SpotifyConnect
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Spotify's connected device streaming is now open to free users
Spotify is giving non-paying users access to Connect audio streaming for supported speakers and devices -- a feature previously limited to Premium members. You'll still have to put up with ads though. In order to take advantage of the perk, hardware-makers will need to update to Spotify's latest SDK, allowing you to listen over WiFi instead of Bluetooth, according to The Verge.
Urbanears built AirPlay and Chromecast into its WiFi speakers
The last time we covered Urbanears, the company was hawking headphones with quilted padding. Now, some six years later it's getting into the crowded wireless speaker game. Long story short, the Connected Speakers are colorful noise boxes that you can network together for multi-room sound; you can set them to play the same track in sync, or separate ones. Each unit has Airplay, Chromecast and Spotify Connect capabilities built in too, so blasting Papa Roach's "Last Resort" from every room while you're trying to argue for an unpopular rule-change at your house should be pretty easy. If you want to kick it old-school beyond your song selection, there's Bluetooth connectivity and an aux port too.
B&O's Beoplay M5 wireless speaker has a lot of competition
Bang and Olufsen revealed its pricey Beoplay A6 wireless speaker back in 2015. Here at CES, the company has a new model that also handles multiroom audio. The Beoplay M5 projects that trademark B&O sound 360 degrees from a device that's designed to be a showpiece rather than extra clutter. Just like the A6, wool speaker covers are interchangeable so you will have options for what looks best in your home.
Sony's Chromecast soundbar and sub blast the bass under your sofa
A number of companies have added Google Cast, er, "Chromecast built in," to speakers and soundbars in the last year and Sony has a new model that includes the handy tech for CES. The HT-MT500 is a compact soundbar that pairs with a wireless subwoofer you can slide under your sofa or stand upright near your TV. There's a specific setting for each of those two locations so the sound adjusts accordingly. Spotify Connect is also available on the HT-MT500 and there's a HT-MT300 model for people who don't need to employ that Google tech. It still includes Blueooth and NFC pairing, but you won't get the added benefits of Chromecast.
Altec Lansing's SmartStream speakers are another Sonos alternative
While Sonos remains the go-to option for multi-room audio, a number of companies have debuted similar devices over the last couple of years. 2016 saw the likes of Sony, Vizio and others introduce WiFi-connected speakers that allow you to control music all over your house with a mobile app. At CES, Altec Lansing is pulling the wraps of a trio of speakers that offer the same functionality starting at $99.
All Sonos owners can now use Spotify to control their speakers
Sonos announced back in August that it would allow Spotify users to control their music through the streaming service's app instead of having to use its own software. The feature rolled out to members of the speaker company's beta trial in early November, but now it's available to all. If you're a Spotify Premium subscriber, you don't have to use the Sonos Controller app to play tunes. Spotify Connect will allow you to select your Sonos gear from the Devices menu.
Sonos speakers can now be controlled through Spotify
While Sonos makes some decent speakers, many feel that its apps are lacklustre at best. If you fall into this camp, you'll be pleased to hear that Sonos hardware is now starting to play nice with Spotify Connect. If you sign up for the Sonos public beta, you'll be able to control your speakers from inside the Spotify app. That includes multi-speaker and multi-room setups -- change one or change the lot, it's your choice. If you have friends over that want to play DJ, they can also queue up songs and playlists from their own Spotify app, instead of downloading the Sonos equivalent.
Volvo is the latest to add phone-free Spotify to its rides
Volvo has been involved with a fair bit of high-tech stuff as of late, but the latest announcement from the company is a little less fantastical than garbage-collecting robots. The Swedish car manufacturer is partnering with Stockholm-based Spotify for a native streaming app in its XC90 SUV, S90 sedan (above) and V90 wagon this spring, no mobile device required. Accessing the streaming service in your new ride will require a Spotify Premium account, much like using it on a PlayStation 4 or other device would.
