Tag: xbox

Spotify Everywhere Shows the Way We Soundtrack Everyday Life

If it feels as though there are thousands of ways you can listen to Spotify, you’re right. In fact, we’re available on more than 2,000 devices that fit Spotify seamlessly into your life when they’re coupled with our exciting and innovative features and integrations.

As a way to showcase the many places you can listen to Spotify, we’re hosting Spotify Everywhere this week in New York City. This immersive audio experience lets guests try out interactive demos, take part in sharable photo opportunities, and discover new features that will make listening to songs and podcasts even more enjoyable.

Curious what’s on display? Here’s a glimpse at all the current (and future) ways that Spotify integrates with your life.

Lounging about in the living room 

Upon arriving at Spotify Everywhere, our guests first visit our living room experience. It’s here they learn about how Spotify Connect turns Spotify into the ultimate remote control for a wide range of speakers from companies like Sony, Google, Sonos, Bose, Amazon, Roku, Ikea, Devialet, Marshall, Naim, Bang & Olufsen, and more.

We also have the Microsoft Xbox gaming station, which highlights Spotify’s custom integration with Microsoft’s console to let people listen to their favorite songs while playing the hottest new games.

But ultimately, low-key moments in the living room are also a great time to discover new music, and so we’ve been inviting guests to sit down in our listening nook and take a moment to learn about the upcoming redesign of our Home feed, which will make it even easier to discover personalized recommendations for music and podcasts in the app.

Now you’re cooking 

For the foodies out there, there’s no better place to hang out than the kitchen. That’s why we’ve made sure to show how our integration with the Samsung Bespoke Family Hub™ refrigerator means all their favorite songs, podcasts, and playlists are at their fingertips while grabbing a snack. Those curious enough to peek inside will also discover a few easter eggs we left behind that offer some choice playlist recommendations.

And since no kitchen experience is complete without a little cooking, it’s here where we invite guests to grab a snack and check out our recipe book, which offers step-by-step tutorials on how to use some of Spotify’s more handy features, like how to look up lyrics to a song or make collaborative playlists with friends

The kitchen also features the Blender Bar, which provides a series of scannable QR codes that let guests experience the joy of Spotify’s Blend playlists. Combining the best of Spotify’s personalization capabilities and collaborative playlist functionality into a single shared playlist, the Blend feature allows you to combine your tastes with up to 10 friends, or with some of your favorite artists, such as Lizzo.

Where the magic happens

Next up on the Spotify Everywhere tour is a stop in the bedroom, which is where guests experience one of our most unique and innovative integrations: Philips Hue + Spotify. Any song played on Spotify is magically synced with Philips Hue’s array of smart bulbs and lamps, and the result is a symphony of light that pulses, flashes, and changes colors in time with the music.

It’s here that guests can also learn how to use the Google Clock App and our Sleep Timer feature. So whether you want to wake up to the Morning Coffee playlist or doze off with the Sleep playlist, Spotify will help make sure you’re ready to take on the day.

Time to accessorize

Those visiting Spotify Everywhere also have a chance to plunder our closet, which is full of Spotify-branded swag such as shirts, bucket hats, and socks. And they can check out some of the latest and greatest wearables, like smartwatches from Fossil and Garmin as well as wireless earbuds from Sony that take advantage of our Spotify Tap integration. With a single press of a button, anyone using Spotify Tap–enabled earbuds can jump back into the most recent playlist or album they were listening to, and even pause the audio or skip tracks.

Ready for a road trip?

While a house might serve as the setting for Spotify Everywhere, there are so many other places where you can access your favorite songs and podcasts. And so guests can step outside to the driveway to see all the ways to listen to Spotify in the car.

With our personalized Your Daily Drive playlist, the dreaded morning commute will feel like a breeze. If you’re hitting the highways and adventuring somewhere new, our in-app integrations with Google Maps and Waze will help ensure that you never get lost. And if you have a stereo equipped with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, all you have to do is connect your phone via USB to activate the in-dash experience optimized for cars.

Step into the metaverse

Sure, you can listen to Spotify from the comfort of your home or while out in the world. But did you know you can also experience Spotify in the metaverse? Earlier this year, we launched Spotify Island on Roblox, where fans and artists from all over the world can hang out and explore a wonderland of sounds, quests, and exclusive merch. And to offer a taste of the metaverse IRL, we have a 360-degree photo booth to capture our Spotify Everywhere guests in a unique way.

Fun in the sun

To cap off the Spotify Everywhere experience, our guests can grab a drink and relax in our backyard while listening to a selection of chill tracks from our DJs, Brittany Sky and Vashtie.

