Google Assistant has enjoyed Spotify integration for some time, but it was always limited to choosing specific songs or playlists of music. Now, podcasts are being added to the mix. Which means you can play podcasts on Spotify using nothing but simple voice commands.
How the Spotify Podcasts Integration Will Work
The new integration will work with smart speakers and displays like Nest Audio, Nest Hub, and Google Home Mini. You can listen to Spotify podcasts using the same voice commands as you would songs or playlists.
While this is good news for smart home devices owners, it'll come in handy for all Android users. The same voice commands will work with the Assistant menu on any smartphone or tablet with the Spotify app installed.
The feature, announced today on For the Record, is available to all Google Assistant users. As well as starting new episodes via voice command, you'll be able to pick up where you left off when moving between devices.
All you need to get started is a Google Assistant device and a linked Spotify account.
A Welcome Addition for Spotify Users
The addition of Spotify podcasts to Google Assistant devices comes at a good time. With the recently announced Nest Audio smart speaker now shipping worldwide, it's likely more people than ever will be using Google Assistant in their homes.
Until now, Google only fully integrated Google Podcasts into its voice assistant. This forced users to either use its platform exclusively or keep multiple subscription lists across different services.
Already one of the largest podcast providers, Spotify now hosts exclusive podcasts like the Joe Rogan Experience and the Michelle Obama Podcast. The new integration will solidify Spotify as the podcast provider of choice for people using Google Assistant devices.
This isn't the first time that Spotify and Google have worked together for mutual benefit. Last year, Spotify premium users were able to get a free Google Home Mini regardless of when they began their premium account.
Giving Google the Edge Over Apple's HomePod
The news of Spotify podcasts integration is good news for those in the Google ecosystem, but it's likely to leave Apple HomePod users feeling left behind. The lack of proper Spotify integration has been contentious for those loyal to Apple for a long time.
While there are workarounds for adding Spotify support to HomePod, there's still no official integration in sight. HomePod supports Apple Music, but it's some missing key features. However, according to reports, the HomePod will soon play Apple Music as alarms, which is something.
This is just one of the many things that Google Assistant can do to help plan your day.
Setting media alarms has been a Google Assistant feature for some time, and now users can wake up to their favorite podcast too.