Sony expands its multi-room audio line with two new speakers
Sony already has a stable of speakers to handle multi-room audio, and at CES 2016, the company is adding two more. With the SRS-ZR7 and SRS-ZR5, the company offers a pair of options that feature HDMI connections to improve the sound coming from your TV. Both the four-speaker SRS-ZR7 and the smaller SRS-ZR5 can be arranged in wireless stereo mode with either two of the same model or one of each. As was the case with the SRS-X77 we tested a while back, all of the multi-room setup and other controls are tweaked through Sony's SongPal app.
Bang and Olufsen couldn't convince me a speaker is worth $1,000
Bang and Olufsen is known for two things: unique design and high prices. Sometimes, the cost isn't so much of an issue if the design is matched by quality audio or a solid display panel. The company's new BeoPlay A6 is a $1,000 wireless speaker with three modes to change its sound based on where it's placed in a room. With Sonos and others already offering similar products for a fraction of the price, I was unsure if B&O's latest product would live up to steep asking price. Unfortunately, my suspicions were correct.
Bowers and Wilkins' new Zeppelin speaker nixes the dock to go wireless
Eight years ago, Bowers & Wilkins released its first Zeppelin speaker dock. After a few updates along the way, the company nixed the dock and went wireless for the new model. The appropriately named Zeppelin Wireless keeps the airship-esque design while adding support for AirPlay, Spotify Connect and Bluetooth aptX connections. While the look might be familiar, the company says it redesigned "every element" to re-imagine "what is possible from a single speaker system." To do just that, Bowers & Wilkins used a group of five speakers: two Double Dome tweeters from its high-fi CM Series speakers, two mid-range drivers and a 6.5-inch subwoofer to manage the low end. The cabinet itself was also retooled for added strength and to reduce vibrations for improved overall sound quality.
Sony's Cast-friendly speakers offer high-res and multi-room audio
Are you a fan of using Google's Cast tech, AirPlay or Spotify Connect to handle your wireless speaker duties? Well, Sony announced a trio of audio gadgets that play nice with all three. Continuing its affinity for alphanumeric product names, the company's SRS-X77, SRS-X88 and SRS-X99 speakers also feature a Sonos-like multi-room experience thanks to the Song Pal app. The pricier two of the lot, the SRS-X88 and SRS-X99, add in support for high-resolution audio via USB and a thumb drive or direct connection to your computer. If you prefer to go that route, you can expect compatibility with AAC, FLAC, WAV and other file formats that offer better sound quality over a regular ol' MP3. The SRS-X88 and SRS-X99 also pack in a S-Master HX digital amplifier and LDAC tech that's said to keep Bluetooth streams sounding top notch (from compatible devices, natch). The difference main between the two? Power. The SRS-X88 has five speakers at 90 watts and the SRS-X99 houses seven with 154 watts. I guess it really just depends on how loud you want to blast "Hells Bells."
Spotify streaming comes to Polk Omni wireless speakers
Ever since Spotify announced Connect, a feature that lets you easily play music on various compatible devices, manufacturers quickly started taking advantage of it. Now, following in the footsteps of Libratone, Bang & Olufsen, Samsung and many other audio makers, Polk is finally bringing Spotify Connect support to its line of Omni wireless speakers. If you own of these, you'll have to use the companion iOS or Android app to start the jams from your mobile device. Unfortunately, Polk's only letting users stream to a single Play-Fi speaker at the moment, but the company says that multi-room streaming is coming soon to the Omni sets.
LG's Google Cast speakers are ready to take on Sonos in the US
We may have gotten a closer look at LG's latest audio gear back at CES, but now the collection of speakers and soundbars is shipping in the States. If you'll recall, the company's Music Flow line of gadgets is equipped with Google Cast -- the same tech that allows you to beam video to a TV via Chromecast. This means that you can send tunes to one of these speakers with your phone and a capable app. Speaking of apps, the current list of supported software includes Google Play Music, Pandora, Rdio, TuneIn and more. But what about Spotify? Well, the devices play nice with Spotify Connect for remote control duties, or there's a Music Flow controller app for Android and iOS. It's clear that LG is hoping you'll choose it over Sonos.