And it’s a well-deserved rest because, as you can see, we have a lot to share at Spotify Everywhere. Whether you’re at home, on the go, or linked up with one of our many other partners such as Delta, Tinder, or Rivian, there is no shortage of ways to access all your favorite songs and podcasts on Spotify. And hopefully, you’ve also discovered a few new ways to get the most out of your Spotify experience. 

To learn more about Spotify Everywhere, check out our dedicated hub by clicking here.

Give the Gift of Spotify in Every Room This Holiday Season

Still working on your holiday gift list? Let us be your guide. This year, a lot of streaming on Spotify was inspired by at-home activities. So why not go with the trends—get a gift that helps your friends and loved ones continue to enjoy audio from any room of their house. 

From smart speakers and TVs to wireless headphones and gaming consoles, these gadgets provide great audio streaming quality for every member of the family. Plus, all of the products work with either a Free or Premium Spotify account, so you know they’ll be in good use. (Just make sure to check that the item is available in the country you live in.)  

For hands-free streaming in the kitchen: Nest Hub Max

Make food prep or dish washing fly by with a simple request: “Hey Google, play my Discover Weekly playlist.” Google’s Nest Hub Max smart display will quickly become the center of your smart home, with personalized answers from Google. Plus, Nest Hub Max’s 10-inch HD screen lets you enjoy watching the news, live sports, your favorite shows and movies via YouTube TV, Netflix, Disney+, and now video podcasts on Spotify. Ask Nest Hub Max to show your favorite family photos, help with recipe suggestions, switch on the lights, or turn down your thermostat, all with “Hey Google.”

For together time in the Family Room: Amazon Fire TV Edition Smart TVs

Why not give the gift of music, TV, and movies all in one? With Spotify on Amazon Fire TV Edition Smart TVs, your loved one will be able to enjoy all the music and podcasts they stream regularly—from the big screen. They’ll be able to flick through albums, songs, and playlists using the remote control, or via Spotify Connect on their phone or tablet. They’ll even be able to switch between the two for a totally seamless experience. For other Amazon Fire TV integrations, take a look at the Fire TV Cube, Fire TV Stick, and Fire TV Edition Soundbar.

For getting in the groove in the home office: Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones

Those working from home this year know that distractions abound. The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 UC will equip your giftee to collaborate with confidence (and stay focused) no matter what else is happening. With a voice-isolating adaptive microphone system, instantly adjustable noise cancellation, and Bose USB Link Bluetooth® module, the user will get personalized, high-quality sound with a reliable wireless connection. Plus, iOS users can start and stop their Spotify listening session with just one touch. 

For unwinding in the basement playroom: Gaming Galore

With two new consoles from PlayStation and Xbox this year, gamers (and their gift-giving loved ones) have a big decision to make. Both PS5 and Xbox X|S integrate with Spotify for amazing music or podcast audio during game play. Or, the recipient can use the consoles as a speaker when they’re taking a screen break. To help make your decision, check out the new ways to control Spotify the PS5 or navigate to to Spotify on the Xbox X|S. Plus, Spotify is now available to download through the Epic Games Store. Grab it from the Epic Games Store launcher or add it to your library directly from Spotify’s product page.

For going between rooms (or even leaving the house): Samsung Galaxy Smartphones with Galaxy Buds+ and Galaxy Buds Live

If your loved one likes to be on the move, get them a gift to match. Spotify comes preinstalled on Samsung Galaxy smartphones globally, including the Galaxy S20, Galaxy Z Flip, and Galaxy Note 20. That means users can start playing their favorite music and podcasts the moment the wrapping paper is off. Plus, for Android users, the Samsung Galaxy Buds+ and Galaxy Buds Live feature one-touch Spotify playback—no wires, no tapping through multiple icons, just music to their ears. Give the gift of one-touch Spotify; the easiest, most personal way to stream wherever, whenever.


Spotify is now available on over 2,000 devices from 200 brands. Browse hundreds of gift ideas for your loved ones (or even yourself).

Meet Jay-Ann Lopez, the Black Woman Expanding the Definition of a ‘Gamer’

Jay-Ann Lopez is passionate about her video games. She’s currently very into Spellbreak—a multiplayer action-spellcasting game where players can wield fire, ice, toxic objects, poison, and stone. Her “wind-down” game is a calmer one, Spiritfarer, and she’s looking forward to gathering some friends to play Apex Legends season seven with her as well. Yet, as a Black woman, Jay-Ann is not who most people think of when they think of a gamer—which is precisely what she’s trying to change. There are countless women of color playing video games and looking for community. So she took it upon herself to make it happen and founded Black Girl Gamers

For the Record spoke to Jay-Ann about creating space for Black women gamers, the representation that is yet to come, and the music on her Start Select gaming playlist takeover. 

