Waymo finally has a music experience worthy of its robotaxi

As I sat in the back of a Waymo robotaxi, effortlessly navigating the bustling streets of San Francisco, I was immersed in what felt like a modern technological marvel. With 29 external cameras, six radar units, and five lidar sensors feeding into an advanced AI system, the ride was smooth and impressive. However, one persistent concern lingered: the music options were far from enjoyable. Previously, Waymo's music streaming experience could be described as lackluster at best, offering a limited selection of stations featuring lo-fi beats, smooth jazz, and K-pop, often leaving passengers wanting more. For those wishing to enjoy specific tracks, using another app from Alphabet was necessary. For iPhone users, this meant downloading Google Assistant and configuring it to connect with Spotify, followed by voice or text commands to request songs. Unfortunately, this setup often led to frustration due to unreliable service. Given the cutting-edge technology surrounding me, it was perplexing that Waymo hadn't implemented a more straightforward music streaming solution—a feat that has been standard for years in the automotive industry. Thus, I was delighted to learn about Waymo's recent launch of Spotify integration, allowing for a smoother connection between the music streaming service and the robotaxi experience. After linking my Spotify account through the Waymo app, I hailed a ride to test the new feature. While the integration isn’t revolutionary, it significantly enhances the overall user experience. The setup is simple: navigate to the “Music” section in the Waymo app, connect to Spotify, and authorize access to your listening preferences. Upon entering the Waymo, I found the touchscreen interface displayed an option for Spotify. With a tap, the podcast I had been enjoying resumed right from where I left off. The car can automatically play your last listened song or podcast, but users should be cautious; an intense true crime podcast might lead to some awkward moments if you're riding with colleagues. Additionally, the Waymo touchscreen offers access to various personalized playlists from Spotify, such as your “Daylist.” However, it seems to lack options for albums or audiobooks. Thankfully, with Spotify now controlling the music, selecting any song or playlist from your smartphone is seamless, akin to using Apple CarPlay or a Bluetooth speaker. Ultimately, the Spotify integration has transformed my Waymo experience into one that's more tailored to my tastes. I could even adjust the bass and treble levels of the car's sound system, adding a personal touch. While this customization might not be the primary draw for first-time users, it could foster loyalty—a crucial factor for Waymo as it continues to refine its autonomous ride services.