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A Quick Guide to Cancelling Your Spotify Premium Subscription

A Quick Guide to Cancelling Your Spotify Premium Subscription

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A Quick Guide to Cancelling Your Spotify Premium Subscription

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Are you considering canceling your Spotify Premium subscription? Whether you want to cut costs, switch to another service, or just don’t use it enough to justify the expense, canceling Spotify Premium is straightforward.

1. Via the Spotify Website

Cancelling your subscription through the Spotify website is perhaps the easiest way. Just follow these steps:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Log In: Visit the Spotify website and log into your account. You’ll need your username and password. If you usually log in through Facebook or Apple, use those credentials.

  2. Account Overview: Once logged in, navigate to your account page by clicking on your profile name in the top right corner, then select ‘Account’ from the dropdown menu.

  3. Subscription Details: In your account page, click on ‘Subscription’ in the sidebar. Here you’ll see your current subscription status and details.

  4. Change or Cancel: Click on ‘Change or Cancel’ to view your options. Select ‘Cancel Premium.’

  5. Confirm Cancellation: Spotify will likely try to persuade you to stay with various offers. If you’re sure about cancelling, continue and confirm your cancellation.

After these steps, your account will revert to Spotify Free at the end of your current billing cycle.

2. Using the Spotify App

While you can’t cancel directly through the Spotify app on your mobile device, you can use it to access the necessary web page where you can complete the cancellation.

Steps to Navigate:

  1. Open the App: Launch the Spotify app on your mobile device.

  2. Account Settings: Go to ‘Your Library’, tap on the settings gear in the top right corner, and then select ‘Account’.

  3. Subscription Page: This will redirect you to the Spotify subscription page in your web browser, where you can follow the same steps as listed above for the website to cancel your subscription.

3. Contacting Customer Support

If you encounter any issues or prefer not to navigate the cancellation process yourself, Spotify’s customer support is available to assist.

How to Reach Out:

  1. Customer Support Page: Go to the Spotify website, scroll to the bottom and click on ‘About’ where you will find ‘Contact Us.’

  2. Choose Your Issue: Follow the prompts to specify your issue – in this case, ‘Subscription’. You will then be directed to choose how you’d like to get help, either through email, live chat, or a community forum.

  3. Request Cancellation: Once in contact with a representative, request that your subscription be cancelled. They may ask for confirmation details such as your account information.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Refunds: Spotify does not typically issue refunds for unused time unless there was an issue with billing. Check their refund policy for specifics.

  • Reactivation: If you decide to return to Spotify Premium, reactivating your subscription is just as easy as cancelling it.

  • Saved Music: Remember, once you revert to Spotify Free, you will lose access to premium features such as offline listening and ad-free music, but your playlists and saved music will remain intact.

Also Read: Apple Removes WhatsApp and Threads from Chinese App Store Following Government Directive

Conclusion

Canceling your Spotify Premium subscription is easy if you follow the right steps. Whether you choose to navigate to their website, use the app to redirect you, or talk directly to customer support, Spotify has made the process as user-friendly as possible. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of returning to a free account and make the decision that best suits your listening needs and budget.

Spotify Rolls Out New Miniplayer Feature for Desktop Users

Spotify Rolls Out New Miniplayer Feature for Desktop Users

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To improve the listening experience of millions of people around the globe, Spotify has officially unveiled its latest feature: a sleek and user-friendly Miniplayer for desktop platforms. This innovative combination aims to provide Spotify users with a more convenient and accessible way to control their music without disrupting their workflow or browsing experience.

Seamless Integration for Uninterrupted Listening

The new Miniplayer feature marks a significant leap towards seamless music enjoyment, allowing users to play, pause, and skip tracks directly from a compact interface on their desktop screen. This development comes as a response to user feedback looking for more flexible and less intrusive ways to manage their Spotify playlists while multitasking on their computers.

How the Miniplayer Works

Spotify Rolls Out New Miniplayer Feature for Desktop Users

Image Source: open.spotify.com

Spotify’s Miniplayer easily integrates into the desktop app, occupying minimal screen real estate while providing full control over music playback. Users can activate the Miniplayer with a simple click, which transforms the normal Spotify interface into a discreet but functional player. This ensures that users can enjoy uninterrupted music while focusing on other tasks.

Features and Functionality

Despite its compact size, the Miniplayer doesn’t skimp on features. Users have access to essential controls like play, pause, skip, and volume adjustment. Additionally, the Miniplayer displays track information including song title, artist, and album cover, ensuring users stay informed about what’s playing without the need to open the full Spotify application.

A Strategic Move to Enhance User Experience

Spotify’s introduction of the Miniplayer on desktop platforms underlines the company’s commitment to improving user experience and adaptability. By allowing users to easily manage their music playback, Spotify continues to establish itself as a leading music streaming service that values ​​convenience, innovation, and user satisfaction.

Availability and Accessibility

The Miniplayer feature is rolling out globally and will be available to all Spotify users on desktop platforms including Windows and macOS. To access the Miniplayer, users simply need to update their Spotify desktop app to the latest version, where they will have the Miniplayer option readily available.

