Spotify Connect builds the music streaming service directly into speakers

Standards like AirPlay try to make streaming media around the home as simple as possible, but Spotify is going to try a system of its own. The Next Web reports that the music subscription service will soon launch Connect, a feature built into manufacturer’s speakers that will play your music from Spotify once you select it on your tablet or smartphone.

Think of it like Google’s recently released Chromecast. Spotify Connect will simply tell the relevant hardware to pull down music from the cloud rather than letting a mobile device push it across a local network. That means you don’t have to worry about Bluetooth pairing or AirPlay compatibility, with Spotify circumventing those connections and working directly with hardware partners – including Argon, Bang & Olufsen, Denon, Marantz, Hama, Philips, Pioneer, Revo, Teufel, and Yamaha – to add its streaming service.

And just like the Chromecast, there’s tight integration on iOS and Android. Listeners will be able to push their music out to a Connect device simply by tapping a speaker icon in the mobile Spotify app. Hardware devices are already in the works, and even more companies are already in talks with the music company.

Spotify says that Connect will begin rolling out “in the coming months”, and that you’ll need a Premium subscription to take advantage of the new service.