Spotify is rolling out the latest version of its on-demand streaming app to Android — but users will need to opt into Spotify's beta testing program to use it.
Spotify 3.1 Beta brings with it a trio of interesting features made previously available to iOS users in May. That included a new start page with music suggestions, a Running feature that detects when the user's going out on a run, and – most uncharacteristic of all – audio and video shows that require users to stay glued to their Spotify screen.
The new Now page opens as Spotify's new home screen. This feature provides music suggestions based on the time of day, while also considering the user's moods and preferences.
The Running feature uses GPS and location-tracking to detect when the user starts to jog, launching upbeat songs to help maintain pace. Running is by no means a unique feature — music-streaming apps such as DjRun and RockMyRun are built exclusively on the same idea. However, Spotify has a bigger collection of songs, and the songs it plays are those chosen by other runners.
Spotify plans to integrate Running with RunKeeper and Nike+ Running in the future.
The biggest change of all is the inclusion of new content. Spotify built its name on music-streaming, but with intimidating competitors such as Apple Music entering the arena, Spotify believes that introducing new content forms will help maintain its lead.
This new content includes audio shows – such as podcasts Stuff You Should Know and Nerdist – and video shows that offer entertainment and news. Spotify has already teamed up with Comedy Central, Condé Nast Entertainment, ESPN, Maker Studios and TED, as well as several news networks including ABC, BBC and NBC.
Currently, Spotify 3.1 is only available in beta to users in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Sweden who signed up for Spotify's beta program. However, those who badly want to try out these new features and not get left behind can download the APK from APK Mirrow (via Android Police) and sideload it into their Android smartphones.
Photo: Sorosh Tavakoli | Flickr