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Conclusion

Spotify’s launch of the Miniplayer feature represents a thoughtful improvement designed to meet the growing needs of its user base. By offering a more integrated and less disruptive listening experience, Spotify not only enriches the music streaming experience, but reaffirms its position as a platform that innovates with the user in mind.

As the Miniplayer begins to make its way to desktops around the world, Spotify users can look forward to a more streamlined and enjoyable music listening experience, further strengthening the bond between the streaming service and its global community of music lovers.

Apple Faces $539M Fine in EU Antitrust Case Sparked by Spotify

Apple Faces $539M Fine in EU Antitrust Case Sparked by Spotify

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The European Union has imposed a massive fine of $539 million on Apple following a complaint filed by Spotify. The complaint accused Apple of anti-competitive practices through its in-app purchase system, often referred to as the “Apple Tax”, which imposes a 30% fee on digital purchases made within apps on iOS devices. The fine marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over the fairness and openness of digital marketplaces, particularly the App Store, which serves as the sole gateway to software on millions of devices worldwide.

Apple Faces $539M Fine in EU Antitrust Case Sparked by Spotify

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Spotify’s complaint, filed in March 2019, argued that Apple’s policies stifled innovation and limited consumer choice by penalizing competitors of Apple Music, its own streaming service. By imposing the 30% fee, Apple effectively forced competitors to either raise their prices or significantly cut their earnings, with Spotify claiming that the move was intentionally made to harm competitors.

The EU's Investigation

The European Commission’s investigation concluded that Apple’s practices distort competition in the music streaming market, a violation of EU antitrust laws. This decision underlines the EU’s commitment to ensuring fair competition and innovation within its digital single market. This fine is not just a financial penalty, but also a signal to major tech companies about the importance of complying with EU rules designed to protect market competition and consumer choice.

Apple’s App Store policies, particularly the mandatory use of its payment system for in-app purchases, are under scrutiny for creating a controlled environment that limits other companies’ ability to compete effectively. . The case is important because it challenges the mechanisms through which big tech companies maintain their market dominance and control over ecosystems such as app stores.

The impact of this fine goes far beyond the financial impact on Apple. This could prompt a re-evaluation of app store policies and practices, potentially leading to more significant changes in the operation of the digital marketplace. For consumers, this could mean more choices and potentially lower prices as competition is encouraged. For developers, this represents a push for more equitable treatment and the opportunity to compete on more level terms within the app ecosystem.

Apple expressed its disagreement with the EU’s decision and stated plans to appeal the decision. The Company describes its App Store policies as appropriate and necessary to maintain the quality, security and privacy standards expected by users.

Also Read: Apple’s iPhone 16 to Feature Super-Fast Performance Upgrade, Leak Suggests

Conclusion

The European Union’s decision to fine Apple serves as a pivotal moment in the tech industry, potentially setting the stage for further regulatory actions aimed at ensuring fair competition and innovation. This case underscores the growing global scrutiny on the business practices of tech giants and the need for a balanced digital market that serves the interests of both consumers and developers.

Apple's Vision Pro Headset Launching Soon - Here's What You Need to Know About Price and Availability

Apple Vision Pro’s Unexpected Launch Without YouTube, Spotify, or Netflix Apps

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In a surprising move, Netflix Inc. has decided not to launch an app for Apple Inc.’s Vision Pro headset, slated to debut on Feb. 2. This decision by the world’s leading video subscription service is seen as a notable omission for the $3,499 headset, which Apple hopes will gain traction through entertainment content. Here’s a closer look at the situation and its potential implications.

While Apple is positioning the Vision Pro as a high-end entertainment device, Netflix’s refusal to support it with a dedicated app is raising eyebrows. Instead of creating a Vision Pro app or adapting its existing iPad app, Netflix suggests users enjoy its content on the web browser, a move that might inconvenience users and limit accessibility.

Vision Pro App Ecosystem: A Dual Approach

Apple's Vision Pro Headset Launching Soon - Here's What You Need to Know About Price and Availability

The Vision Pro is designed to run two types of apps: those specifically crafted for its interface and existing iPad applications. Apple aims to make it seamless for developers to transition their current iPad apps to the Vision Pro platform. However, Netflix’s unwillingness to even support the iPad approach indicates a cautious stance, perhaps adopting a wait-and-see strategy.

Netflix's Change of Heart

Interestingly, this decision contradicts Netflix’s statement in July, where it expressed plans to support its iPad app on the Vision Pro. While the streaming giant emphasizes users can access Netflix through the web browser, the lack of app support may restrict functionality, such as offline viewing and custom streaming environments.

As both Apple and Netflix vie for subscribers in the streaming industry, this move raises questions about the dynamics between the two giants. Apple, a relatively smaller player with less than 10% of the US market, is banking on Vision Pro’s success to compete with Netflix. The absence of a dedicated Netflix app might be a strategic choice to avoid aiding a rival in the highly competitive streaming landscape.

