Spotify has rolled out Spotify Jam for Android Auto, allowing in-car group playlists where passengers can add songs in real-time.
New Features and Access
Spotify Jam lets passengers queue tracks on their own devices. The driver remains the host and can control the playlist directly from the Android Auto screen, including removing participants if needed. A QR code on the car display allows passengers to join the playlist effortlessly. The feature requires the driver to have a Spotify Premium account and the latest app version; passengers can join without needing Premium.
Technical and Safety Considerations
Spotify Jam promotes safety by reducing driver distraction, as only the passengers manage song choices, while the driver controls the overall session. However, some technical issues remain: the QR code on the dashboard can be affected by glare, and there is no session memory, which means groups will have to rejoin each time. Future updates may include more joining options and automatic session resumption.
Cross-Platform Advantage
The feature supports both Android and iPhone users without the need for extra setups, providing a seamless experience. This contrasts with Apple's SharePlay, which requires iOS 17 and Apple devices for shared sessions.
Overall, Spotify Jam is an innovative, safety-focused upgrade for sharing music on the road, setting Spotify apart from competitors in in-car music sharing.
