Tag: Spotify

  • Home Assistant Launches Music Assistant 2.4 with New Features

    Home Assistant Launches Music Assistant 2.4 with New Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Music Assistant version 2.4 enhances streaming from Assist devices and supports voice commands for song selection.
    2. The update introduces native support for podcasts and audiobooks from platforms like Subsonic, YouTube, and Audible.
    3. Spotify Connect is supported, requiring a Spotify Premium account for use.
    4. A new Digital Signal Processor (DSP) feature allows users to customize their listening experience with adjustable input/output gain and a Parametric Equalizer.
    5. Plans for future updates include an Apple AirPlay plugin for additional audio source compatibility.

    Home Assistant has shared the launch of Music Assistant version 2.4. This application is a free, open-source media library manager that allows users of Home Assistant to stream music from a variety of sources using their smart home speakers.

    Improvements in Version 2.4

    The latest version introduces enhancements for streaming from Assist devices, including the newly released Home Assistant Voice Preview Edition. Users can also employ Assist voice commands to pick a song or an artist to listen to. Furthermore, it supports external audio sources, making it compatible with Spotify Connect, although it’s important to note that a Spotify Premium account is necessary for this feature. The company has mentioned plans to add an Apple AirPlay plugin in the future.

    New Features for Audio Content

    Another significant improvement is the native support for podcasts and audiobooks through platforms such as Subsonic, YouTube, and Audible. When enjoying an audiobook, users can monitor their progress with a bar that shows dots marking the start of each chapter. Since the previous update, Music Assistant has also incorporated support for Apple Music, iBroadcast, and SiriusXM.

    Customization Options for Users

    Additionally, a new configurable Digital Signal Processor (DSP) has been introduced, which allows you to tailor your listening experience by modifying the input and output gain or utilizing the Parametric Equalizer (PEQ) tool. The full change log is accessible on GitHub. Music Assistant version 2.4 is now ready for all users, and this add-on can be installed directly from your Home Assistant.

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  • OnePlus and Oppo Partner with Spotify for In-App Gaming Feature

    OnePlus and Oppo Partner with Spotify for In-App Gaming Feature

    Music and mobile gaming often go hand-in-hand, but switching between apps to control playback can disrupt the flow. In a move to streamline this experience, OnePlus and Oppo have partnered with Spotify to introduce a new in-app gaming overlay.

    New Overlay for Seamless Experience

    According to a recent post on X (formerly Twitter) by Pete Lau, chief product officer at OPPO and founder of OnePlus, select users will gain access to a unique overlay within the Spotify app. This feature allows you to play games on your mobile device while controlling your music playback at the same time.

    Essentially, you won’t need to toggle back and forth between the Spotify app and your game to change the volume, skip songs, or pause your music. This update could significantly enhance convenience for those who enjoy listening to music while playing their favorite mobile games.

    Streamlining User Experience

    The main goal here seems to be improving the experience for users who like to game with music in the background. Both OnePlus and OPPO are optimistic that integrating these functionalities into a single interface will make the experience smoother for users.

    However, there is a small catch: it remains uncertain which regions will initially have access to this new feature. Currently, the rollout appears to be limited, with more information about availability in different markets expected to be announced soon.

    A New Trend in Mobile Features

    This collaboration between OnePlus, OPPO, and Spotify represents a fresh approach to blending music streaming with mobile gaming. It may pave the way for new trends in smartphone feature development and cross-app functionalities.

    If you have a OnePlus or OPPO device and live in a region where this update is available, be on the lookout for the new overlay option in your Spotify app. Once it’s accessible, you can dive into the gaming tools and music control features it provides and assess how they improve your entertainment experience on the go.

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  • Spotify to Charge $5 More Monthly for Premium Hi-Fi Audio Feature

    Spotify to Charge $5 More Monthly for Premium Hi-Fi Audio Feature

    Spotify is reportedly close to introducing a high-fidelity audio add-on for its streaming service, according to a Bloomberg report. This new premium tier is expected to cost an additional $5 per month and will come with several new features, aside from the enhanced audio quality.

    Existing Spotify Premium subscribers will have the option to integrate the HiFi tier into their current plan, resulting in a total monthly cost of $16.99, considering the upcoming base price increase to $11.99 for Premium. According to Bloomberg, this add-on will also feature playlist creation tools tailored for specific activities, dates, or seasons. Although Spotify had initially announced its HiFi audio plans for 2021, the launch was never realized. Since then, there have been various speculations regarding this premium tier. Last year, Bloomberg mentioned a potential “Supremium” HiFi plan at a higher price, while The Wall Street Journal indicated that the add-on might include a remix feature that allows users to adjust playback speed.

    Features and Leaks

    In 2023, code discovered within the Spotify app provided additional hints about the potential features of the HiFi add-on. This leaked code suggested the inclusion of 24-bit lossless audio, AI-driven playlist creation, and a mood-based song filtering tool for playlists. More recently, a Reddit user found code mentioning “lossless has arrived” within the app. Another user later shared leaked UI elements that referenced lossless quality reaching up to 2,117kbps and the availability of 24-bit/44.1kHz for certain songs using the FLAC audio format.

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