Spotify’s powerful algorithm lets you find music you like from a breeze. But suppose it can recommend music based on how you sound?
This is the idea proposed in a patent that Spotify recently granted (report by Pitchfork), which outline potential uses for this type of technology. The patent details a concept for using audio signals – your voice, background sounds and even your accent – to figure out what to play for you. A factor that can inform the flow service what to play next can be the “emotional state of a speaker”, while others can determine your gender and how old you are based on your voice.
The authors of the patent describe the environmental audio data collection and describe how it can be used to identify where you are – inside, outside, on the train, at a party, and so on – and with how many people you share the space with. .
“In one aspect, for example, the environmental metadata indicates aspects of a physical environment in which the audio signal is input,” the patent states. ‘In one example, the environmental metadata indicates a number of people in the environment in which the audio signal is input. In another example, the environmental metadata may indicate a location or noise level. ‘
Sure, it’s whimsical as hell. But similar technologies already exist and has for years now. Still, it’s an interesting application for a service that competes directly with data dominators like Apple and Amazon, both of which have their own music services. Of course, Spotify is trying to vacuum up as much data as it can possibly get its hands on. How else is it going to perfect his algorithm and keep you addicted to his service forever? (Keep in mind, however, that just because a patent for a technology exists does not necessarily mean it will ever officially launch.)
G / O Media can get a commission
Spotify did not immediately return Gizmodo’s request for comment. However, the company said in a statement to Pitchfork that the company’s filed patent applications for hundreds of inventions and that we regularly submit new applications. Some of these patents become part of future products, while others do not. Our ambition is to create the best audio experience, but we currently have no news to share. ”