Jordan O'BrienSpotify is already available on a range of smart TV platforms, but it’s currently limited to premium subscribers. A new App launched for Samsung smart TV users forgoes that requirement however, as it’s fully open to Spotify users utilising the ad-supported tier.
The new Spotify App is available to all 2015 and 2016 Samsung smart TVs and has a design that will be familiar to Spotify users. In fact, comparing the new App side-by-side to the Apps available on both Android and iOS, then you’ll see that there is very little difference between the two – albeit the TV version is a lot bigger.
Like the phone version, Spotify’s new Samsung TV App is able to play music to users subscribing to the free tier because it supports the playback of ads. It’s not the first big screen version of Spotify to support ads, in fact Android TV, Amazon Fire TV and Chromecast already support free subscribers. Samsung is the first big TV manufacturer to bring the support to its own operating system however, with LG and Bang & Olufsen notably left with premium subscriptions in place.
The Spotify App for Samsung TVs prior to Tizen’s launch
Among the new features available in the App are:
- Use on-demand playback, available for both Premium and Free listeners.
- Access a new and improved Browse section.
- Search the entire Spotify catalogue.
- Preview content.
- Control music and login remotely using Spotify Connect.
- Experience an optimised ‘big screen’ interface with beautiful artwork.
The new Spotify App is available now from the Tizen App store.