In 2015 you founded an online community called Black Girl Gamers. Can you tell us about the need that you saw for such a space?

It wasn’t a need that I saw. It was a need that I experienced. I’ve been gaming from a young age, but during that time, there were a couple of things that I experienced that led me to start Black Girl Gamers when I was in university. The first experience was not feeling represented in games. Another was just that lack of visibility for Black women who game. A lot of my friends that I was gaming with were white men. Eventually, I’d hear a sexist joke or a joke that is based in African-American vernacular English—and I’m not even American.

I tried starting my own channel. I then abandoned that, because I was like, I’d rather ‘do for everyone’ than just ‘do for myself.’ Now it’s taken off. We have 7,000 women in the group globally; in America, the UK, Asia, Caribbean, Europe. Wherever you think there’s a Black woman—she most likely games.

Three Ways to Navigate to Spotify on Your New Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S

Today, the next generation of Xbox consoles available for gamers around the world. Whether you’re going for the new Xbox Series X, the fastest, most powerful Xbox ever, or Xbox Series S, which delivers next-generation performance in the smallest Xbox ever, both offer a high-quality gaming experience and easy-to-access Spotify controls so you can stream your favorite music while in the zone. 

Similar to the Xbox One, you’ll still be able to:

  • Navigate to Spotify straight from the Xbox Guide and listen to your choice of music while you play. 
  • Control playback of Spotify through the Spotify app on the console, or use the Spotify app on mobile or tablet for uninterrupted gaming.

But you’ll also be able to navigate to Spotify in three new ways that will get the music started faster and more easily than ever before: 

  1. Beginning November 17, navigate to Spotify quickly and easily through the “Audio & Music” section of the Xbox Guide. Now you can launch Spotify from the Xbox Guide and  continue your music session without missing a beat. 
  2. Beginning later this year, get a smoother onboarding experience with the Xbox Mobile Companion App for the new Xbox Series. This will become the easiest method to get to Spotify and stream it while gaming, and Spotify will appear in all markets where listed as a top 10 free app in the Xbox Store.
  3. Plus, the new consoles’ new user interface updates deliver enhancements such as a faster launch time and content recommendations in the new Entertainment Hub under “Home.” Run by the Xbox Store Editorial Team, the new content recommendations will help more gamers be aware of the entertainment apps on Xbox, allowing them to find Spotify, install it, or launch directly into the Spotify app. 

Still have questions? Head to Explore Spotify. Then, game on.

How to Stream Spotify From Your Xbox, PlayStation, or Discord

In recent weeks, listeners around the world have been changing up the way they stream Spotify. With an increased number of people staying home, there’s been an uptick in playing music from home devices—especially game consoles. 

Setting up Spotify on your console allows you to stream your own music while playing, whether investigating another world, racing cars, or defeating zombies. Kick back with the great soundtracks from other video games or Spotify’s Top Gaming Tracks playlist for a mix of current hip-hop and rap. (Plus, you can stream music from the console anytime, whether you’re deep in the game or doing something else in your home.)

Here’s how to set up Spotify on your console so you can stream your own music while investigating your world—or another.

How to Set Up Spotify on PS3™, PS4™ and Xbox One

The Spotify app is available for PS3, PS4 and Xbox One consoles. Any of these devices allow you to listen to your favorite songs, artists, and playlists while you’re gaming. Or, you can even use the console to stream podcasts or music while you do something else.

The first step is to download the app on your device. Once you’ve done that, you can log into Spotify one of three ways:

  1. Use Spotify Connect to link your Spotify app to your device. (More on that here.)
  2. Enter your Spotify email address and password. (If you usually log in using Facebook, use Spotify Connect instead.)
  3. Select Log in with PIN.” Then, on your phone or computer, go to www.spotify.com/pair and enter the PIN on your screen. (This option is not available for PS4.)

PRO TIP: If you don’t have a Spotify account already, you’ll be able to create one by selecting “SIGN UP” on the app. Both Spotify Free and Premium users can stream Spotify through their PlayStation console and Xbox One.

BONUS ROUND: PlayStation users can link their accounts to automatically log into Spotify wherever they log into their PlayStation™ Network account. Or you can link your accounts here.

How to Start Playing on PlayStation and Xbox One

Select Xbox and PlayStation games allow you to listen to Spotify while you play. For the best of both worlds, disable the in-game music (if your game allows) while you stream and add your own music. Here’s how to play your selected music or podcasts:

  1. Press and hold the PlayStation or Xbox button on your controller to bring up the menu or guide.
  2. Select “Music” or “Spotify.”
  3. From here, you can skip songs, play, pause, or adjust the volume.

