetching flattr status.");
-                        new FlattrStatusFetcher(context).start();
+            if (FlattrUtils.hasToken()) {
+                Log.d(TAG, "Flattring all pending things.");
+                new FlattrClickWorker(context).executeAsync(); // flattr pending things
 
-                    }
-                    if (ClientConfig.gpodnetCallbacks.gpodnetEnabled()) {
-                        GpodnetSyncService.sendSyncIntent(context);
-                    }
-                    Log.d(TAG, "refreshAllFeeds autodownload");
-                    autodownloadUndownloadedItems(context);
-                }
-            }.start();
-        } else {
-            Log.d(TAG, "Ignoring request to refresh all feeds: Refresh lock is locked");
-        }
+                Log.d(TAG, "Fetching flattr status.");
+                new FlattrStatusFetcher(context).start();
+
+            }
+            if (ClientConfig.gpodnetCallbacks.gpodnetEnabled()) {
+                GpodnetSyncService.sendSyncIntent(context);
+            }
+            Log.d(TAG, "refreshAllFeeds autodownload");
+            autodownloadUndownloadedItems(context);
+
+            if (callback != null) {
+                callback.run();
+            }
+        }).start();
     }
 
     /**
diff --git a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/storage/DownloadRequester.java b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/storage/DownloadRequester.java
index 1f429d189..7d4b737db 100644
--- a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/storage/DownloadRequester.java
+++ b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/storage/DownloadRequester.java
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import android.content.Context;
 import android.content.Intent;
 import android.os.Bundle;
 import android.support.annotation.NonNull;
+import android.support.v4.content.ContextCompat;
 import android.text.TextUtils;
 import android.util.Log;
 import android.webkit.URLUtil;
@@ -81,7 +82,7 @@ public class DownloadRequester {
 
         Intent launchIntent = new Intent(context, DownloadService.class);
         launchIntent.putExtra(DownloadService.EXTRA_REQUEST, request);
-        context.startService(launchIntent);
+        ContextCompat.startForegroundService(context, launchIntent);
 
