Spotify has been usable on iPad for as long as the music-streaming service has been live in North America (since last summer), but it hasn't previously been a very comfortable experience: the iPhone-native app had to be pixel-doubled to take up even a large chunk of the tablet's display, and gaps between songs served as near-constant reminders that you weren't enjoying your own local music library. Thankfully, the latest version changes all of that, transforming the existing Spotify app into a universal experience that also enhances the playback on all iOS devices.
Spotify has been usable on iPad for as long as the music-streaming service has been live in North America (since last summer), but it hasn't previously been a very comfortable experience: the iPhone-native app had to be pixel-doubled to take up even a large chunk of the tablet's display, and gaps between songs served as near-constant reminders that you weren't enjoying your own local music library.
Thankfully, the latest version changes all of that, transforming the existing Spotify app into a universal experience that also enhances the playback on all iOS devices. And much as it is on Mac, the service itself is glorious; the ability to access millions of songs on the fly – from new hits to classics across a wide array of genres – is an absolute treat, and the sound quality is nearly identical to what you'd expect from iTunes purchases and MP3s on your iPad or iPhone. Doing so on iOS doesn't come for free, however, as you'll need to subscribe to the premium service ($9.99/month) following an initial trial period.
It's a worthy price to pay, though, for an unlimited amount of ad-free streaming on the go, especially since the app includes an offline mode that lets you access your synced playlists while away from Internet access. The latest revision also adds gapless playback on all iOS devices, as well as a cross-fading feature, plus you can use AirPlay to stream music within your home. And as with the free Mac version, Spotify is very much a social experience, letting you share your playlists with pals, as well as export recently played tracks to Last.fm and Facebook.
Spotify isn't particularly flashy on iPad, however. Once signed in, you can access your playlists, search for music, and scope out the listening habits of your friends, though the layout is rather rudimentary. On the plus side, you'll see large, high-resolution cover images for albums, which look particularly great on the new iPad, but otherwise Spotify proves a low-frills aesthetic experience for now. Moreover, while the app is great for enjoying the artists you know and love, it's not geared towards discovery; you'll have to dig around through playlists and such to locate potential new obsessions.
Still, its impact cannot be understated; the ability to listen to an absolute mass of tunes wherever you are – as well as sync playlists for offline listening – for a small monthly sum has the potential to transform iOS users' music consumption habits. Anything else is just icing on the top.
The bottom line. Spotify is a fantastic music service, and the newly universal iOS app is a great way to enjoy it anywhere.
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