Spotify Jam Arrives in Android Auto, Reviving the Spirit of the Aux Cord
Spotify’s collaborative music feature, Jam, is now available for Android Auto users, bringing a shared listening experience to the road and eliminating the frustrations of tangled cables. The update, released in early July, allows drivers and passengers to collectively build and control a single music queue, mirroring the popular practice of sharing “aux cord privilege” but with a modern, streamlined approach.
The ability to seamlessly share music has long been a staple of social gatherings and road trips. Spotify Jam, initially launched in 2023, extended this experience to home listening, allowing both Premium and free Spotify account holders to contribute to a shared playlist. As one user noted, the feature is “the ideal tool for vibing out to some ambient tunes” during parties or casual hangouts.
However, the integration with Android Auto marks a significant expansion of Jam’s utility. “This was a long time coming,” a user shared, highlighting the convenience of a digital solution compared to the limitations of physical connections and adapters.
The setup process is designed for simplicity. Hosts initiate a Jam session through the “Now Playing > Jam” option on their car’s infotainment display, generating a QR code that passengers can scan with their smartphones to join. According to Spotify’s official website, the feature requires Spotify app version 9.0.50 or higher and Android Auto version 14.5 or above.
Once connected, all participants gain control over the music, with the ability to play, pause, skip tracks, rearrange the queue, and add songs through search or the “Group Recommendations” section. Hosts retain the ability to manage the guest list, adding or removing participants as needed.
Despite the collaborative nature of the feature, a minor quirk exists regarding volume control. Currently, only the host can adjust the volume through the Spotify application on their phone. While passengers can utilize physical volume knobs within the vehicle, those in the back seats are unable to adjust the decibel level remotely without requesting access to the host’s device.
Looking ahead, Spotify anticipates a surge in collaborative playlist creation with the feature’s availability on both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay-compatible vehicles. The arrival of Spotify Jam in Android Auto represents a significant step forward in the evolution of in-car entertainment, promising a more interactive and enjoyable experience for drivers and passengers alike.