         return true;
     }
diff --git a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/FeedUpdateUtils.java b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/FeedUpdateUtils.java
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..24e0da9ed
--- /dev/null
+++ b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/FeedUpdateUtils.java
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+package de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util;
+
+import android.content.Context;
+import android.util.Log;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.storage.DBTasks;
+
+public class FeedUpdateUtils {
+    private static final String TAG = "FeedUpdateUtils";
+
+    private FeedUpdateUtils() {
+
+    }
+
+    public static void startAutoUpdate(Context context, Runnable callback) {
+        if (NetworkUtils.networkAvailable() && NetworkUtils.isDownloadAllowed()) {
+            DBTasks.refreshAllFeeds(context, null, callback);
+        } else {
+            Log.d(TAG, "Blocking automatic update: no wifi available / no mobile updates allowed");
+        }
+    }
+}
diff --git a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/download/AutoUpdateManager.java b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/download/AutoUpdateManager.java
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..ad723c685
--- /dev/null
+++ b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/download/AutoUpdateManager.java
@@ -0,0 +1,155 @@
+package de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.download;
+
+import android.app.AlarmManager;
+import android.app.PendingIntent;
+import android.app.job.JobInfo;
+import android.app.job.JobScheduler;
+import android.content.ComponentName;
+import android.content.Context;
+import android.content.Intent;
+import android.os.Build;
+import android.os.SystemClock;
+import android.support.annotation.RequiresApi;
+import android.util.Log;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.receiver.FeedUpdateReceiver;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.service.FeedUpdateJobService;
+
+import java.util.Calendar;
+import java.util.concurrent.TimeUnit;
+
+public class AutoUpdateManager {
+    private static final int JOB_ID_FEED_UPDATE = 42;
+    private static final String TAG = "AutoUpdateManager";
+
+    private AutoUpdateManager() {
+
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Sets the interval in which the feeds are refreshed automatically
+     */
+    public static void restartUpdateIntervalAlarm(Context context, long triggerAtMillis, long intervalMillis) {
+        Log.d(TAG, "Restarting update alarm.");
+
+        if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= 24) {
+            restartJobServiceInterval(context, intervalMillis);
+        } else {
+            restartAlarmManagerInterval(context, triggerAtMillis, intervalMillis);
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Sets time of day the feeds are refreshed automatically
+     */
+    public static void restartUpdateTimeOfDayAlarm(Context context, int hoursOfDay, int minute) {
+        Log.d(TAG, "Restarting update alarm.");
+
+        Calendar now = Calendar.getInstance();
+        Calendar alarm = (Calendar)now.clone();
+        alarm.set(Calendar.HOUR_OF_DAY, hoursOfDay);
+        alarm.set(Calendar.MINUTE, minute);
+        if (alarm.before(now) || alarm.equals(now)) {
+            alarm.add(Calendar.DATE, 1);
+        }
+
+        if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= 24) {
+            long triggerAtMillis = alarm.getTimeInMillis() - now.getTimeInMillis();
+            restartJobServiceTriggerAt(context, triggerAtMillis);
+        } else {
+            restartAlarmManagerTimeOfDay(context, alarm);
+        }
+    }
+
+    @RequiresApi(api = Build.VERSION_CODES.LOLLIPOP)
+    private static JobInfo.Builder getFeedUpdateJobBuilder(Context context) {
+        ComponentName serviceComponent = new ComponentName(context, FeedUpdateJobService.class);
+        JobInfo.Builder builder = new JobInfo.Builder(JOB_ID_FEED_UPDATE, serviceComponent);
+        builder.setRequiredNetworkType(JobInfo.NETWORK_TYPE_ANY);
+        builder.setPersisted(true);
+        return builder;
+    }
+
+    @RequiresApi(api = Build.VERSION_CODES.N)
+    private static void restartJobServiceInterval(Context context, long intervalMillis) {
+        JobScheduler jobScheduler = context.getSystemService(JobScheduler.class);
+        if (jobScheduler == null) {
+            Log.d(TAG, "JobScheduler was null.");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        JobInfo oldJob = jobScheduler.getPendingJob(JOB_ID_FEED_UPDATE);
+        if (oldJob != null && oldJob.getIntervalMillis() == intervalMillis) {
+            Log.d(TAG, "JobScheduler was already set at interval " + intervalMillis + ", ignoring.");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        JobInfo.Builder builder = getFeedUpdateJobBuilder(context);
+        builder.setPeriodic(intervalMillis);
+        jobScheduler.cancel(JOB_ID_FEED_UPDATE);
+
+        if (intervalMillis <= 0) {
+            Log.d(TAG, "Automatic update was deactivated");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        jobScheduler.schedule(builder.build());
+        Log.d(TAG, "JobScheduler was set at interval " + intervalMillis);
+    }
+
+    private static void restartAlarmManagerInterval(Context context, long triggerAtMillis, long intervalMillis) {
+        AlarmManager alarmManager = (AlarmManager) context.getSystemService(Context.ALARM_SERVICE);
+
+        if (alarmManager == null) {
+            Log.d(TAG, "AlarmManager was null");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        PendingIntent updateIntent = PendingIntent.getBroadcast(context, 0,
+                new Intent(context, FeedUpdateReceiver.class), 0);
+        alarmManager.cancel(updateIntent);
+
+        if (intervalMillis <= 0) {
+            Log.d(TAG, "Automatic update was deactivated");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        alarmManager.set(AlarmManager.ELAPSED_REALTIME_WAKEUP,
+                SystemClock.elapsedRealtime() + triggerAtMillis,
+                updateIntent);
+        Log.d(TAG, "Changed alarm to new interval " + TimeUnit.MILLISECONDS.toHours(intervalMillis) + " h");
+    }
+
+    @RequiresApi(api = Build.VERSION_CODES.N)
+    private static void restartJobServiceTriggerAt(Context context, long triggerAtMillis) {
+        JobScheduler jobScheduler = context.getSystemService(JobScheduler.class);
+        if (jobScheduler == null) {
+            Log.d(TAG, "JobScheduler was null.");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        JobInfo.Builder builder = getFeedUpdateJobBuilder(context);
+        builder.setMinimumLatency(triggerAtMillis);
+        jobScheduler.cancel(JOB_ID_FEED_UPDATE);
+        jobScheduler.schedule(builder.build());
+        Log.d(TAG, "JobScheduler was set for " + triggerAtMillis);
+    }
+
+    private static void restartAlarmManagerTimeOfDay(Context context, Calendar alarm) {
+        AlarmManager alarmManager = (AlarmManager) context.getSystemService(Context.ALARM_SERVICE);
+
+        if (alarmManager == null) {
+            Log.d(TAG, "AlarmManager was null");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        PendingIntent updateIntent = PendingIntent.getBroadcast(context, 0,
+                new Intent(context, FeedUpdateReceiver.class), 0);
+        alarmManager.cancel(updateIntent);
+
+        Log.d(TAG, "Alarm set for: " + alarm.toString() + " : " + alarm.getTimeInMillis());
+        alarmManager.set(AlarmManager.RTC_WAKEUP,
+                alarm.getTimeInMillis(),
+                updateIntent);
+        Log.d(TAG, "Changed alarm to new time of day " + alarm.get(Calendar.HOUR_OF_DAY) + ":" + alarm.get(Calendar.MINUTE));
+    }
+}
diff --git a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/gui/NotificationUtils.java b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/gui/NotificationUtils.java
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..1c42364ea
--- /dev/null
+++ b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/gui/NotificationUtils.java
@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+package de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.gui;
+
+
+import android.app.NotificationChannel;
+import android.app.NotificationManager;
+import android.content.Context;
+import android.os.Build;
+import android.support.annotation.RequiresApi;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.R;
+
+public class NotificationUtils {
+    public static final String CHANNEL_ID_USER_ACTION = "user_action";
+    public static final String CHANNEL_ID_DOWNLOADING = "downloading";
+    public static final String CHANNEL_ID_PLAYING = "playing";
+    public static final String CHANNEL_ID_ERROR = "error";
+
+    public static void createChannels(Context context) {
+        if (android.os.Build.VERSION.SDK_INT < 26) {
+            return;
+        }
+        NotificationManager mNotificationManager = (NotificationManager) context.getSystemService(Context.NOTIFICATION_SERVICE);
+
+        if (mNotificationManager != null) {
+            mNotificationManager.createNotificationChannel(createChannelUserAction(context));
+            mNotificationManager.createNotificationChannel(createChannelDownloading(context));
+            mNotificationManager.createNotificationChannel(createChannelPlaying(context));
+            mNotificationManager.createNotificationChannel(createChannelError(context));
+        }
+    }
+
+    @RequiresApi(api = Build.VERSION_CODES.O)
+    private static NotificationChannel createChannelUserAction(Context c) {
+        NotificationChannel mChannel = new NotificationChannel(CHANNEL_ID_USER_ACTION,
+                c.getString(R.string.notification_channel_user_action), NotificationManager.IMPORTANCE_HIGH);
+        mChannel.setDescription(c.getString(R.string.notification_channel_user_action_description));
+        return mChannel;
+    }
+
+    @RequiresApi(api = Build.VERSION_CODES.O)
+    private static NotificationChannel createChannelDownloading(Context c) {
+        NotificationChannel mChannel = new NotificationChannel(CHANNEL_ID_DOWNLOADING,
+                c.getString(R.string.notification_channel_downloading), NotificationManager.IMPORTANCE_LOW);
+        mChannel.setDescription(c.getString(R.string.notification_channel_downloading_description));
+        return mChannel;
+    }
+
+    @RequiresApi(api = Build.VERSION_CODES.O)
+    private static NotificationChannel createChannelPlaying(Context c) {
+        NotificationChannel mChannel = new NotificationChannel(CHANNEL_ID_PLAYING,
+                c.getString(R.string.notification_channel_playing), NotificationManager.IMPORTANCE_LOW);
+        mChannel.setDescription(c.getString(R.string.notification_channel_playing_description));
+        return mChannel;
+    }
+
+    @RequiresApi(api = Build.VERSION_CODES.O)
+    private static NotificationChannel createChannelError(Context c) {
+        NotificationChannel mChannel = new NotificationChannel(CHANNEL_ID_ERROR,
+                c.getString(R.string.notification_channel_error), NotificationManager.IMPORTANCE_HIGH);
+        mChannel.setDescription(c.getString(R.string.notification_channel_error_description));
+        return mChannel;
+    }
+}
diff --git a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/playback/Playable.java b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/playback/Playable.java
index 279c56338..ff7f5b79d 100644
--- a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/playback/Playable.java
+++ b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/playback/Playable.java
@@ -3,6 +3,8 @@ package de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.playback;
 import android.content.Context;
 import android.content.SharedPreferences;
 import android.os.Parcelable;
+import android.preference.PreferenceManager;
+import android.support.annotation.Nullable;
 import android.util.Log;
 