Also Read: Musk’s SpaceX Teams Up with John Deere to Revolutionize Internet Access for Farmers

Impact on Users: Accessibility and Immersive Experience

Without a dedicated app, Vision Pro users may find it challenging to access Netflix content seamlessly, especially when offline. The absence of specialized immersive backdrops also limits the viewing experience, potentially affecting the headset’s appeal to avid Netflix watchers.

In conclusion, Netflix’s decision not to launch an app for Apple’s Vision Pro introduces a layer of complexity to the headset’s market entry. Whether this move is a strategic calculation or a missed opportunity, its impact on the user experience and the competitive landscape remains to be seen. As Apple gears up for preorders, the absence of a Netflix app could be a significant factor for potential buyers weighing their entertainment options.

Spotify Will Cut 17% of Jobs to Improve Profitability

Spotify Will Cut 17% of Jobs to Improve Profitability

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Spotify Technology SA has announced its most substantial job cuts this year, reducing its workforce by 17% to streamline operations and bolster profitability. The company confirmed that around 1,500 jobs will be eliminated, marking a significant step in their efforts to curtail costs.

Despite an anticipated surge in user acquisition and a rare reported profit last quarter, CEO Daniel Ek expressed concerns about excessive spending within the company. He highlighted the economic slowdown and rising capital costs as pivotal factors necessitating cost-cutting measures.

Spotify Will Cut 17% of Jobs to Improve Profitability

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In a statement addressing the layoffs, Ek emphasized the need to refocus efforts towards impactful contributions rather than redundant tasks. The projected operating losses for the upcoming fiscal quarter led to the decision for substantial layoffs, with severance payments and real estate changes accounting for significant charges.

Spotify’s relentless pursuit of profitability has led to debates about implementing smaller cuts over a more extended period. However, the company opted for immediate and substantial action to align costs promptly.

Geetha Ranganathan, a senior media industry analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, highlighted that these aggressive cost reductions align with Spotify’s objectives of achieving a 30% gross margin and a 10% operating margin.

Navigating a Shifting Landscape

The music streaming giant has long grappled with financial losses, largely due to licensing agreements with music rights holders. While it initially invested substantially in podcasting to diversify its revenue streams, recent decisions scaled back this initiative.

This year’s job cuts follow previous reductions in January and June, positioning Spotify to adopt a leaner structure to reinvest profits strategically. Ek plans to address these measures further in an upcoming meeting with employees.

Also Read: US Navy, UK, Australia to Test AI System to Help Crews Track Chinese Submarines in Pacific

Ek’s acknowledgment of economic challenges and the need to adapt to changing capital dynamics underscores Spotify’s commitment to aligning its operations with current market realities. The aggressive cost-cutting measures are aimed at reshaping the company for sustained profitability while navigating a dynamic industry landscape.

Spotify’s commitment to bolstering its financial standing remains steadfast, signaling a strategic shift towards a leaner yet more impactful operational model.

Spotify

Is Spotify considering full-length music videos on its app?

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According to a report by Bloomberg News, Spotify is considering the addition of full-length music videos to its app.

This move would allow the popular music streaming platform to compete with TikTok and YouTube, owned by Alphabet Inc. Spotify aims to tap into the lucrative market of streaming video content, which has proven to be more profitable than audio in the streaming media era.

Spotify
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Spotify has been gradually incorporating video into its platform, and this new feature would further solidify its commitment to making video a core part of the app. Currently, artists can upload short looping GIFs called “canvases” that appear on the screen while music is playing.

Earlier this year, Spotify introduced “clips,” which are brief videos under 30 seconds in length. These clips serve as a storytelling tool for artists to communicate about their music, similar to the format popularized by TikTok.

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While Spotify has not yet responded to requests for comment from Reuters, it is reported that the platform is engaging in discussions with potential partners regarding this new video product. The streaming giant already hosts over 100,000 podcasts with video content, further highlighting its interest in expanding its video offerings.

It is worth noting that Spotify recently announced a plan to reduce its podcast workforce by cutting 200 jobs. This move comes as part of the company’s restructuring efforts following years of significant investment in the podcasting sector. Despite this, Spotify remains committed to developing and improving its podcast platform.

By adding full-length music videos to its app, Spotify aims to keep up with the growing popularity of platforms like TikTok and YouTube, which have become go-to destinations for music discovery and consumption.

Music videos have long been a significant part of the music industry, serving as a visual medium for artists to express their creativity and enhance their songs’ impact. By incorporating music videos into its app, Spotify aims to provide users with a more immersive and comprehensive music streaming experience.

While Spotify’s primary focus remains on audio content, the introduction of music videos would enable the platform to offer a broader range of entertainment options to its users.

Additionally, it would provide artists with a new avenue to engage with their audience and showcase their visual artistry. With its extensive user base and established presence in the music streaming market, Spotify has the potential to become a formidable competitor in the video streaming space.

Overall, Spotify’s consideration of adding full-length music videos to its app demonstrates the company’s ongoing efforts to diversify its offerings and adapt to the evolving demands of its users.

By incorporating video content, Spotify aims to strengthen its position as a leading platform for music discovery and consumption, while also venturing into the realm of short-form video entertainment.