Spotify adds gapless playback and crossfade features

MUSIC STREAMING SERVICE Spotify has started rolling out gapless playback and crossfade features to its users.

The firm said that gapless playback is such a useful addition that it will be switched on by default. It will perfect for live recordings, concept albums and mixed albums.

Famous DJ Paul Oakenfold said, "I use Spotify daily. Many of my own releases are mixed so I'm delighted to hear Spotify will now offer gapless playback and crossfade so my fans can experience the mixes on Spotify in the way they normally do in the clubs."

Spotify said you can "DJ to your heart's content" with the new adjustable crossfade tool. However, this doesn't beat match tracks. It overlaps the end of one track with the beginning of another. This one won't be turned on by default.

Other additions with the update include faster artist browsing, save and restore for 'now playing', drag and drop on Windows and, for premium users, the option to hide the purchase button.

At the end of January the popular streaming service announced that it had reached three million paid subscribers. Users who can't wait for the update can download a preview version. µ