 import java.util.List;
@@ -11,6 +13,7 @@ import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.asynctask.ImageResource;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.feed.Chapter;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.feed.FeedMedia;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.feed.MediaType;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.preferences.PlaybackPreferences;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.storage.DBReader;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.ShownotesProvider;
 
@@ -179,6 +182,23 @@ public interface Playable extends Parcelable,
          * Restores a playable object from a sharedPreferences file. This method might load data from the database,
          * depending on the type of playable that was restored.
          *
+         * @return The restored Playable object
+         */
+        @Nullable
+        public static Playable createInstanceFromPreferences(Context context) {
+            long currentlyPlayingMedia = PlaybackPreferences.getCurrentlyPlayingMedia();
+            if (currentlyPlayingMedia != PlaybackPreferences.NO_MEDIA_PLAYING) {
+                SharedPreferences prefs = PreferenceManager.getDefaultSharedPreferences(context.getApplicationContext());
+                return PlayableUtils.createInstanceFromPreferences(context,
+                        (int) currentlyPlayingMedia, prefs);
+            }
+            return null;
+        }
+
+        /**
+         * Restores a playable object from a sharedPreferences file. This method might load data from the database,
+         * depending on the type of playable that was restored.
+         *
          * @param type An integer that represents the type of the Playable object
          *             that is restored.
          * @param pref The SharedPreferences file from which the Playable object
diff --git a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/playback/PlaybackController.java b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/playback/PlaybackController.java
index a160b4f0a..a3f02d5cc 100644
--- a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/playback/PlaybackController.java
+++ b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/playback/PlaybackController.java
@@ -14,6 +14,8 @@ import android.os.Build;
 import android.os.IBinder;
 import android.preference.PreferenceManager;
 import android.support.annotation.NonNull;
+import android.support.annotation.Nullable;
+import android.support.v4.content.ContextCompat;
 import android.text.TextUtils;
 import android.util.Log;
 import android.util.Pair;
@@ -59,7 +61,7 @@ public abstract class PlaybackController {
 
     private PlaybackService playbackService;
     private Playable media;
-    private PlayerStatus status;
+    private PlayerStatus status = PlayerStatus.STOPPED;
 
     private final ScheduledThreadPoolExecutor schedExecutor;
     private static final int SCHED_EX_POOLSIZE = 1;
@@ -69,6 +71,7 @@ public abstract class PlaybackController {
 
     private boolean mediaInfoLoaded = false;
     private boolean released = false;
+    private boolean initialized = false;
 
     private Subscription serviceBinder;
 
@@ -92,10 +95,22 @@ public abstract class PlaybackController {
     }
 
     /**
-     * Creates a new connection to the playbackService. Should be called in the
-     * activity's onResume() method.
+     * Creates a new connection to the playbackService.
      */
     public void init() {
+        if (PlaybackService.isRunning) {
+            initServiceRunning();
+        } else {
+            initServiceNotRunning();
+        }
+    }
+
+    private synchronized void initServiceRunning() {
+        if (initialized) {
+            return;
+        }
+        initialized = true;
+
         activity.registerReceiver(statusUpdate, new IntentFilter(
             PlaybackService.ACTION_PLAYER_STATUS_CHANGED));
 
