The Verge - Spotify opens up, adds music apps and social features

Spotify apps hands-on: new social features, App Finder, and the apps

2011-11-30T22:35:05Z

Spotify announced its new app platform today in New York, and we just checked out the brand new Preview app. The new App Finder — think a mix between Chrome Web Store and the iTunes Store — requires the new Spotify client, which you can download here for Mac and PC. Is the integrated App Finder an example of "me too" app store-ism, or is Spotify onto something with the idea of using its music platform to power third-party apps? Read on!

Social

On launch, you'll be greeted by a completely redesigned 'What's New' screen that shows a glimpse of new albums, playlists and tracks trending among your friends, and top tracks and playlists near you. First up, the right rail has a new favorite people section, which on your initial launch...

Spotify opens platform, music can integrate with third-party apps

2011-11-30T17:30:17Z

As rumored, Spotify is today rolling out new features at its "New Direction" event in New York that will let third-party developers plug into the streaming service's music platform. CEO Daniel Ek took to the stage to announce the first generation of apps, with partners like Rolling Stone, Billboard, last.fm, Pitchfork, The Guardian, and more.

Most of the current integrations take what is traditionally editorial content (i.e. playlists, reviews, concert listings), and weds it to the Spotify music platform. For example, Jann Wenner of Rolling Stone explained that editors and artists will be creating and curating playlists in the publication's new app, and the music backend will be provided by Spotify. The platform will also be available...