Spotify tests new convenient Nearby Device feature

A new feature Spotify is testing out makes it easier to switch to your "favorite" nearby device. Thurrott's Mehedi Hassan reported that this new nearby device feature allows users to easily switch playback to their most-used device whenever they're nearby. If this test is available to you, then it'll ask you first if you want to set a "favorite" device within Spotify Connect. When you set it to your preferred device, the mobile app will ask you whether you want to start playback on that device whenever you are near the device.

An example Hassan gave was that he set a Harman Kardon Invoke speaker as a favorite device. Every time he comes home, Spotify detects that the Invoke is nearby. It would send him a notification asking if he wants to start playing on the Invoke. Spotify would then switch playback immediately from the notification, easing the process for him to make the switch. Theoretically, it should work with any device that supports Spotify Connect, but Hassan notes that it doesn't work with his Windows 10 PC yet. Since this seems to be a test, you may or may not get it yet. Let us know what you think if you have access to it.

Spotify tests out new personalized playlists: On Repeat & Repeat Rewind

Spotify’s personalized playlists are usually designed for music discovery. But this time it looks like the music streaming service is trying something different. Android Police discovered two new playlists that are populated by songs you frequently listen to. The two playlists are called On Repeat and Repeat Rewind. On Repeat focuses on the “songs you love right now,” while Repeat Rewind focuses on “some old favorites.” According to Android Police’s Ryne Hager, the playlist appeared on his Android app under the “Uniquely yours” section in the Home tab. It also doesn’t seem to be available to everyone yet. We haven’t seen it show up on our app either. But Spotify is known to do extensive A/B tests for everything, so that might be the case for this playlist.

Spotify on the iPad now supports Split View and Slide Over modes

Spotify finally supports a couple of useful features for the iPad. Version 8.5.14.816 will let you access the app without having to open a full-screen instance of it. You can find new music or switch songs via a limited pull-down menu. If you want to use Split View, you just need to tap and drag the top of the Spotify view window to the top of the screen. This will then split your screen with your other app of choice at the bottom. You can adjust the size to suit your preference. As for Slide Over, you need to add Spotify to your iPad dock. You will then be able to open the app even if you’re using a different one. It’ll sit on top of the app you’re currently running.

Source: The Verge

Spotify wants to be the car radio alternative with ‘Your Daily Drive’ playlist

While it seems to be limited to US users for now, Spotify is making its case for becoming your in-car entertainment source. The company just announced the personalized Your Daily Drive playlist. It combines the music you love with news talk shows and updates from “reputable sources” to turn the service into your own radio station of sorts. The playlist will include short-form podcast news updates from the Wall Street Journal, PRI, and NPR as well as a mix of your favorite songs and new tracks based on your listening habits. The playlist will be updated throughout the day with a promise to “keep both the music and news fresh.”