@@ -167,7 +182,7 @@ public abstract class PlaybackController {
      */
     private void bindToService() {
         Log.d(TAG, "Trying to connect to service");
-        if(serviceBinder != null) {
+        if (serviceBinder != null) {
             serviceBinder.unsubscribe();
         }
         serviceBinder = Observable.fromCallable(this::getPlayLastPlayedMediaIntent)
@@ -178,7 +193,7 @@ public abstract class PlaybackController {
                     if (!PlaybackService.started) {
                         if (intent != null) {
                             Log.d(TAG, "Calling start service");
-                            activity.startService(intent);
+                            ContextCompat.startForegroundService(activity, intent);
                             bound = activity.bindService(intent, mConnection, 0);
                         } else {
                             status = PlayerStatus.STOPPED;
@@ -198,31 +213,24 @@ public abstract class PlaybackController {
      * Returns an intent that starts the PlaybackService and plays the last
      * played media or null if no last played media could be found.
      */
-    private Intent getPlayLastPlayedMediaIntent() {
+    @Nullable private Intent getPlayLastPlayedMediaIntent() {
         Log.d(TAG, "Trying to restore last played media");
-        SharedPreferences prefs = PreferenceManager.getDefaultSharedPreferences(
-                activity.getApplicationContext());
-        long currentlyPlayingMedia = PlaybackPreferences.getCurrentlyPlayingMedia();
-        if (currentlyPlayingMedia != PlaybackPreferences.NO_MEDIA_PLAYING) {
-            Playable media = PlayableUtils.createInstanceFromPreferences(activity,
-                    (int) currentlyPlayingMedia, prefs);
-            if (media != null) {
-                Intent serviceIntent = new Intent(activity, PlaybackService.class);
-                serviceIntent.putExtra(PlaybackService.EXTRA_PLAYABLE, media);
-                serviceIntent.putExtra(PlaybackService.EXTRA_START_WHEN_PREPARED, false);
-                serviceIntent.putExtra(PlaybackService.EXTRA_PREPARE_IMMEDIATELY, true);
-                boolean fileExists = media.localFileAvailable();
-                boolean lastIsStream = PlaybackPreferences.getCurrentEpisodeIsStream();
-                if (!fileExists && !lastIsStream && media instanceof FeedMedia) {
-                    DBTasks.notifyMissingFeedMediaFile(activity, (FeedMedia) media);
-                }
-                serviceIntent.putExtra(PlaybackService.EXTRA_SHOULD_STREAM,
-                        lastIsStream || !fileExists);
-                return serviceIntent;
-            }
+        Playable media = PlayableUtils.createInstanceFromPreferences(activity);
+        if (media == null) {
+            Log.d(TAG, "No last played media found");
+            return null;
         }
-        Log.d(TAG, "No last played media found");
-        return null;
+
+        boolean fileExists = media.localFileAvailable();
+        boolean lastIsStream = PlaybackPreferences.getCurrentEpisodeIsStream();
+        if (!fileExists && !lastIsStream && media instanceof FeedMedia) {
+            DBTasks.notifyMissingFeedMediaFile(activity, (FeedMedia) media);
+        }
+
+        return new PlaybackServiceStarter(activity, media)
+                .startWhenPrepared(false)
+                .shouldStream(lastIsStream || !fileExists)
+                .getIntent();
     }
 
 
@@ -511,7 +519,7 @@ public abstract class PlaybackController {
                         "PlaybackService has no media object. Trying to restore last played media.");
                 Intent serviceIntent = getPlayLastPlayedMediaIntent();
                 if (serviceIntent != null) {
-                    activity.startService(serviceIntent);
+			        ContextCompat.startForegroundService(activity, serviceIntent);
                 }
             }
             */
@@ -576,6 +584,10 @@ public abstract class PlaybackController {
 
     public void playPause() {
         if (playbackService == null) {
+            new PlaybackServiceStarter(activity, media)
+                    .startWhenPrepared(true)
+                    .streamIfLastWasStream()
+                    .start();
             Log.w(TAG, "Play/Pause button was pressed, but playbackservice was null!");
             return;
         }
@@ -609,6 +621,8 @@ public abstract class PlaybackController {
     public int getPosition() {
         if (playbackService != null) {
             return playbackService.getCurrentPosition();
+        } else if (media != null) {
+            return media.getPosition();
         } else {
             return PlaybackService.INVALID_TIME;
         }
@@ -617,12 +631,17 @@ public abstract class PlaybackController {
     public int getDuration() {
         if (playbackService != null) {
             return playbackService.getDuration();
+        } else if (media != null) {
+            return media.getDuration();
         } else {
             return PlaybackService.INVALID_TIME;
         }
     }
 
     public Playable getMedia() {
+        if (media == null) {
+            media = PlayableUtils.createInstanceFromPreferences(activity);
+        }
         return media;
     }
 
@@ -714,8 +733,13 @@ public abstract class PlaybackController {
     }
 
     public boolean isPlayingVideoLocally() {
-        return playbackService != null && PlaybackService.getCurrentMediaType() == MediaType.VIDEO
-                && !PlaybackService.isCasting();
+        if (PlaybackService.isCasting()) {
+            return false;
+        } else if (playbackService != null) {
+            return PlaybackService.getCurrentMediaType() == MediaType.VIDEO;
+        } else {
+            return getMedia() != null && getMedia().getMediaType() == MediaType.VIDEO;
+        }
     }
 
     public Pair<Integer, Integer> getVideoSize() {
@@ -755,6 +779,21 @@ public abstract class PlaybackController {
         }
     }
 
