Google Assistant might let you play podcasts from third-party apps soon

Source: Google

It might soon be possible to use Google Assistant to play podcasts without launching the app on your phone. Android Police and its readers discovered that Google is looking to support third-party podcasts services, starting with Spotify. You can choose your podcast provider of choice in the podcast settings in Assistant. Google hasn't confirmed the rollout yet, but AP's writer Rita El Khoury can't get the feature to work at the moment. Engadget points out that this might be due to regional issues.

Spotify on mobile now lets you look for songs using lyrics

Spotify is catching up with Apple Music with this new feature. It now lets Android and iOS users search for songs using lyrics. It's useful when you can't remember a track's title, but know a line from it. Now, you no longer need to look for the song online. Instead, you can do your search within the streaming app. It's a small yet essential update that we're happy Spotify finally offers.

Source: 9to5Mac

Spotify finally adds new podcast episode notifications

Spotify continues to build on its podcast offerings with this new small update. The streaming service is now rolling out mobile push notifications for new podcast episodes. If you've been waiting for this feature, head to the podcast you want and make sure you're following the program. You will then get the option to "get notified of new episodes." 

When you select this option, a notification will head your way every time the podcast you follow releases a new episode. The feature is available for both free and premium users.

Source: Engadget

Spotify spotted testing out new 'Car Mode' design

It looks like Spotify is trying to revamp its Car Mode. App researcher Jane Manchun Wong spotted the changes. The Car Mode home page is getting larger grids for recommended playlists, a redesigned navigation bar, and a new banner that promotes Spotify control using Google Assistant. The player UI is also getting a new look with larger buttons to make it easier to control the app. 

According to Wong, other features Spotify is testing include a new animation for new likes and allowing free users to play content offline for 30 minutes a day. Offline listening is currently only available to its Premium subscribers.

With this potential update hitting the app, it looks like Spotify is cozying up to Google. The streaming service recently launched a free Google Nest Mini giveaway for Premium users.