logo
Spotify is adding the ability to remotely download playlists to secondary devices

Spotify is adding the ability to remotely download playlists to secondary devices

Engadget17 hours ago

Spotify is rolling out a new feature that lets Premium subscribers remotely download playlists to additional devices. For instance, a user could initiate a download on an iPhone for an iPad or for a backup phone ahead of a trip.
That's all fine and good, and useful in limited circumstances. The big news here, however, is that this functionality also works with smartwatches, with integration for Wear OS devices and Apple Watch models. Nothing ruins a good walk or run like forgetting to download a playlist, so this lets people square that away whenever they think of it, even when the secondary device is out of reach.
Spotify is also introducing a new "Manage Downloads" button to assist with the aforementioned feature. This button accompanies playlists and provides a list of devices in which a particular batch of songs has been downloaded. That way folks can be sure they aren't reaching Spotify's five-device limit the company places on downloads.
This stuff is rolling out right now for users across the globe. It could take a few weeks to reach everyone. A version of this tool has previously been available for Apple Watch users, but this is the first time something like this will be available to those in the Wear OS ecosystem.
Spotify has been busy lately. The platform recently opened up an audiobook shop for iOS users and unveiled a dedicated Following feed for podcasts .

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

iOS 18.5 has landed — 5 ‘minor' features that are actually huge
iOS 18.5 has landed — 5 ‘minor' features that are actually huge

Tom's Guide

timean hour ago

  • Tom's Guide

iOS 18.5 has landed — 5 ‘minor' features that are actually huge

iPhone software updates are often sold as game-changers, but the improvements that matter most tend to be quieter ones that smooth out daily friction. iOS 18.5 is a good example. Its new features might not seem impressive at first glance, but they quickly become the kind you rely on without thinking. They're smaller, smarter adjustments that address real-world annoyances—things like gesture controls that actually do what you expect, or email tools that feel intuitive rather than forced. It's the kind of refinement that shows Apple's focus on how people actually use their devices. In the end, it's often the most understated changes that improve your everyday experience. iOS 18.5 is full of these. Here's five features that may seem minor but are actually huge. Back Tap is one of iOS's most underused accessibility features, letting you perform quick actions by tapping the back of your phone. In iOS 18.5, Apple has added a small but helpful tweak: an on-screen alert that confirms when Back Tap has been activated — so you're no longer left guessing if your input registered. To turn on these alerts, open the Settings app, then tap Accessibility and select Touch. From there, scroll down and tap Back Tap, then toggle on Show Banner. You can still assign custom actions for double and triple taps from this screen. If you plan to keep your iPhone for several years, battery longevity matters — and this update gives you more control over it. iOS 18.5 introduces a new setting that lets you limit the maximum charge your phone reaches, which can help reduce long-term battery wear. To enable this, open the Settings app, then tap Battery and select Charging. You'll now see a slider that lets you set a charge limit between 80% and 100%. Just keep in mind that your phone won't charge beyond this limit unless you manually change it later. Screen Time has always helped parents manage their kids' device use, but now it adds an extra layer of visibility. With iOS 18.5, parents will get notified if their Screen Time passcode has been entered — a subtle way of knowing if a child has cracked the code. To make sure you receive these alerts, open the Settings app, then tap Screen Time. As long as Screen Time is enabled on your child's device and linked to your Apple ID, you'll receive a notification whenever the passcode is entered. The Mail app sees a minor but welcome change in iOS 18.5: more control over display settings, right from inside the app. Previously, toggles like contact photos required digging through the main Settings menu. Now, they're accessible with just a few taps. To find them, open the Mail app and tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the screen. You'll see a new set of options, including the ability to toggle contact photos on or off, along with other layout preferences depending on your device setup. Apple regularly releases seasonal wallpapers, and iOS 18.5 includes a vibrant new option: Pride Harmony, available across iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. It's a small detail, but one that can freshen up your device's look. To apply it, open the Settings app, then tap Wallpaper and choose Add New Wallpaper. From there, scroll through the available options and select Pride Harmony, then tap Set as Wallpaper Pair to use it for both your Lock Screen and Home Screen. Now that you've learned about these iOS 18.5 features, why not take a look at our other useful iPhone guides?Check out 7 underrated iPhone features you're probably not using and I've been testing iOS 18 Photos — and these 5 features make a huge difference. And did you know you can speed up your iPhone by clearing its cache? Here's how to do it. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.