+    private void initServiceNotRunning() {
+        if (getMedia() == null) {
+            return;
+        }
+        if (getMedia().getMediaType() == MediaType.AUDIO) {
+            TypedArray res = activity.obtainStyledAttributes(new int[]{
+                    de.danoeh.antennapod.core.R.attr.av_play_big});
+            getPlayButton().setImageResource(
+                    res.getResourceId(0, de.danoeh.antennapod.core.R.drawable.ic_play_arrow_grey600_36dp));
+            res.recycle();
+        } else {
+            getPlayButton().setImageResource(R.drawable.ic_av_play_circle_outline_80dp);
+        }
+    }
+
     /**
      * Refreshes the current position of the media file that is playing.
      */
diff --git a/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/playback/PlaybackServiceStarter.java b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/playback/PlaybackServiceStarter.java
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..3ba553d12
--- /dev/null
+++ b/core/src/main/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/playback/PlaybackServiceStarter.java
@@ -0,0 +1,76 @@
+package de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.playback;
+
+import android.content.Context;
+import android.content.Intent;
+import android.media.MediaPlayer;
+import android.support.v4.content.ContextCompat;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.preferences.PlaybackPreferences;
+import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.service.playback.PlaybackService;
+
+public class PlaybackServiceStarter {
+    private final Context context;
+    private final Playable media;
+    private boolean startWhenPrepared = false;
+    private boolean shouldStream = false;
+    private boolean callEvenIfRunning = false;
+    private boolean prepareImmediately = true;
+
+    public PlaybackServiceStarter(Context context, Playable media) {
+        this.context = context;
+        this.media = media;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Default value: false
+     */
+    public PlaybackServiceStarter shouldStream(boolean shouldStream) {
+        this.shouldStream = shouldStream;
+        return this;
+    }
+
+    public PlaybackServiceStarter streamIfLastWasStream() {
+        boolean lastIsStream = PlaybackPreferences.getCurrentEpisodeIsStream();
+        return shouldStream(lastIsStream);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Default value: false
+     */
+    public PlaybackServiceStarter startWhenPrepared(boolean startWhenPrepared) {
+        this.startWhenPrepared = startWhenPrepared;
+        return this;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Default value: false
+     */
+    public PlaybackServiceStarter callEvenIfRunning(boolean callEvenIfRunning) {
+        this.callEvenIfRunning = callEvenIfRunning;
+        return this;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Default value: true
+     */
+    public PlaybackServiceStarter prepareImmediately(boolean prepareImmediately) {
+        this.prepareImmediately = prepareImmediately;
+        return this;
+    }
+
+    public Intent getIntent() {
+        Intent launchIntent = new Intent(context, PlaybackService.class);
+        launchIntent.putExtra(PlaybackService.EXTRA_PLAYABLE, media);
+        launchIntent.putExtra(PlaybackService.EXTRA_START_WHEN_PREPARED, startWhenPrepared);
+        launchIntent.putExtra(PlaybackService.EXTRA_SHOULD_STREAM, shouldStream);
+        launchIntent.putExtra(PlaybackService.EXTRA_PREPARE_IMMEDIATELY, prepareImmediately);
+
+        return launchIntent;
+    }
+
+    public void start() {
+        if (PlaybackService.isRunning && !callEvenIfRunning) {
+            return;
+        }
+        ContextCompat.startForegroundService(context, getIntent());
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/src/main/res/layout/player_widget.xml b/core/src/main/res/layout/player_widget.xml
index cabebc83f..cabebc83f 100644
--- a/app/src/main/res/layout/player_widget.xml
+++ b/core/src/main/res/layout/player_widget.xml
diff --git a/core/src/main/res/values/strings.xml b/core/src/main/res/values/strings.xml
index 5c06d34bd..44288b24a 100644
--- a/core/src/main/res/values/strings.xml
+++ b/core/src/main/res/values/strings.xml
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@
     <string name="free_space_label">%1$s free</string>
     <string name="episode_cache_full_title">Episode cache full</string>
     <string name="episode_cache_full_message">The episode cache limit has been reached. You can increase the cache size in the Settings.</string>
+    <string name="synchronizing">Synchronizing…</string>
 
