Spotify has released a new app that runs completely natively on in-car infotainment hardware based on Google’s Android Automotive platform, also known as Google Built-In. The next-gen app integrates directly with a car’s multiple screens, sound system, voice controls, and connectivity capabilities. Spotify says this allows for a much richer experience than the current Spotify smartphone app running on a car’s infotainment screen via the Android Auto car interface.
Audi is the first manufacturer to offer this new experience on its Premium Platform models, the electric A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron, as well as the A5, A6, and Q5. The app will also be available on the upcoming Q7 and Q9 when they launch. Owners of these cars in 47 supported countries across the world can download it now at no cost from the Audi Application Store. It requires a Spotify account, but works with free as well as premium subscription plans. The app will roll out to cars from other manufacturers soon.
The existing Spotify app runs headless, which means it has to comply with Google’s design guidelines and can only stream content from Spotify’s catalogue of music and podcasts. The new app was designed entirely in-house by Spotify and runs natively in-car, without depending on a connected phone.
Cars with multiple screens will be able to take advantage of them, for example showing lyrics only on passenger screens. Car occupants can also scan a QR code to join a shared Spotify Jam playlist and queue up songs from their own phones. Video can be played when the car is stationary. There’s integration with Audi’s native voice assistant, including the ability to trigger Spotify DJ.
Audi says it has worked with Cariad, the Volkswagen Group’s software subsidiary, as well as Spotify to optimise the app for its cars. The app’s interface has been designed to be familiar to users while surfacing features and allowing a rich browsing experience, without compromising on safety.
