Spotify to get a new official app for Google Wear OS
Spotify has announced a new official app for Google Wear OS. It comes with many features that can be found in the company’s Android app but in a more compact format.
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Swedish-based Spotify Technology launched its music streaming service some 10 years ago. Since then it has become available in 65 countries. There is a freemium option with basic features and advertisements, and a paid subscription service which offers music downloads and better streaming quality.
This is not to say Spotify didn’t already have an app for Wear OS. But the software left much to be desired. So much so that users had to rely on third-party apps for certain functions. The upgraded app rectifies many of these issues and allows users to browse, play and save songs to their library and other devices using Spotify Connect.
You won’t be getting an Apple Watch experience though. The app still requires a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or LTE connection with a device where you’ve set up Spotify Connect. This could be your smartphone, laptop, personal computer or Sonos speakers. So no support for offline playback just yet. Its possible, though, this will be added through further software updates.
“We’re excited to bring improved on-the-go-access to your favorite music and podcasts to millions of Spotify users on Wear OS by Google smartwatches,” says Mikael Ericsson, Senior Product Director at Spotify.
“Being able to easily access, control, and connect music directly from your wrist opens up a world of new opportunities. We look forward to continuing to improve the Spotify experience in this space.”
Spotify has also announced its partnership with Fossil Group. This will see the new software auto-installed on all Fossil Gen 4 and Michael Kors Access Runway smartwatches starting in November. Earlier this month, Spotify added support to compatible Garmin watches. The first to benefit from the upgrade was the Fenix 5 Plus line.
The Wear OS update will make its rounds to existing users over the next week. Its good practice to make sure you have the latest version of Spotify installed on your system before the update.
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