Spotify gets in tune with Playstation
For Playstation 3 or 4 owners, Playstation Music is now available with Spotify at its centre, combining with gaming so that favourite albums and created playlists can be played over the top of in-game audio.
Until now, users had to use a separate source and, in many cases, a separate device.
The app is available for both free and premium Spotify account users, and even without a Spotify account, gamers can sign up directly from consoles.
Calling all Gamers: Spotify is now available on @PlayStation™Music! http://t.co/N1DNX7q3oH http://t.co/5s94wvlRqu
— Spotify (@Spotify) March 30, 2015
The music streaming service has more than 60m active users, including more than 15m paying subscribers.
Gustav Soderstrom, chief product officer at Spotify, said: “Music has always been a big part of gaming.
“I remember playing computer games like Quake and Counter-Strike with my favourite tunes on in the background, taking the experience to a whole new level. With today’s launch, we’re bringing back that magic of gaming with music — all in a beautifully-designed and smooth experience that looks great on the big screen.”
All the usual Spotify features will now appear on Playstation as part of the Music app, with the ability to search and create playlists as well as listen to those already put together by the service. This is then controllable in-game via a pop-up volume menu where users can tweak the balance between music and game audio.
Spotify’s full 30m-track catalogue is available via Playstation Music.
Spotify now available on PlayStation Music! Enjoy your favorite music on PS4 & PS3: http://t.co/4omxOT9zsi pic.twitter.com/hCBjOod27P
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) March 30, 2015
The Swedish music firm’s Spotify Connect technology is part of the package. This enables other people in the room with access to the Spotify account to use their device as a remote, changing tracks and volume without disrupting gameplay.
This is a big step for both Sony and Spotify, with Playstation looking to maintain a lead over its rivals, Microsoft and its Xbox One, in the sales race.
Spotify also wants to stay ahead of the game as the number of streaming services and music listening options continues to grow. Apple is said to be working on its own behind the scenes ahead of a big debut this summer.
Meanwhile, Jay Z has announced his own music streaming service to rival Spotify, confirming a revamp of a technology company the rapper-turned-businessman purchased earlier this year. At an event in New York, the musician unveiled an updated version of the Tidal music service, and announced “a commitment to a new direction for the music industry from both a creative and business perspective”.
Jay Z, real name Shawn Carter, bought Swedish tech company Aspiro in early 2015, one of whose services is music streaming site Tidal, in a deal worth $56m (€51.7m).
Several musical heavyweights, including Rihanna, Usher, Kanye West, Coldplay, and the rapper’s wife Beyonce, have altered their social media accounts to match the teal blue colour of Tidal’s website to show their support for the new service.
