Spotify Rolls Out "Hey Spotify" Voice Command

In 2019, Spotify initially tested a hardware device for cars, nicknamed “Car Thing.” This device enabled Spotify Premium users to control music and podcasts with voice commands starting with “Hey, Spotify.” Subsequently, Spotify began integrating a similar voice function into its mobile application.

Initial Rollout and User Confusion

The rollout of the “Hey Spotify” feature was initially quiet. Despite reports of the voice option appearing in many users’ apps, Spotify did not make an official announcement. This led to some confusion regarding its availability.

Early reports, such as one from GSM Arena, indicated that Android users received a push notification. The notification prompted users to enable their microphone and try saying, “Hey Spotify, Play my Favorite Songs.” Tapping the notification directed users to grant microphone access to the app.

It was soon reported that the feature was available to Android users, but this was not entirely accurate.

Availability on iOS

The feature is also now accessible on iOS devices. Testing on an iPhone running iOS 14.5 confirmed the functionality. Users can access the voice experience by tapping the microphone button near the search bar.

The feature was found to be available to a wide range of iPhone users, including those with free accounts, Premium subscriptions, and Premium Family Plan subscriptions.

The interface encourages users to say “Hey Spotify, play…” followed by an artist’s name. A prominent green button allows users to activate the “Hey Spotify” function.

Functionality and Voice Options

Once activated, users can request specific artists, albums, songs, and playlists. Playback can also be controlled with commands like stop, pause, skip, and back. Spotify uses a default robotic male voice to confirm commands.

Users can customize the voice to a female option within the app’s settings.

Data Privacy Considerations

The app informs users that voice data and other information are sent to Spotify when the “Hey Spotify” command is detected. A link directs users to Spotify’s voice data policy.

Spotify collects recordings and transcripts of voice commands, along with information about the content provided. This data may be used to improve the feature, develop new voice capabilities, and personalize advertising. Information may also be shared with third-party service providers.

This policy aligns with the one used for Spotify’s voice-enabled ads launched last year. Spotify assures users that the app will provide visual or audio cues when voice input is being received. Short snippets of audio are deleted if the “Hey Spotify” command isn’t detected.

Potential Hardware Plans

Considering the origins of the voice command with “Car Thing,” speculation suggests Spotify may be preparing to launch its own hardware to the public. References and images of Car Thing and its mounts were recently discovered within the Spotify app’s code.

FCC filings from January of this year further fueled rumors of an impending device launch.

Spotify declined to comment on the feature’s launch after being contacted. The company stated they “unfortunately do not have any additional news to share at this time.” This response hints at larger, unannounced projects.

[Update, April 4: Spotify officially confirmed the launch of “Hey Spotify”, stating it is rolling out to iOS and Android users in the U.S. and will expand to more regions in the coming weeks.]

Accessibility and Safety

Despite consumer concerns about data collection, voice commands offer benefits, particularly in terms of accessibility and safety for drivers.

While phone-based voice assistants can control Spotify, some users may prefer direct interaction with the Spotify app. This is especially relevant as Apple does not allow Spotify to be set as the default music service, limiting Siri’s functionality.

Disabling the Feature

Users can disable the “Hey Spotify” feature at any time through the “Voice Interactions” section in the app’s settings.