     <!-- Statistics fragment -->
     <string name="total_time_listened_to_podcasts">Total time of podcasts played:</string>
@@ -710,4 +711,14 @@
     <string name="cast_failed_seek">Failed to seek to the new position on the cast device</string>
     <string name="cast_failed_receiver_player_error">Receiver player has encountered a severe error</string>
     <string name="cast_failed_media_error_skipping">Error playing media. Skipping&#8230;</string>
+
+    <!-- Notification channels -->
+    <string name="notification_channel_user_action">Action required</string>
+    <string name="notification_channel_user_action_description">Shown if your action is required, for example if you need to enter a password.</string>
+    <string name="notification_channel_downloading">Downloading</string>
+    <string name="notification_channel_downloading_description">Shown while currently downloading.</string>
+    <string name="notification_channel_playing">Currently playing</string>
+    <string name="notification_channel_playing_description">Allows to control playback. This is the main notification you see while playing a podcast.</string>
+    <string name="notification_channel_error">Errors</string>
+    <string name="notification_channel_error_description">Shown if something went wrong, for example if download or gpodder sync fails.</string>
 </resources>
diff --git a/core/src/test/java/android/text/TextUtils.java b/core/src/test/java/android/text/TextUtils.java
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c31234171
--- /dev/null
+++ b/core/src/test/java/android/text/TextUtils.java
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+package android.text;
+
+/**
+ * A slim-down version of standard {@link android.text.TextUtils} to be used in unit tests.
+ */
+public class TextUtils {
+
+    /**
+     * Returns true if a and b are equal, including if they are both null.
+     * <p><i>Note: In platform versions 1.1 and earlier, this method only worked well if
+     * both the arguments were instances of String.</i></p>
+     * @param a first CharSequence to check
+     * @param b second CharSequence to check
+     * @return true if a and b are equal
+     */
+    public static boolean equals(CharSequence a, CharSequence b) {
+        if (a == b) return true;
+        int length;
+        if (a != null && b != null && (length = a.length()) == b.length()) {
+            if (a instanceof String && b instanceof String) {
+                return a.equals(b);
+            } else {
+                for (int i = 0; i < length; i++) {
+                    if (a.charAt(i) != b.charAt(i)) return false;
+                }
+                return true;
+            }
+        }
+        return false;
+    }
+
+}
diff --git a/core/src/test/java/android/util/Log.java b/core/src/test/java/android/util/Log.java
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..881d10209
--- /dev/null
+++ b/core/src/test/java/android/util/Log.java
@@ -0,0 +1,245 @@
+package android.util;
+
+import java.io.PrintWriter;
+import java.io.StringWriter;
+
+/**
+ * A stub for {@link android.util.Log} to be used in unit tests.
+ *
+ * It outputs the log statements to standard error.
+ */
+public final class Log {
+
+    /**
+     * Priority constant for the println method; use Log.v.
+     */
+    public static final int VERBOSE = 2;
+
+    /**
+     * Priority constant for the println method; use Log.d.
+     */
+    public static final int DEBUG = 3;
+
+    /**
+     * Priority constant for the println method; use Log.i.
+     */
+    public static final int INFO = 4;
+
+    /**
+     * Priority constant for the println method; use Log.w.
+     */
+    public static final int WARN = 5;
+
+    /**
+     * Priority constant for the println method; use Log.e.
+     */
+    public static final int ERROR = 6;
+
+    /**
+     * Priority constant for the println method.
+     */
+    public static final int ASSERT = 7;
+
+    private Log() {
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Send a {@link #VERBOSE} log message.
+     * @param tag Used to identify the source of a log message.  It usually identifies
+     *        the class or activity where the log call occurs.
+     * @param msg The message you would like logged.
+     */
+    public static int v(String tag, String msg) {
+        return println_native(LOG_ID_MAIN, VERBOSE, tag, msg);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Send a {@link #VERBOSE} log message and log the exception.
+     * @param tag Used to identify the source of a log message.  It usually identifies
+     *        the class or activity where the log call occurs.
+     * @param msg The message you would like logged.
+     * @param tr An exception to log
+     */
+    public static int v(String tag, String msg, Throwable tr) {
+        return printlns(LOG_ID_MAIN, VERBOSE, tag, msg, tr);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Send a {@link #DEBUG} log message.
+     * @param tag Used to identify the source of a log message.  It usually identifies
+     *        the class or activity where the log call occurs.
+     * @param msg The message you would like logged.
+     */
+    public static int d(String tag, String msg) {
+        return println_native(LOG_ID_MAIN, DEBUG, tag, msg);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Send a {@link #DEBUG} log message and log the exception.
+     * @param tag Used to identify the source of a log message.  It usually identifies
+     *        the class or activity where the log call occurs.
+     * @param msg The message you would like logged.
+     * @param tr An exception to log
+     */
+    public static int d(String tag, String msg, Throwable tr) {
+        return printlns(LOG_ID_MAIN, DEBUG, tag, msg, tr);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Send an {@link #INFO} log message.
+     * @param tag Used to identify the source of a log message.  It usually identifies
+     *        the class or activity where the log call occurs.
+     * @param msg The message you would like logged.
+     */
+    public static int i(String tag, String msg) {
+        return println_native(LOG_ID_MAIN, INFO, tag, msg);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Send a {@link #INFO} log message and log the exception.
+     * @param tag Used to identify the source of a log message.  It usually identifies
+     *        the class or activity where the log call occurs.
+     * @param msg The message you would like logged.
+     * @param tr An exception to log
+     */
+    public static int i(String tag, String msg, Throwable tr) {
+        return printlns(LOG_ID_MAIN, INFO, tag, msg, tr);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Send a {@link #WARN} log message.
+     * @param tag Used to identify the source of a log message.  It usually identifies
+     *        the class or activity where the log call occurs.
+     * @param msg The message you would like logged.
+     */
+    public static int w(String tag, String msg) {
+        return println_native(LOG_ID_MAIN, WARN, tag, msg);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Send a {@link #WARN} log message and log the exception.
+     * @param tag Used to identify the source of a log message.  It usually identifies
+     *        the class or activity where the log call occurs.
+     * @param msg The message you would like logged.
+     * @param tr An exception to log
+     */
+    public static int w(String tag, String msg, Throwable tr) {
+        return printlns(LOG_ID_MAIN, WARN, tag, msg, tr);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Checks to see whether or not a log for the specified tag is loggable at the specified level.
+     *
+     * @return true in all cases (for unit test environment)
+     */
+    public static boolean isLoggable(String tag, int level) {
+        return true;
+    }
+
+    /*
+     * Send a {@link #WARN} log message and log the exception.
+     * @param tag Used to identify the source of a log message.  It usually identifies
+     *        the class or activity where the log call occurs.
+     * @param tr An exception to log
+     */
+    public static int w(String tag, Throwable tr) {
+        return printlns(LOG_ID_MAIN, WARN, tag, "", tr);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Send an {@link #ERROR} log message.
+     * @param tag Used to identify the source of a log message.  It usually identifies
+     *        the class or activity where the log call occurs.
+     * @param msg The message you would like logged.
+     */
+    public static int e(String tag, String msg) {
+        return println_native(LOG_ID_MAIN, ERROR, tag, msg);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Send a {@link #ERROR} log message and log the exception.
+     * @param tag Used to identify the source of a log message.  It usually identifies
+     *        the class or activity where the log call occurs.
+     * @param msg The message you would like logged.
+     * @param tr An exception to log
+     */
+    public static int e(String tag, String msg, Throwable tr) {
+        return printlns(LOG_ID_MAIN, ERROR, tag, msg, tr);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * What a Terrible Failure: Report a condition that should never happen.
+     * The error will always be logged at level ASSERT with the call stack.
+     * Depending on system configuration, a report may be added to the
+     * {@link android.os.DropBoxManager} and/or the process may be terminated
+     * immediately with an error dialog.
+     * @param tag Used to identify the source of a log message.
+     * @param msg The message you would like logged.
+     */
+    public static int wtf(String tag, String msg) {
+        return wtf(LOG_ID_MAIN, tag, msg, null, false, false);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Like {@link #wtf(String, String)}, but also writes to the log the full
+     * call stack.
+     * @hide
+     */
+    public static int wtfStack(String tag, String msg) {
+        return wtf(LOG_ID_MAIN, tag, msg, null, true, false);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * What a Terrible Failure: Report an exception that should never happen.
+     * Similar to {@link #wtf(String, String)}, with an exception to log.
+     * @param tag Used to identify the source of a log message.
+     * @param tr An exception to log.
+     */
+    public static int wtf(String tag, Throwable tr) {
+        return wtf(LOG_ID_MAIN, tag, tr.getMessage(), tr, false, false);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * What a Terrible Failure: Report an exception that should never happen.
+     * Similar to {@link #wtf(String, Throwable)}, with a message as well.
+     * @param tag Used to identify the source of a log message.
+     * @param msg The message you would like logged.
+     * @param tr An exception to log.  May be null.
+     */
+    public static int wtf(String tag, String msg, Throwable tr) {
+        return wtf(LOG_ID_MAIN, tag, msg, tr, false, false);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Priority Constant for wtf.
+     * Added for this custom Log implementation, not in android sources.
+     */
+    private static final int WTF = 8;
+    static int wtf(int logId, String tag, String msg, Throwable tr, boolean localStack,
+                   boolean system) {
+        return printlns(LOG_ID_MAIN, WTF, tag, msg, tr);
+    }
+
+    private static final int LOG_ID_MAIN = 0;
+
+    private static final String[] PRIORITY_ABBREV = { "0", "1", "V", "D", "I", "W", "E", "A", "WTF" };
+
+    private static int println_native(int bufID, int priority, String tag, String msg) {
+        String res = PRIORITY_ABBREV[priority] + "/" + tag + " " + msg + System.lineSeparator();
+        System.err.print(res);
+        return res.length();
+    }
+
+    private static int printlns(int bufID, int priority, String tag, String msg,
+                               Throwable tr) {
+        StringWriter trSW = new StringWriter();
+        if (tr != null) {
+            trSW.append(" , Exception: ");
+            PrintWriter trPW = new PrintWriter(trSW);
+            tr.printStackTrace(trPW);
+            trPW.flush();
+        }
+        return println_native(bufID, priority, tag, msg + trSW.toString());
+    }
+
+}
diff --git a/core/src/androidTest/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/feed/FeedImageMother.java b/core/src/test/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/feed/FeedImageMother.java
index 0fb4992ba..0fb4992ba 100644
--- a/core/src/androidTest/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/feed/FeedImageMother.java
+++ b/core/src/test/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/feed/FeedImageMother.java
diff --git a/core/src/androidTest/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/feed/FeedItemMother.java b/core/src/test/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/feed/FeedItemMother.java
index 3d7c4fe5f..3d7c4fe5f 100644
--- a/core/src/androidTest/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/feed/FeedItemMother.java
+++ b/core/src/test/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/feed/FeedItemMother.java
diff --git a/core/src/androidTest/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/feed/FeedItemTest.java b/core/src/test/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/feed/FeedItemTest.java
index 9e12e8ae0..92aacd9d7 100644
--- a/core/src/androidTest/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/feed/FeedItemTest.java
+++ b/core/src/test/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/feed/FeedItemTest.java
@@ -1,22 +1,26 @@
 package de.danoeh.antennapod.core.feed;
 
