Waymo has introduced a new Spotify integration, giving passengers a more personalised music experience during their robotaxi rides. Previously, the company’s in-car music options were limited to a small selection of preset stations, such as lo fi beats, smooth jazz, and K pop, which often did not match passenger preferences. For those wanting specific music, the process was inconvenient, especially for iPhone users who had to download the Google Assistant app, link it to Spotify, and rely on voice or text commands. Even then, the service was not always reliable.
The new update now allows users to connect Spotify directly through the Waymo app. Passengers can navigate to the “Music” section, select Spotify, and authorise the connection. Once linked, Spotify content can be played through the car’s speakers, controlled either via the Waymo touchscreen or directly from the Spotify app on a smartphone.
With the “autoplay” option enabled, the robotaxi will resume the last song or podcast from where it was paused, creating a seamless listening experience. However, this could lead to awkward moments, such as intense podcast scenes playing in the presence of colleagues. Passengers can also browse familiar Spotify playlists like “Daylist” or other personalised mixes, though albums, audiobooks, and recently played podcasts are not included in the in-car selection.
The integration allows for full control over playback from a passenger’s phone, similar to Apple CarPlay or a Bluetooth speaker, and even provides audio adjustments for bass, subwoofer, and treble through the vehicle’s settings.
While this addition is not groundbreaking, it significantly improves the overall comfort and personalisation of Waymo rides. The company has hinted at exploring more personalisation options in the future, though it has not confirmed when services like Apple Music will be added.
For regular users, this update brings the robotaxi experience closer to feeling like a private vehicle, potentially encouraging more repeat customers — something Waymo is keen to achieve as it continues to grow in the autonomous ride hailing market.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter |The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Whatsapp Channel | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Instagram
About us:
The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is a premier platform dedicated to delivering latest news, updates, and insights from the tech industry. With its strong foundation of intellectual property and thought leadership, the platform is well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve and lead conversations about how technology shapes our world. From its early days as CIO News to its rebranding as The Mainstream on November 28, 2024, it has been expanding its global reach, targeting key markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, the USA, and the UK. The Mainstream is a vision to put technology at the center of every conversation, inspiring professionals and organizations to embrace the future of tech.
