Spotify looks like it is toying with the idea of adding local music playback support on its Android app. First noticed on Twitter, the reports follow a number of new features tested by the company in recent months.
XDA Developers have noted that there is still much we do no know about the feature and the way it will operate. However, we hope that will all become clearer over the coming days and weeks.
As mentioned, Spotify has been hard at work to add and test a number of new features over recent weeks and months. One of the more recent stories reported that Spotify will begin to add ‘stories’ to its platform. This means like most social media platforms Spotify will allow users to post content in ‘story’ form that will last just 24 hours.
Another way Spotify has looked to improve its social media reach has been through the introduction of Promo Cards. These allow users to more effectively promote and share podcasts as well as albums on social media through intuitive cards. This was designed again to try and help Spotify make more of an impact on social media.
However, this new feature does not concern itself with social media. Instead, Spotify looks like it may roll out the ability for users to sync their offline music library to the app. Then allow them to play music without needing an active internet connection.
Spotify on the cusp of adding local music playback
By adding local music playback support Spotify will allow users to make the most out of their device’s internal storage. This will alleviate the need for an internet connection at all times, something many will be grateful for.
When the feature goes live users will be able to toggle the feature under a new Import section labelled ‘Show device files’. The app will then scan for internal storage files then list them within the ‘Your Library’ section of the app.
However, despite all this information, there are still a number of details that are not yet clear. It is unknown as to whether the feature will only be available to Premium users or to free subscribers as well. It is worth noting that YouTube Music affords a similar feature to free users so Spotify is likely to follow suit.
We also do not yet know whether cross-device playback will be supported. There is also little detail about the nature of the roll out and how that will manifest itself. However, we expect more details to emerge about the feature in the coming days.