Your Spotify experience just got a whole lot bigger. Today, the playlist-focused music-streaming service added podcast and video support, as well as a beat-matching feature to keep your pace on runs. According to Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, the new additions are part of the company's mission to surface the perfect content, audio or video, for every moment of every day. The goal: For Spotify to become the soundtrack of your life.
Here's what you need to know about the updated Spotify.
What's new?
In addition to music, the service now supports podcasts, streams video, and has a menu for runners. Using your smartphone's sensors, Spotify Running can detect your running rhythm and match music to your pace. Runkeeper and Nike+ integration are also on the way. Does it look different?
Yes; Spotify redesigned its app so it's more playlist-centric, making it easier to find playlists for the task at hand and the time of day — whether it's calming tunes for your morning commute or pumped-up jams for your afternoon gym session. (It's similar to what Google Play has done since acquiring Songza last year.) What sort of new content will I find?
For video and non-music audio, Spotify has partnered with sources like ABC, BBC, Comedy Central, Condé Nast Entertainment, ESPN, Fusion, Maker Studios, NBC, TED, and Vice Media. Amy Poehler will also be producing a Dance Move of the Day (love), and you'll be able to check out exclusive radio shows from artists like Icona Pop, Jungle, and Tyler the Creator. Where is the new Spotify available?
It's rolling out in the U.S., U.K., Germany, and Sweden beginning today, May 20. Does it cost anything? The new Spotify features are included in its $10-per-month subscription. Why now?
With Jay-Z's Tidal music service aiming to get mainstream listeners through exclusive streaming and concerts — and rumors of a new Beats-based streaming service from Apple — Spotify has more than just Rdio to contend with these days. It wants you to tune in when you'd normally switch on the radio during your commute, when you check out the news in between work meetings, and when you sit on the couch and catch up on Netflix. The app "learns what you like" so that its music, video, and audio recommendations improve as you use it, potentially eliminating the age-old question: What do I want to watch?
In addition to music, the service now supports podcasts, streams video, and has a menu for runners. Using your smartphone's sensors, Spotify Running can detect your running rhythm and match music to your pace. Runkeeper and Nike+ integration are also on the way. Does it look different?
Yes; Spotify redesigned its app so it's more playlist-centric, making it easier to find playlists for the task at hand and the time of day — whether it's calming tunes for your morning commute or pumped-up jams for your afternoon gym session. (It's similar to what Google Play has done since acquiring Songza last year.) What sort of new content will I find?
For video and non-music audio, Spotify has partnered with sources like ABC, BBC, Comedy Central, Condé Nast Entertainment, ESPN, Fusion, Maker Studios, NBC, TED, and Vice Media. Amy Poehler will also be producing a Dance Move of the Day (love), and you'll be able to check out exclusive radio shows from artists like Icona Pop, Jungle, and Tyler the Creator. Where is the new Spotify available?
It's rolling out in the U.S., U.K., Germany, and Sweden beginning today, May 20. Does it cost anything? The new Spotify features are included in its $10-per-month subscription. Why now?
With Jay-Z's Tidal music service aiming to get mainstream listeners through exclusive streaming and concerts — and rumors of a new Beats-based streaming service from Apple — Spotify has more than just Rdio to contend with these days. It wants you to tune in when you'd normally switch on the radio during your commute, when you check out the news in between work meetings, and when you sit on the couch and catch up on Netflix. The app "learns what you like" so that its music, video, and audio recommendations improve as you use it, potentially eliminating the age-old question: What do I want to watch?