Spotify has a new stations streaming app on Android

Spotify is testing out a new app for Android users, Spotify Stations.

Much like the name implies, Spotify Stations is a stripped down version of the app that focuses near exclusively on Spotify’s radio stations like feature.

It’s quite minimalist, with a scrolling list of stations, and no actual now playing screen.

There isn’t a search button, nor is there any choice on what gets played.

For better or worse, this app tackles the problem of choice by completely eliminating it for the user, giving it all to whatever algorithm drives the app.

Having used it for a few minutes, I can’t say I don’t find it without merit, there are times that I’d rather not choose what to play because I’d end up choosing the same song over and over, but on the other hand, the complete lack of choice is somewhat unsettling.

From the Google Play Store, the app is described as such.

When you have access to all the music in the world, finding the right thing to play can feel like a challenge. With Stations, you can listen immediately, and switching stations is simple and seamless–no searching or typing needed. As you listen, it learns what you like and creates personalised stations that you’ll love.”

It’s not yet available in the Google Play Store outside Austrailia, and sideloading the Android APK reveals an app that is very much still only currently tailored to ‘Aussie’ tastes

Spotify has currently described the app to Variety as an experiment and may either release it wider or incorporate the lessons learned from this in its mainstream app.

Australian Android users can grab it from Google Play.

Via The Verge