Spotify rolling out remote downloads for Wear OS and better device management

Spotify is rolling out a new feature that allows user to remotely download playlists to their smartwatch (Wear OS included) from their smartphone app, alongside better overall management of downloads.

You can download playlists, podcasts, and more from Spotify on your phone, laptop, or smartwatch, so long as you’re a Premium subscriber. But managing those downloads can be tricky, and you have to juggle devices to get it done in the first place. That’s why Spotify’s latest update is so useful.

Rolling out now globally and available to all users “in the coming weeks,” Spotify is making it possible to remotely start downloads on your other devices. This can include other phones and tablets, as well as smartwatches. Spotify says this will be available both to Wear OS watches such as Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch, as well as Apple Watch. You’ll also be able to start those downloads if you’re not near that device.

Beyond that, Spotify is also making it easier to see which devices have downloads active. If you tap on the new “Manage downloads” button on a playlist (pictured below), you’ll be able to see a list of your devices and which ones have a playlist downloaded. There doesn’t seem to be a larger menu to show all of these, but it’s still a bit easier than being completely in the dark, especially when you’re nearing the 5-device limit Spotify places on downloads.

• Remotely download to other devices: Premium users can now initiate downloads from their phones to desktop, tablet and Galaxy Watch and Wear OS smart watches—expanding a feature that until recently has only been available to Apple Watch users and providing more users greater control over their offline listening experience across all devices.
• Download From Anywhere: Whether you’re at home, at the gym, or out and about, you can initiate downloads from your phone to your device remotely. 
• Smarter Management: You can now more easily see what’s downloaded on which device, remove content remotely, and get notified if you’re nearing the five-device limit.

These updates are starting to roll out today, but you’ll need a Spotify Premium subscription.

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