Spotify introduces new podcast charts feature

You can now check out the "Top" and "Trending" Podcasts in the country with this new Spotify feature. The streaming service introduces these new podcast charts to 26 markets, including Canada. It's accessible through the Podcasts section. And that can be seen if you head to the Search tab on mobile. These charts are only available on iOS and Android to show you the latest and greatest podcasts. The Top Podcasts list the top 200 shows in the selected region or category, while Trending Podcasts show the 50 "rapidly rising shows." Some markets—including Brazil, Australia, Germany, Mexico, Sweden, the UK, and the US—can even separate the Top Podcasts by category. You can also check out the participating countries' rankings through the "Podcast charts by country option."

Source: Spotify

Spotify helps you create a personalized workout playlist

A sample Spotify workout playlist we created using the new generator

Spotify has a new playlist generator to help curate your next workout playlist. It combines your taste and your quiz answers to build the playlist for you. It asks you how long your workout session is, with the selection ranging from 15 minutes to two hours; whether you want it to be a mix of music and podcasts or not; and if you're okay with adding explicit content.  

You need to put what kind of workout you're going to do. There are options like yoga, cardio, biking, lifting, dance, and more. It'll then inquire if you're working out by yourself, with a partner, with kids, and the like. The quiz generator will then ask for the "workout vibe" you're going for, options include "Totally Zen," "Get Movin'," "Pumped Up," and more. You then need to pick one to two genres you'd like to listen to. 

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Spotify tests redesign of desktop app, looks similar to web player

Spotify might be thinking to unify its desktop app and web player. App researcher Jane Manchun Wong spotted the potential redesign, which she noted looks almost the same as the web player. Controls are more or less the same, but this means it could be less confusing to jump from the web app to the desktop app. 

Some users have already reported getting the new interface, but are complaining about things like not being able to sort playlists by name, song date, etc.; search for songs within playlists; or receive a warning if you're adding a duplicate song to the playlist. But again, this is still a test, and we hope Spotify improves usability. It isn't clear yet if more users will be getting the new version. Wong also mentions that lyrics are coming to the desktop, too.

Spotify Premium Duo launches in Canada, costs $12.99 per month

Spotify Premium Duo is now available in Canada for $12.99 a month. It targets partners or roommates looking to save some money on their subscription. The company has been testing the feature in other markets and now comes to 55 more markets. Canadian Spotify Premium subscribers usually pay $9.99 a month, and with this plan, you would save around $7 monthly.

If you haven't tried Premium before, Spotify throws in a free month before it charges you the monthly fee. Pairs also get a personalized Duo Mix playlist that combines you and your partner's music preferences. You each get individual accounts, but you would share the expense. If you're both Premium users already, you can change to a Duo plan to keep your existing libraries.

Source: Spotify