Libratone's got a new soundbar, and yes, it's covered in wool
If only there was a way to combine your two greatest passions: high-quality audio and soft, fluffy fabrics? Well as it turns out, Libratone is kind of a specialist in that field, and for its next wool-covered creation, the company is revisiting soundbars with the "Diva," announced today. Following on from its "Lounge" speaker of several years past, the Diva trades the square form factor for a curvier, oblong shape. And while it's supposed find a home under your big-screen TV, the idea is the Diva can be your primary sound system, rather than just an accessory. Nestled beneath its woolen coat are two 1-inch, 25W tweeters taking care of the higher end; two, 3-inch 50W mid-range speakers; and one, 5-inch 75W subwoofer dealing with bass tones. In addition to the on-board digital amplifier, that sub is also supported by two passive radiators that are meant to facilitate a richer low-end sound without increasing energy consumption or weight.
You can now send Spotify tunes to Amazon's Fire TV
Amazon's Fire TV hasn't had a lot of choices for on-demand music; for the most part, you've been stuck with either the company's own music service or Vevo. As of today, though, you can add Spotify to the list. The set-top box now serves as a Spotify Connect target, letting you send songs to the Fire TV using your mobile devices as remote controls. You'll still need a Spotify Premium subscription to get those streams going, but that may be a small price to pay if you're hoping to use your TV as a jukebox.
Qualcomm's universal AllPlay streaming now works with Spotify
Qualcomm's AllPlay is supposed to deliver a world of simple, universal media streaming, and it just came a lot closer to realizing that vision by both landing a raft of new partners and widening its app program. You can now stream to AllPlay devices using several additional music services, including Spotify; if you want to blast that new album on every system in the house, you can. Appropriately, both Fon's Gramofon media hub and Monster's SoundStage speakers will now take your AllPlay tunes.
Spotify Connect's seamless streaming arrives on smart TVs
In order to properly celebrate the first year of Spotify Connect, the streaming outfit is rolling it out to a new set of devices. The feature already played nice with a smattering of wares, and now, you'll be able to leverage the seamless listening experience on that smart TV. Starting with Philips' Android-powered units, beaming tunes from your smartphone or tablet will be a breeze -- all while sorting the controls from that mobile device. According to Spotify, this is "the first in a long line of smart TVs" that will hit shelves with the add-on. Alongside Libratone, B&O and Sony, Connect is now available on Bose, Panasonic and Gramofon audio gadgets with support multi-room systems tacked on for good measure. With the news of new partners, the feature will be available on over 100 wares by the year's end.
Libratone's wool-wrapped speakers gain Spotify Connect streaming abilities
If you fancy picking up a track where you left off on the commute upon entering your flat, and you've splurged for a Libratone speaker, you're in luck. The company's offerings (like the Loop and Zipp) are now Spotify Connect compatible, making connecting with your mobile device a breeze. As part of the streaming service's paid subscription, the option allows direct streaming with a speaker and smartphone or tablet on the same WiFi network. Libratone's audio gadgets already packed AirPlay and other wireless options, and this one can be nabbed thanks to an update to the speaker's firmware -- accessed through the companion app. This also means another audio choice joins the likes of B&O, Sony, Samsung and others who already offer Spotify's enhanced connectivity.
Spotify Connect local streaming comes to Android
A couple of months ago, Spotify Connect was announced for iOS -- a feature that allows you to wirelessly control (via your home WiFi network or mobile data) music playing on Connect-compatible speakers with your phone. Good news for Spotify users with Premium accounts and Android devices today, as their version of the app has now been endowed with all of Connect's powers. Of course, the number of devices currently compatible with the feature is fairly slim, as Pioneer and Bang and Olufsen are Spotify's only official partners. But, 'tis the season and there are some quality, if pricey, Connect-enabled speakers and receivers to be had -- remember, kids, Santa only brings you what you ask for.
