Some time ago it was announced by Spotify They were working on supporting its development to combine it with the Android Wear operating system (currently Wear OS), which is Google's specific operating system for devices like smartwatches. Well, this has come to fruition, and what was mentioned is now a reality.
Since June the company has been working to take advantage of new application management features that are included in the latest version of the Mountain View development, which is already available in models such as LG smartwatches. The fact is that now it is possible to control certain sections of Spotify execution from wearable accessories.
The options available
For example, it is possible to manage playbacks, such as pausing them as long as the playback starts from the phone (this is a handicap compared to the competition). In addition, the skip the available tracks or control the volume is also present (something similar to what is offered in Play Music). By the way, that the cover of the song that is playing at that moment is shown on the screen.
Of course, there are some very interesting details that are from the game in Spotify when controlling it from a watch with Android Wear and that make it different from other developments of the same type that are compatible with the Google operating system: you can access the saved lists and the library of all the music. It is even possible save songs if you are listening to the radio. The most positive and interesting options.
In addition, from the wrist it is allowed play, pause, and skip songs and podcasts; activate random mode o repetition; start content from Home o Your library, and control playback on another device with Spotify Connect, ideal if you listen on the living room speaker or computer. Note: the Spotify Connect website may be available in English only.
- Save content in Your Likes or playlists directly from the watch.
- View covers and basic controls always visible to interact quickly.
- Functions can vary by model of the watch and the Wear OS version.
Playback without your phone and downloads on your watch
Put down your phone and listen on the go. If your watch has an internet connection, you can Stream directly from your smartwatch. It is also possible connect Bluetooth headphones or use the watch’s built-in speaker when hardware allows.
Users with Spotify Premium can download playlists and albums to listen in offline mode from the watch, in addition to enjoying superior audio quality (depending on device availability). Free accounts can download podcasts and stream music on random mode, but not save songs for offline use.
The app also makes it easy to download management between devices. From your mobile, tapping "Manage Downloads" on a playlist shows which watches or phones have a playlist downloaded, and you can start remote downloads to your smartwatch, even if you don't have it nearby at the time.
Keep in mind that everything saved takes up storage on the watch, which is usually more limited than on mobile. Check the available space before syncing very large lists.
Already in Play Store
The Android Wear compatible version of Spotify is now available for download at Play Store, so by simply accessing this link Or by updating the development version on your mobile device, the new options are automatically added and appear on your smartwatch. That is, there aren't any major complications.
The truth is that this added in Spotify it was necessary for the company to make the most of the options offered by Android Wear now that the control of applications is much greater. And, obviously, the arrival of this new version of the most widely used music streaming service today to its development for smartwatches is great for Google. Other works for the Mountain View OS you can meet them in this section Android Help.
How to install and activate Spotify on Wear OS
- On your watch, download Spotify from the Wear OS Google Play Store.
- Open Spotify on your watch and log in with your account to sync your library and playlists.
If you use Spotify Connect, you can choose output device directly from the watch app and control the playback queue from your compatible phone, tablet, PC, or speaker.
Compatibility and requirements
- Clock with Wear OS 2.2 (Android 9) or higher.
- The linked phone must be compatible with Spotify.
- Some watches can be paired with iPhone; consult the manufacturer.
- functions vary depending on the watch model and software version. For more information, visit the Wear OS support page.
Usage tips and good practices
- For long sessions, download your favorite playlists and activate offline mode to save battery.
- Usa Bluetooth headsets and keep your watch firmware up to date to improve stability and latency.
- If you run out of space, manages downloads from your watch or mobile phone with the “Manage downloads” option.
- Spotify Connect is perfect for control other devices from your wrist without taking out your phone.
With these features, Spotify on Wear OS watches goes from being a simple remote control to a complete experience: control from the wrist, offline downloads In Premium, live streaming when the watch allows it and compatibility with Spotify Connect to control your music anywhere.
