What you need to know
- Spotify announced that it is bringing a redesigned version of its app for Android and iOS tablets.
- This rework provides an “adaptable” experience for tablets that changes with the orientation of your device to ensure elements remain clean and smooth.
- Spotify also announced the expansion of its Bookshop.org partnership to Android users in the US and UK
Large screen support on Android (tablets, typically) is always being worked on and refreshed, and now Spotify is getting in on it.
This morning (April 16), Spotify announced It’s bringing a major redesign to tablet users, aiming to make its apps smarter and “more responsive.” “From TV to desktop to car, we’re designing Spotify to deliver a native experience on every screen – and now we’re bringing that same experience to tablets,” commented Nicole Burrow, head of design, consumer experience at Spotify. This new design for Spotify isn’t just about moving elements around; It’s all about an “adaptive” orientation experience that moves with your tablet.
The company says its UI now “reconfigures” when you shift your tablet between landscape and portrait modes. In doing so, Spotify says it was able to maintain the experience and familiarity of using Spotify on your Android phone with this tablet redesign. The navigation bar at the bottom still retains the standard options (Home, Search, Your Library, and Create), while the side bar—collapsible with this rework—offers your profile and more.
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Spotify highlights the inclusion of scrollable content in its sidebar in this update, without impacting your listening.
Listening and browsing gets a boost from Spotify’s other updates, as “parallel browsing” lets tablet users watch their music or music videos while browsing their library or recommended playlists. Additionally, the “Switch to video” toggle has reportedly been moved to a more convenient location for users.
Reproductions and Books
This new tablet experience should start rolling out today (April 16) on Android and iOS tablets.
Spotify returns with double success this week, as it’s just been revealed A new set of upgrades for readers (and listeners). Audiobooks took a step forward this week, as Spotify expanded its language support for Pages Match to include 30 additional languages. Page Match lets users sync the placement of their audiobook with the placement of their physical book. Speaking of stocking real books, Spotify’s partnership with Bookshop.org has finally hit the US and UK as promised.
Consumers interested in purchasing the book can do so on Spotify through the Bookshop. When this partnership was first revealed, the bookshop said that purchases made would help support local shops.
Android Central’s Tech
Spotify’s old tablet look was in dire need of this refresh. If you compare, you’ll see how different the two versions look. One is a little cluttered, while the updated one takes it a step further with some much-needed big-screen reworkings. Although it feels very similar to the regular mobile app for phones, it also gives me desktop vibes. Spotify’s PC app is much smoother, and the refresh gives me a PC vibe, but for a tablet (since the navigation bar is there).