Why Apple's (AAPL) Premium Valuation is Skating on Thin Ice
Why Apple's (AAPL) Premium Valuation is Skating on Thin Ice

Business Insider

time2 hours ago

  • Business Insider

Why Apple's (AAPL) Premium Valuation is Skating on Thin Ice

Apple, Inc. (AAPL), the leading smartphone maker by global market share, is currently valued at a forward P/E of 28, slightly above its five-year average of 27.4. This premium valuation may face obstacles in the future if growth continues to decelerate as it has since Fiscal 2021. The tech giant's stock price has been sluggish over the past year, reflecting the unease. Confident Investing Starts Here: Although Apple is a well-managed business with a strong liquidity position, the company is no longer the growth engine it once was. Acknowledging this new reality, Needham analyst Laura Martin downgraded Apple on June 4, citing that the tech giant's growth profile and profit margins have fallen behind that of its peers. Despite Apple's balance-sheet strength and substantial brand equity, I am bearish on the prospects for Apple because of valuation concerns. Apple's Growth is Slowing One of the primary reasons behind my bearish stance on Apple is its slowing growth. In Fiscal 2024 ended last September, Apple's revenue grew only 2% YoY after registering a YoY decline of 2.8% in the previous year. This is in stark contrast to the 33% growth registered in Fiscal 2021. Some of the reasons behind the growth slowdown include the maturation of the 5G smartphone upgrade cycle and Apple's lackluster progress in AI. A granular breakdown of Apple's recent financial performance reveals that most of its struggles are stemming from the lackluster growth of the iPhone segment. For instance, in the second quarter of Fiscal 2025, iPhone revenues grew just 1.9% YoY. Since iPhone sales still account for almost half of the company's revenue, this meager growth has masked the success of the services segment, which grew nearly 12% in the last quarter. Unfortunately, given the size of the iPhone segment, Apple is unlikely to see a significant turnaround in growth unless iPhone sales pick up, which is increasingly looking like a distant reality, as the company is experiencing market share losses in China, the world's largest smartphone market. The lack of innovation in the iPhone segment is one of the primary reasons behind the notable decline in sales growth in recent quarters. While many of its peers have focused on foldable smartphones and advanced AI features, Apple has failed to deliver on these fronts, leading to a decline in customer satisfaction. Although Apple still holds a dominant market share in the U.S., the company is losing ground in key markets, such as China, due to a perceived lack of innovation. This questions the sustainability of its premium valuation. Apple is a Big Tech Laggard At a time when Apple's growth is slowing, I do not feel comfortable with the company's premium valuation. Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL), Amazon (AMZN), and Meta Platforms (META) are currently valued at forward P/E multiples of 31, 20, 35, and 20, respectively. This is in comparison to Apple's forward P/E of around 28, which suggests the company may be reasonably valued. However, the issue becomes apparent when we examine the growth profiles of these large tech companies. For instance, in the most recent fiscal quarter, Apple's revenue grew by just 5% year-over-year, whereas Microsoft reported YoY revenue growth of 13.27%. For more context, Alphabet and Amazon reported year-over-year revenue growth of 12% and 9%, respectively, in their most recent quarter. Meta, despite navigating a challenging macroeconomic environment, also reported 16% YoY growth in revenue in the most recent quarter. These findings suggest that Apple's current valuation, which is closely in line with that of other big tech peers, is unjustifiable, as the company is growing at a significantly slower pace compared to its peers. Apple Faces Many Other Headwinds In addition to the slowdown in iPhone sales, Apple is facing several other headwinds that limit its growth potential. These challenges have also contributed to my bearish view of the company. For example, Apple is facing regulatory pressure both in the U.S. and Europe. In the U.S., the Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit alleging that Apple has monopolized the smartphone market through the strength of its ecosystem. In contrast, the EU is closely monitoring Apple's activities as part of its efforts to implement the Digital Markets Act. Another massive obstacle is the worsening trade relationship between the U.S. and China. Apple, despite showing a strong willingness to diversify its supply chain operations, still relies heavily on China. According to recent estimates, approximately 85% of iPhones are still assembled in China, highlighting the company's dependence on the Country at a time when the U.S. government has threatened to impose heavy tariffs on China. It would take years for Apple to entirely relocate production out of China to more favorable nations, such as India. Until this happens, earnings will likely take a significant hit from the new tariffs announced by the Trump administration. Is Apple Stock a Good Buy? On Wall Street, AAPL stock carries a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on 16 Buy, nine Hold, and four Sell ratings over the past three months. AAPL's average stock price target of $226.94 implies approximately 15% upside potential over the next twelve months. Although Apple appears to be reasonably valued, I believe the risk-reward profile is skewed against long-term investors today, as the company is valued at earnings multiples comparable to those of other big tech giants that are growing at a much faster clip. Lackluster growth is likely to pull back valuation multiples in the future, potentially leading to a disappointing stock market performance. Takeaway Apple is a great business, but the company has found itself in a challenging position following questionable AI integration strategies and a period of underwhelming innovation. Geopolitical tensions have also exacerbated Apple's challenges. Trading at premium valuation multiples, Apple's current valuation does not accurately reflect these troubles. Based on these factors, I am bearish on the prospects for Apple stock.