-import android.test.AndroidTestCase;
+import org.junit.Before;
+import org.junit.Test;
 
 import static de.danoeh.antennapod.core.feed.FeedItemMother.anyFeedItemWithImage;
+import static org.junit.Assert.assertEquals;
+import static org.junit.Assert.assertTrue;
 
-public class FeedItemTest extends AndroidTestCase {
+public class FeedItemTest {
 
     private FeedItem original;
     private FeedImage originalImage;
     private FeedItem changedFeedItem;
 
-    @Override
-    protected void setUp() {
+    @Before
+    public void setUp() {
         original = anyFeedItemWithImage();
         originalImage = original.getImage();
         changedFeedItem = anyFeedItemWithImage();
     }
 
+    @Test
     public void testUpdateFromOther_feedItemImageDownloadUrlChanged() throws Exception {
         setNewFeedItemImageDownloadUrl();
 
@@ -25,6 +29,7 @@ public class FeedItemTest extends AndroidTestCase {
         feedItemImageWasUpdated();
     }
 
+    @Test
     public void testUpdateFromOther_feedItemImageRemoved() throws Exception {
         feedItemImageRemoved();
 
@@ -33,6 +38,7 @@ public class FeedItemTest extends AndroidTestCase {
         feedItemImageWasNotUpdated();
     }
 
