Samsung Music gets Spotify integration and a fresh coat of paint in latest update

If you own a Samsung device, open Galaxy Apps. There should be an update waiting for you for Samsung Music, the company’s built-in music player app.

Today’s update introduces Spotify integration, but do not let the looks fool you. The new Spotify tab provides lists of playlist recommendations and new releases, though they are not based on your listening habits. You can also search songs, artists, and albums on Spotify within Samsung Music.

The problem is that you cannot play any music on Spotify within Samsung Music. As soon as you select a playlist or song, you are taken to the Spotify app installed on your device. This feels like a missed opportunity to have Samsung Music act as a Spotify music player, but this is likely a purposeful move to draw people toward the Spotify app.

Also keep in mind that the Spotify tab is only available in countries that support the music streaming services. You can go here to see the list of countries where Spotify is available.

Elsewhere, the update introduces a new tabbed design that lets you swipe through the Spotify, Favorites, Playlists, Tracks, Albums, Artists, and Folders tabs. You can also swipe from the bottom to bring up the song being played and swipe from anywhere to the bottom to hide it. Both actions activate a rather slick and smooth animation.

Finally, the new crossfade feature allows music to slowly fade out when you close the Samsung Music app. Before the update, music would abruptly cut out once you close the app.

You can download Samsung Music from either Galaxy Apps or Google Play using the buttons below. From what we’ve seen on our devices, the update is currently only available through Galaxy Apps. Wait a couple of days and it should roll out to everyone through Google Play.