Spotify: new group function is live
With the latest Spotify update, several people can manage a shared playlist live with their accounts. This makes everyone a DJ at the same time - and bad songs can simply be skipped.
The streaming service introduces a new feature: the group session. This allows two or more users who listen to music together to control their music live with a shared playlist. The function is only available to premium users and is being rolled out from today.
To share the playlist with colleagues, the "host" taps on the connect function in the bottom left-hand corner of their playback screen. Colleagues can then scan the displayed code with their mobile.
Using the integrated Spotify controls, you can pause, play and skip tracks in the queue and add your own tracks for the next playback. The changes made are immediately displayed on the devices of all participants. According to Spotify, up to 100 users can tweak the playlist, but they must all be in the same physical room at the time - this also works if the users are not in the same room. The next flat share party will either be great or terrible
What is different compared to current group playlists?
Spotify already offers options for groups to share their favourite music with others, but these are limited. Creating playlists together with friends, in which everyone can add, delete and rearrange tracks, is possible, but does not work in real time. Users do not have to be in the same room for this.
The feature has been tested since last year, when it was first announced in May 2019 by well-known reverse engineer Jane Manchun Wong discovered. Wong continuallypublishes what interesting apps are currently being made.
Testing devices and gadgets is my thing. Some experiments lead to interesting insights, others to demolished phones. I’m hooked on series and can’t imagine life without Netflix. In summer, you’ll find me soaking up the sun by the lake or at a music festival.