+    @Test
     public void testUpdateFromOther_feedItemImageAdded() throws Exception {
         feedItemHadNoImage();
         setNewFeedItemImageDownloadUrl();
diff --git a/core/src/androidTest/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/feed/FeedMother.java b/core/src/test/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/feed/FeedMother.java
index fecc8e377..fecc8e377 100644
--- a/core/src/androidTest/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/feed/FeedMother.java
+++ b/core/src/test/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/feed/FeedMother.java
diff --git a/core/src/androidTest/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/feed/FeedTest.java b/core/src/test/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/feed/FeedTest.java
index 8067ec93f..55f3bdafe 100644
--- a/core/src/androidTest/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/feed/FeedTest.java
+++ b/core/src/test/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/feed/FeedTest.java
@@ -1,41 +1,49 @@
 package de.danoeh.antennapod.core.feed;
 
-import android.test.AndroidTestCase;
+import org.junit.Before;
+import org.junit.Test;
 
 import static de.danoeh.antennapod.core.feed.FeedImageMother.anyFeedImage;
 import static de.danoeh.antennapod.core.feed.FeedMother.anyFeed;
+import static org.junit.Assert.assertEquals;
+import static org.junit.Assert.assertFalse;
+import static org.junit.Assert.assertTrue;
 
-public class FeedTest extends AndroidTestCase {
+public class FeedTest {
 
     private Feed original;
     private FeedImage originalImage;
     private Feed changedFeed;
 
-    @Override
-    protected void setUp() {
+    @Before
+    public void setUp() {
         original = anyFeed();
         originalImage = original.getImage();
         changedFeed = anyFeed();
     }
 
+    @Test
     public void testCompareWithOther_feedImageDownloadUrlChanged() throws Exception {
         setNewFeedImageDownloadUrl();
 
         feedHasChanged();
     }
 
+    @Test
     public void testCompareWithOther_sameFeedImage() throws Exception {
         changedFeed.setImage(anyFeedImage());
 
         feedHasNotChanged();
     }
 
+    @Test
     public void testCompareWithOther_feedImageRemoved() throws Exception {
         feedImageRemoved();
 
         feedHasNotChanged();
     }
 
+    @Test
     public void testUpdateFromOther_feedImageDownloadUrlChanged() throws Exception {
         setNewFeedImageDownloadUrl();
 
@@ -44,6 +52,7 @@ public class FeedTest extends AndroidTestCase {
         feedImageWasUpdated();
     }
 
+    @Test
     public void testUpdateFromOther_feedImageRemoved() throws Exception {
         feedImageRemoved();
 
@@ -52,6 +61,7 @@ public class FeedTest extends AndroidTestCase {
         feedImageWasNotUpdated();
     }
 
+    @Test
     public void testUpdateFromOther_feedImageAdded() throws Exception {
         feedHadNoImage();
         setNewFeedImageDownloadUrl();
diff --git a/core/src/androidTest/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/tests/util/service/download/DownloadServiceTest.java b/core/src/test/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/service/download/DownloadServiceTest.java
index 94cfb3278..e40de2064 100644
--- a/core/src/androidTest/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/tests/util/service/download/DownloadServiceTest.java
+++ b/core/src/test/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/service/download/DownloadServiceTest.java
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
-package de.danoeh.antennapod.core.tests.util.service.download;
+package de.danoeh.antennapod.core.service.download;
 
-import android.test.AndroidTestCase;
+
+import org.junit.Test;
 
 import java.util.ArrayList;
 import java.util.List;
@@ -8,10 +9,12 @@ import java.util.List;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.feed.Feed;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.feed.FeedImage;
 import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.feed.FeedItem;
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.service.download.DownloadService;
 
-public class DownloadServiceTest extends AndroidTestCase {
+import static org.junit.Assert.assertEquals;
+
+public class DownloadServiceTest  {
 
+    @Test
     public void testRemoveDuplicateImages() {
         List<FeedItem> items = new ArrayList<>();
         for (int i = 0; i < 50; i++) {
diff --git a/core/src/androidTest/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/tests/util/LongLongMapTest.java b/core/src/test/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/LongLongMapTest.java
index 50c2a9c3c..0ed77eb9f 100644
--- a/core/src/androidTest/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/tests/util/LongLongMapTest.java
+++ b/core/src/test/java/de/danoeh/antennapod/core/util/LongLongMapTest.java
@@ -1,11 +1,12 @@
-package de.danoeh.antennapod.core.tests.util;
+package de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util;
 
-import android.test.AndroidTestCase;
+import org.junit.Test;
 
-import de.danoeh.antennapod.core.util.LongIntMap;
+import static org.junit.Assert.assertEquals;
 
-public class LongLongMapTest extends AndroidTestCase {
+public class LongLongMapTest {
 
+    @Test
     public void testEmptyMap() {
         LongIntMap map = new LongIntMap();
         assertEquals(0, map.size());
@@ -18,6 +19,7 @@ public class LongLongMapTest extends AndroidTestCase {
         assertEquals(1, map.hashCode());
     }
 
+    @Test
     public void testSingleElement() {
         LongIntMap map = new LongIntMap();
         map.put(17, 42);
@@ -30,6 +32,7 @@ public class LongLongMapTest extends AndroidTestCase {
         assertEquals(true, map.delete(17));
     }
 
+    @Test
     public void testAddAndDelete() {
         LongIntMap map = new LongIntMap();
         for(int i=0; i < 100; i++) {
@@ -46,6 +49,7 @@ public class LongLongMapTest extends AndroidTestCase {
         }
     }
 
+    @Test
     public void testOverwrite() {
         LongIntMap map = new LongIntMap();
         map.put(17, 42);