Spotify has announced a new feature for hands-free in-car media streaming named 'Car Mode.' Car Mode will replace the application's previous car-focused feature named 'Car View.' Where Car View simply provided an easy-to-navigate interface that minimized the amount of time it takes to select music, Car Mode aims to be fully controllable by voice. With Car Mode, drivers can ensure they keep their hands on the wheel while enjoying music of their choice.
The Car Mode display will still feature large, simple buttons such as skip, shuffle, like, and pause. However, there is also a new button with a microphone icon that users can press to activate voice mode. Spotify is currently testing this feature with a select batch of consumers, so it is likely that it will change slightly before it gets a full public roll-out. Some features being tested are voice activation commands, such as 'Hey Google' or 'Alexa' for Google and Amazon's hands-free devices, respectively.
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Why This Trend Is Growing
- Hands-free In-car Media Streaming
- Opportunity for voice-activated media streaming devices to keep drivers hands-free while on the road.
- Integration with Voice-activated Digital Assistants
- Opportunity to integrate with popular voice-activated digital assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for easier control and accessibility.
- Smart Car Interfaces
- Opportunity for further development of smart interfaces designed specifically for cars to provide seamless and safe entertainment experiences for drivers.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Automotive
- Automakers could incorporate voice-activated in-car streaming technology into their vehicles for added value and convenience.
- Music Streaming
- Music streaming companies can capitalize on the trend of hands-free in-car media streaming by developing new features and partnerships with automakers.
- Smart Home
- Smart home companies like Google and Amazon can benefit from integrating their digital assistants with more devices, including in-car media streaming devices.
