Spotify tests out skippable ads for free users

Credit: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

In a move that might dissuade people from going Premium, Spotify is trying out a new feature in Australia that will let free users skip both audio and video ads as many times as they like. The music streaming service told AdAge that they think this move will result in better targeted ads. Spotify reasons that people will likely just skip ads they don’t care about and by doing so, will give them feedback on what ads to send their way. Danielle Lee, global head of partner solutions at Spotify, likens this to the Discover Weekly playlist but for ads and Spotify says advertisers will not pay for skipped ads. The feature is currently being tested now but the company has plans to launch it globally. We’re not sure how this would bode well though for Premium users who specifically pay so that they can avoid ads.

Samsung and Spotify team up for long-term partnership

During the Samsung Unpacked event, Samsung also revealed it’s entering a long-term partnership with Spotify. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek describes this partnership as something that will include all Samsung devices, ranging from phones to TVs, to speakers. The app will now be part of the setup experience of Samsung devices and will get deeper integration through the current Spotify Connect feature. On top of that, Spotify and Samsung accounts will eventually be linked for smart home integration via the SmartThings app. The streaming music service will also be the default music option for Bixby, among other possible new features coming in the future.

Ek said in a press release, “For example - when you buy a new Samsung phone and use the SmartThings app to set up your Samsung Smart TV or Galaxy Home, you will be prompted to link your Spotify account. So right from the beginning, you’ll have that collaboration. It only takes a few simple steps. Additionally, we're also making it easier to move playback to various hardware devices with Spotify Connect. When a user enters WiFi while listening to music on mobile with the Spotify app, they’ll be able to move playback from the mobile lock screen, instead of having to go back in the Spotify app.”

Skype now has Spotify integration, too

Skype will now make it easy for you to share music with whomever you’re chatting with through the app’s integration with Spotify. It’s coming first to US-based Skype Insider users with the mobile app version of 8.26 or higher and then to global Insiders later. Insiders are users who get access to early features before these roll out to the rest of the users. Spotify can be accessed through Skype Add-ins, which house all the third-party services you can use when you’re in chats. (These are accessible through the “+” icon.)

Spotify through the Add-ins panel will let you search for songs, albums, and artists, preview and share music, or just play them. OnMSFT notes that not all songs have a playable preview on Skype, so sometimes your contacts will need to click on the “Play on Spotify” button to get to listen to the song.

Source: Engadget

Google Clock app gets Spotify integration to create customized alarms

Want to wake up to your favourite song? Google and Spotify have teamed up to make this happen. Both free and Premium Spotify users can set their soundtrack of choice to help kick off their days. Premium users can select any track, artist, or playlist to use as an alarm. Just head to the Alarms tab in the Google Clock app. There will also playlist recommendations there based on recently played music or curated Spotify morning playlists. Free users get the feature but the playlists will be in shuffle mode. Once you turned off the alarm, there will also be an option to continue playing the playlist. If you don’t have the Google Clock app, you can download it right from the Play Store. This new feature will be rolling out over the next few days, so keep your eyes peeled for it. According to 9to5Google, YouTube Music will be getting a similar integration soon.