The Amazon Echo has added support for Spotify. However, the voice-controlled speaker will only work for subscribers of the streaming service. The choice to limit access to paid customers is an interesting one, given that Pandora’s ad-supported radio streams are available on the Amazon tech.
The Echo is one of many new challengers in the field of WiFi speakers and connected home audio, where Sonos has been the leader for some time. Several other companies have been releasing speaker systems or streaming dongles designed to compete with Sonos’ product line. Echo has music support for Amazon’s Prime Music, iHeartRadio, and TuneIn along with Pandora and Spotify. It also has smart home capabilities, answers questions, and provides information.