Waymo and Spotify Partner Up for Personalized Music Playlists During Autonomous Rides
In a significant development for self-driving vehicle passengers, Waymo has integrated Spotify into its app, allowing users to play their favorite tunes during rides in the autonomous Jaguar i-Pace. The announcement was made on social media platforms Instagram, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, and TikTok earlier this week, followed by emails to customers detailing the addition to Waymo’s in-vehicle experience.
The integration allows passengers to access Spotify via the Waymo One app on their phones, select it from one of the vehicle’s two touchscreens, and scan a QR code to start playing music. It’s worth noting that users don’t need a premium Spotify subscription for this service.
The linking process involves granting Waymo access to a wide range of Spotify data, including email addresses and following information on the streaming service. Once linked, passengers can control their music selection via the Spotify app, the Waymo app, or the vehicle’s touchscreens. Future rides should not require repetition of the setup process, according to confirmations from Waymo customers on Reddit’s r/waymo forum.
Prior to this update, passengers could link their Google account and use the “Cast” feature in various apps to play their own music in a Waymo. However, this older method was often problematic, leading to regular complaints on the Reddit forum. Interestingly, the option for streaming music via Bluetooth audio remains unsupported, even in rental cars with such capabilities.
Waymo’s press office did not respond to an email query asking about potential integration of other streaming-music options. Spotify does offer a range of exclusives, including Joe Rogan’s multi-hour podcast and songs from an AI-generated band, which could make for an intriguing listening experience in a software-driven car.
This development marks another step forward in enhancing the passenger experience in autonomous vehicles, making rides more enjoyable with personalized music options. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting frontier of technology.
