Spotify begins to limit features for free subscribers!

Spotify, a titan in the world of music streaming, is enacting significant alterations to its free tier in India, poised to shift the user experience considerably. Immediate changes will render free users unable to utilize several functions which were previously standard, such as the repeat feature, rewinding to specific sections of a song, backtracking to previous songs, and customizing the order of playlists. As per reports from Musically, these amendments will not go unnoticed, as Spotify plans to inform its user base through in-app notifications.

Now, free-tier users will encounter 'Smart Shuffle' as their default playback methodology. This feature introduces songs outside of user-curated playlists, basing its selections on user listening habits, thus, the conventional shuffle option is absent for users who opt for free usage. This strategic move from Spotify indicates a tactic to potentially propel free-tier users towards considering premium subscriptions. Altering the free experience in this way allows the company to subtly push users towards contemplating a transition to their more flexible and smooth-running paid service, despite the likely dissatisfaction caused by the removal of fundamental features like rewind and the ability to revisit the previous song.

Spotify begins to limit features for free subscribers!

As this adjustment begins to impact users, the broader response from the Indian user base remains to be seen. It brings into question whether these changes will act as a catalyst for users to investigate premium subscription alternatives or possibly diverge towards other platforms, like YouTube Music, which continue to offer these features free of charge.

On another note, there are whisperings that Spotify might be gearing up to introduce a superior music quality service, tentatively dubbed "Supremium." Although the full scope of details is yet to be unveiled, there are indications that it could offer users the ability to organize their playlists according to danceability, tempo, and key, and might feature smart playlists and a “Soundcheck” feature, which aids users in discovering new music tailored to their tastes.

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