Spotify announces exciting new features, including Strava partnership, Broadcast-to-Podcast Technology, and iOS 16 Lock Screen Widget

This last few days, Spotify announced several exciting features that will make listening to music and podcasts even more enjoyable for users. One of the most significant announcements was the partnership between Spotify and Strava, the popular fitness tracking app. This partnership will allow users to stream their favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks while tracking their workout activities on Strava. Users can control their Spotify favorites directly from the record screen on Strava, eliminating the need to switch between apps and providing a seamless experience. Top-streamed workout songs from the past month on Spotify include tracks by Drake, Lil Nas X, and Sam Smith. Strava's Vice President of Connected Partnerships expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and believes it further solidifies Strava's position at the center of connected fitness. Starting April 20, Strava will take over Spotify's popular Workout playlist with curated sounds to help users get moving.

Image by Spotify

Spotify also announced the introduction of its "broadcast-to-podcast" technology, which allows broadcasters to convert their radio broadcasts into podcasts. The technology, based on IP acquired from Australian podcast tech company Whooshkaa, is integrated into Spotify's podcast tech platform Megaphone and is already being used by Fox Audio Network and other clients. With the shift to streaming audio, many broadcasters are losing their audience, and this new feature allows them to reach new audiences who prefer podcasts over traditional radio broadcasts. The technology automatically identifies ad marker locations within the imported audio after a one-time setup process completes, saving time and allowing users to replace them with their own ads. Spotify's ultimate goal is to gain access to more audio programming without having to negotiate expensive exclusivity deals with podcast studios and individual podcasters.

Image by Spotify

Finally, Spotify introduced a new iPhone Lock Screen widget for all iOS 16 users. The Lock Screen widget provides glanceable information on the phone's screen as a round or rectangular widget or as a line of text just above it. Spotify's rounded icon fits well alongside other popular circular icons like Apple's default weather and activity widgets, making it aesthetically pleasing. Previously, users had to use third-party widget customization apps to add Spotify to their Lock Screen, but now they can use the new widget as a shortcut to launch the app directly before unlocking the phone. Users must update their Spotify iOS app to the latest release and be on iOS 16 or later to use the new widget.

Image by Spotify

Spotify's new features will enhance users' listening experience and make it easier to access their favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks. The Strava partnership, broadcast-to-podcast technology, and iOS 16 Lock Screen widget demonstrate Spotify's commitment to providing constant updates and integrations to their users, including more than 50% of Gen Z and millennials in the U.S.

Our take: One of the reasons why Spotify has become the leader in the music and podcast streaming market is precisely because of its accessibility and the number of integrations it has, so this kind of attention to detail is precisely what sets it apart from other services. However, there are still unfulfilled promises, such as support for Hi-Fi audio, and at this point, we wonder if we will ever see some of those promises fulfilled someday, or if we should settle for small changes like these.