Get the weekly hi-fi digest — new gear, best reads, and deals.

New WhatsApp beta feature integrates Spotify into Status updates, allowing music sharing with rich previews.
Users can customize background colors and share tracks with album artwork, song titles, and a "Play on Spotify" button.
Integration leverages Meta's partnership with Universal Music Group, offering access to popular artists like Taylor Swift and Adele.
Participants in Google's beta program for WhatsApp can now explore a promising new feature in version 2.25.8.3: Spotify integration for Status updates. This functionality allows users to share their favorite tracks directly to their WhatsApp Status, presenting a rich preview that includes album artwork, song titles, and a "Play on Spotify" button. Additionally, users have the option to customize background colors, enhancing the visual appeal of their shared music snippets.
The integration leverages Meta's extensive partnership with Universal Music Group, granting access to a diverse catalog featuring artists like Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, and Adele. This move not only enriches the user experience by providing seamless music sharing but also aligns WhatsApp more closely with other social platforms that support music integration. Currently, the feature is exclusive to Spotify, but there are indications that services such as YouTube Music and Apple Music might follow suit in future updates.
From a technical standpoint, the feature utilizes Spotify’s sharing API to generate rich links that embed essential metadata, ensuring that each shared track maintains its integrity and functionality within WhatsApp. When a song is shared, the system dynamically pulls cover art and relevant song information, creating an interactive preview that invites viewers to listen directly on Spotify. This seamless integration requires robust backend synchronization to maintain performance and reliability across both platforms.
Early impressions from audiophiles suggest that this feature enhances the way music is shared and discovered within messaging apps. The ability to personalize Status updates with favorite tracks not only adds a new dimension to user profiles but also fosters a more engaging and interactive communication environment. The inclusion of high-quality visuals and easy access to music streaming reinforces the trend of blending multimedia content with everyday messaging.
Overall, Spotify's integration into WhatsApp Status updates represents a significant advancement in the convergence of music streaming and instant messaging. By providing users with intuitive tools to share and showcase their musical tastes, both platforms are poised to offer a richer, more interconnected digital experience for music enthusiasts.
New gear, best reads, and deals — every Friday.

* Queen will release a 5CD+2LP super deluxe Queen II box set on 27 March 2026 via EMI, expanding the original 1974 album extensively.

* Audio Research I/55 is a compact tube integrated amplifier derived from I/70, succeeding I/50, targeting high-end listeners seeking classic tube sound with m…

* ToxFreeLife tested 81 headphone models from brands including Sony, Apple, JBL, Bose, Samsung, and Temu across European retail and online marketplaces.

* Audio-Technica launches the ATH-CKD7NC USB-C wired earphones on February 27, featuring hybrid noise cancelling and priced at ¥9,680 via direct sales.