SECOND BONUS ROUND: PlayStation users can also share what they’re listening to while playing with their friends and teammates during select games. Using the controller, press the “Share” button, then select “Share Music” then choose from “Recently Shared,” “Now Playing,” “Recently Played,” or “Recently Saved.”

Now—start jamming to your favorite tunes while defeating your virtual opponents.

Listen With Friends on Discord

You can listen, game, chat, and party all at once with Discord—as well as see and play what your friends are listening to. Plus, Premium users can even listen together with Listen Along. To get started:

  1. On desktop, download the Discord app and open it. 
  2. Click “Connections” in the menu on the left.
  3. Click Spotify.
  4. A web page will open to connect. If you’re not already logged into Spotify on the device, you’re directed to log in or sign up first.
  5. Once you’ve connected Spotify to your Discord account, you can choose to display what you’re listening to in real time on your profile. 

If you’re a Premium user, you’ll be able to listen along with your friends. Simply click someone who’s Listening to Spotify from your list of friends on the right, and select the Listen Along icon, which looks like a person with a play button. If you Listen Along with a friend who has Spotify Free, you’ll hear silence when they hear advertisements. 

PRO TIP: It’s not possible to Listen Along when voice chatting—use text chat instead for the best of both worlds.

Now that you’re all set up, you may be looking for something to stream. No worries, our Gaming Hub has you covered.

4 New Partnerships Bringing Spotify Premium Across the Globe

248 million users. 79 markets. One incredible Premium experience. Our goal is to make sure Spotify Premium is available wherever our listeners are. That’s why we’re always teaming up with new partners to enable more users to discover Spotify Premium and enjoy the music and podcasts they love. Just in time for the holidays, today we’re sharing four new ways our fans around the world can enjoy Spotify Premium—and get even more out of it.

“These partnerships will make it even easier for users to experience Spotify Premium and access music and podcasts anytime and on any device,” says Marc Hazan, VP of Premium Partnerships. “We’re committed to working with world-class partners to provide users with innovative offers and the best experience and value.”

Ready to learn more? Here are four new ways users around the globe can access Spotify Premium:*

U.S. and U.K. Users: Stay in the Game with Xbox and Spotify

Gamers know that it’s often the music that makes the experience what it is. So as part of a special holiday campaign, we’re deepening our partnership with Xbox by offering eligible U.S. and U.K. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members a free six-month trial of Spotify Premium. That’s right— you can stay in the game while playing Spotify in the background, as well as control playback with Spotify Connect. Get all the details on this time-limited offer by visiting Xbox

French users: Enjoy Spotify en français with Bouygues Telecom

Spotify + Bouygues Telecom on one bill = c’est magique. In France, Spotify and Bouygues Telecom are offering a free six-month trial of Spotify Premium for customers on Bouygues Telecom broadband and eligible mobile plans. And Bouygues Telecom customers on mobile tariffs >1 GB data allowance can add Spotify Premium to their existing mobile plan while paying one convenient bill. Bouygues Telecom’s 4G service covers 99% of the French population and was named the number one operator in rural areas by Arcep, the French telecoms regulator, in 2018, so you know you’re in good hands.

Brazilian users: Get technical with service app Magalu Conecta

Our offer in Brazil is in partnership with Magazine Luiza (“Magalu”), one of the country’s top retailers, and their service app Magalu Conecta. The Magalu Conecta app provides services and benefits including technical support, cloud storage, phone protection and free exclusive Wi-Fi hotspots. As part of our partnership, we’re offering Magalu Conecta customers a free four-month trial of Spotify Premium. 

Australian users: Listen through one of Australia’s largest mobile networks, Vodafone

In Australia, we’re once again joining forces with Vodafone to offer our users there even more value. Eligible Vodafone customers can now receive a free 30-day trial of Spotify Premium when Spotify Premium is added to their existing mobile plan—and pay one convenient bill.

No matter where you are or what you’re listening to, get it on-demand and on-the-go with Spotify Premium. Click here to learn about how to give the gift of Spotify and other holiday offers available through Spotify Premium.

*Trials are subject to Spotify trial eligibility

Give Everyone on Your List the Gift of Spotify

Every year you vow that this will be the season you get all your shopping done early. But somehow the holidays always sneak up, and you’re left scrambling for last-minute gifts.

