Autonomous vehicles from Waymo now feature improved audio systems, enhancing the in-cabin music experience.
Waymo, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., has announced a partnership with Spotify to allow passengers to connect their Spotify accounts to the music system in Waymo robotaxis. This new feature is currently available in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.
Passengers can now enjoy their favourite music or podcasts during rides, thanks to this integration. To set up the connection, open the Waymo app, navigate to Account, and select Music. Follow the on-screen instructions to allow your Waymo and Spotify accounts to connect. The connected Spotify account will remain for future Waymo rides, but can be disconnected through Settings in the Waymo account.
The equalizer feature, accessible through the Waymo app's Account > Music > Adjust audio settings or the Settings icon at the bottom right of the "now playing" screen, allows passengers to fine-tune the sound coming through the robotaxi's speakers.
While other music streaming services like Apple Music and Amazon Music have limited in-car audio options with Waymo robotaxis, Spotify's music library is now directly accessible within the vehicle's music system, similar to Tesla's robotaxis. However, there is no public information confirming native support for Apple Music or Amazon Music apps or accounts within Waymo's robotaxi music system.
If you prefer to use Apple Music or Amazon Music in a Waymo ride, a workaround would be to connect your smartphone via Bluetooth to the car's audio system to play music from your device directly, assuming the vehicle supports Bluetooth audio streaming.
Earphones can also be used as an alternative solution for listening to music during Waymo rides. The new option aims to make the backseat experience more enjoyable and relaxing. The music selection will automatically stop playing at the end of the trip, with the system resetting for the next rider.
This partnership was announced with the help of American rapper Saweetie, as part of ongoing efforts to improve the user experience in Waymo robotaxis. Passengers can also rely on Google Assistant or casting through multiple apps as a workaround to access additional music content.
For those who don't have a Spotify account, passengers can scan a QR code to connect their Spotify accounts to the robotaxi's music system. This new feature is set to make Waymo rides more enjoyable for music lovers.
Read also:
- Toyota strikes a deal in Shanghai for a solely owned Lexus electric vehicle production plant.
- Rebuilding Obstacles: The Complexities of Revamping: Part 2
- Approaching Manufacturing: 2027 Karma Amaris GT Coupé
- "Tesla's dominance in the electric vehicle industry may be facing competition from a new player: Škoda, as the German electric car market undergoes transformation."