I just broke my iPhone — here's what I learned about the durability of today's phones
I just broke my iPhone — here's what I learned about the durability of today's phones

Tom's Guide

time4 hours ago

  • Tom's Guide

I just broke my iPhone — here's what I learned about the durability of today's phones

My iPhone 12 has served me ably for more years than I can count without pausing to think about. It's been there on trips, helping me snap photos, and it's gotten me from point A to point with trusty navigation tips. It's also tested innumerable software updates and features, without complaint or incident. And the other day, I smashed it beyond repair. I was out for one of my evening walks to get my steps in — yes, the Fitness app on my iPhone 12 also encourages me to stay active — and I reached for my phone to start a new podcast to accompany me for the rest of my journey. But while taking the iPhone out of my pocket, it slipped from my hands and took a plunge to the concrete below, bouncing on the sidewalk and then skidding to a stop a few feet away. You can see the after-effects in the photo at the top of this article. My iPhone 12 landed flush on the main camera, cracking the lens for good. The phone is still perfectly functional, but if I want to take a photo with the camera, the end result looks like a Monet painting. Don't feel sorry for me. I got a lot of use out of the iPhone 12. Apple first released that particular model nearly five years ago, and while I haven't been using the iPhone 12 since Day 1, it's been my go-to model for at least three years, maybe four. An upgrade was in the cards anyhow, and my clumsiness merely forced the issue. So I'm not looking for any sympathy. Rather, I'm sharing this story because I think it reveals a couple of important things about today's smartphones and making sure they last as long as possible. When it comes to dropping phones, the incident that finally did in my iPhone 12 wasn't exactly my first rodeo. I would estimate that, conservatively, I've probably dropped that phone once a week for the past three years. Sometimes, it would fall harmless on cushions or padded surfaces. But otherwise — hardwood floors, linoleum, bathroom tiles — this phone has come into contact with it at all, usually at less-than-ideal acceleration. For heaven's sake, the iPhone 12 that finally succumbed to my ham-fisted handling is the same one that wound up at the bottom of the Russian River when I capsized a canoe. And that only knocked it out of commission for the time it took me to expel water from its charging port. Through all that mishandling, the cracked lens from its most recent fall is the only significant damage my iPhone 12 ever suffered. Yes, there were cosmetic scuffs and scrapes, mostly to the phone's frame, but this Apple device definitely took a licking and kept on ticking. And that's by design. The iPhone 12 introduced Apple's Ceramic Shield, a tougher material designed for better drop protection. Mission accomplished, I can safely confirm. And the iPhone 12's IP68 water resistance rating has kept my phone safe from dunks in the water, whether it's the pool at my gym or the aforementioned ravages of the Russian River. More encouraging, if your phone is more recent mine, Apple has only improved durability. The latest iPhone 16 models offer a newer generation of Ceramic Shield for even greater durability. And if you spring for one of the Pro versions, you get a titanium frame that's stronger yet lighter than the typical aluminum materials used in phones. Despite all that, I think you still should get a case for your phone — at least if you want it to last for a very long time. My iPhone 12 was naked as a jaybird when I let it slip from my hands, and I think it's a safe bet that had it been in case, it might have come away from this latest tumble unscathed. Don't be like me — get a case to keep your iPhone safe. • Best iPhone 16 cases• Best iPhone 16 Plus cases• Best iPhone 16 Pro cases• Best iPhone 16 Pro Max cases That's because even the thinnest, low-profile cases offer key protection for the two most vulnerable areas of your phone — the screen and camera array. Any phone case worth its salt has raised edges around those areas, aimed at preventing them from coming into contact with unforgiving surfaces. Throw in even a modicum of drop-protection — Tom's Guide recommends you look for cases that offer at least 4 feet — and there's a good chance that those inevitable accidents won't result in catastrophic damage. Put it this way: if I had been keeping my iPhone 12 in a case on that fateful walk, I'd have the option of upgrading to a new device whenever I wanted instead of having to get a new phone now. With the iPhone 17 launch still a few months away, that extra time might have come in handy. So celebrate the fact that the phone in your hands — whether built by Apple or someone else — is probably a lot more durable than a device you might have owned a few years back. And that's great news if you're one of the growing number of people who try to make their phones last as long as possible. Just make sure you keep a case handy for those late-night walks.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store