That’s why we’re making it easy to check off everyone on your list with the below roundup of Spotify-integrated tech gifts. Grouped for all the different audiophiles in your life, these recommendations make giving the gift of Spotify easy. 

Check out our top picks below.

For the multitasker

If you’re looking for the one-stop-shop of cell phones, check out the Galaxy Note10 and Galaxy Note10+. It’s designed for an immersive experience and features a super-powerful performance to handle your multitasking, so you can listen to podcasts, shop online, and answer work emails without skipping a beat.

For the one who’s constantly on the go

The Galaxy Watch Active2 has LTE connectivity so that users can call, text, or stream Spotify right from their wrists—even while offline. That way they can stay connected from the gym, on their commute, or just about anywhere. Plus, Spotify comes preloaded on select Samsung devices, so they’ll be able to get going the moment the wrapping paper is off.

For the one who’s always up on the latest TV

Take advantage of that state-of-the-art home entertainment unit—try the Roku Streaming Stick+ to make playing Spotify through the TV easier than ever. Or, if they’ve already got a Roku Smart Soundbar or Roku TVs with Roku TV Wireless Speakers attached, gift them a Wireless Subwoofer for more seamless streaming and exceptional sound quality all year round.

For the friend who’s throwing the holiday party

Give the gift of great sound for their music! The Sonos Move is a powerful, battery-powered smart speaker for music, news, and more in great sound indoors, outdoors, and on-the-go. Connect wirelessly with other Sonos speakers, including Sonos and IKEA’s SYMFONISK bookshelf or lamp WiFi speaker—fully integrated in the Sonos Home Sound System—to play music in any or every room for a rich, home-filling sound sure to liven up any gathering.

For the kids

Need a gift for the kids in your life? Youngsters will love the Ultimate Arendelle Castle Playset and the singing Anna and Elsa dolls inspired by Disney’s Frozen 2—especially when it’s paired with our Spotify Frozen 2 Playlists. The curated sound effects and music bring Anna and Elsa’s adventures to life from the warm comfort of your living room.

For the gamer who knows it’s all about the music

Take Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for a spin. Not only will they be able to play the hottest games, but new subscribers in the U.S. and U.K. who join Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will also receive six months of Spotify Premium for free for a limited time.

For the friend who’s spending the holidays outside

Have a friend who’s taking advantage of the time off to get outdoors? The Bose Portable Home Speaker is a wireless home speaker, portable Bluetooth speaker, and a voice-controlled speaker, all in one. So whether they’re preparing for a hike or an outdoor holiday party, the music will be totally covered. 

For the Spotify Premium newcomer

Spotify Premium allows you to play music on-demand, enjoy unlimited skips, and listen without ads between songs. It’s like magic. Bring someone else into the know by introducing them to the annual Spotify Premium holiday offer from November 18-December 31. New users can get three months free* (so your wallet will thank you, too), and anyone who was previously on Premium but has since dropped can get three months for $9.99 (meaning you pay once and get the next two months on us).**

And the options don’t end there—check out more Spotify Connect devices that let you play music or podcasts through them using the Spotify app as a remote, perfect for bringing in the holiday season or streaming all year round*.

As you’re doing your holiday shopping, get into the spirit of the season with our Happy Holidays playlist.

* Three Months Free is for new users who have never tried Premium, available across all Premium plans: Individual, Student (where available), Family (where available) and Duo (where available).
** Three Months for $9.99 is only for individual plan users and is not available to users who ended their Premium subscription after October 19, 2019.

Find the Perfect Gaming Music on Spotify

When you’re gaming, you’re in the zone—and you need the music to match. Sometimes the game’s soundtrack is on point (we’re looking at you, Dan Romer and “Far Cry 5”), and other times you wish it could be anything else. That’s why we partner with some of the biggest streaming gaming companies like Twitch and Blizzard, and why we’ve made Spotify available on some of your favorite consoles, including Xbox One. This year, we’re also deepening our partnership with Xbox and fans by returning to Gamescom with an even bigger presence.

Read on to learn about our partnership, playlists, and even the beats per minute behind gaming streaming.

All Fun and Games at Gamescom

Gamescom is Europe’s largest annual gaming convention, and it’s being held in Cologne, Germany, this week (August 22-25). The four-day event showcases demos of the latest top games, innovative accessories, and most current gaming software. The biggest names in gaming brands (Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo), developers (Ubisoft, Activision), publishers, influencers, distributors, and media are in attendance.

PWN the Gaming Playlists

Gamescom is the ideal platform to launch Xbox’s Spotify profile and first playlists, featuring the biggest gaming titles of the year. Check ‘em out:

Metro Exodus: Climb aboard and take a stand with these futuristic tracks.