Spotify removes widget feature from Android
Spotify does not appear to be singing to the tune of some music lovers with the removal of its Android widget.
The mini-player sat on the home screen of Android smartphones with quick play and skip buttons, as a convenient alternative to opening the full music app.
Some users are calling for the Swedish firm to reinstate the feature, after noticing that it was quietly withdrawn.
Why did @Spotify get rid of it’s widget on #Android?! It was the only widget I use!
— Michael Collins (@Collinsjm) August 13, 2019
Instead, Spotify is informing people to use its playback notification and device lockscreen options.
“We always take retiring features in Spotify very seriously,” Spotify said on its community board.
“We’re pouring our energy into new ways of creating the best experience for our users.”
In response to intensified questions about the decision, a staff moderator posted on Monday, saying: “We’re hearing you regarding the removal of the Android Widget.”
@Spotify why did you guys remove the Android widget? Fixing a problem that doesn’t exist? Seems silly to remove functionality like that.
— Brian Ellis (@brianellisrules) August 13, 2019
A vote to bring the feature back gained just over 2,000 names, before Spotify explained that it “isn’t something we have any immediate plans to reintroduce”.
“Fixing a problem that doesn’t exist? Seems silly to remove functionality like that,” one Spotify user wrote on Twitter.
“Which genius at @Spotify decided it would be a great idea to remove the widget on Android… well done at removing the most useful feature you had,” another complained.
