Google Maps integrates streaming services

Google Maps has updated its features to integrate Spotify, Play Music and Apple Music.

It makes sense, as streaming in cars is on the rise, although at a slower pace than you would imagine.

In Edison Research’s 2018 Infinite Dial study, streaming now makes up 12% of in-car audio listening, up from 8% in 2014.

In comparison AM/FM radio takes up 56% of listening time, and CDs constitute 15%.

However, the proportion of respondents who have used online streaming at least once in the car has grown over the last five years, from 26% to 44%.

Streaming services are fighting for market share in cars, with automotive partnerships and integrations.

In March, at a meeting with investors, Spotify claimed that 30% of its users listen to music regularly in the car.

Possibly, the new integration with three services could increase uptake of in-car streaming.

Navigation is the most widely used non-music app in the car, and now users no longer have to navigate out of the Google Maps application to change tracks.

They can browse songs, albums and playlists, and return to active navigation.

In the US, Spotify and Google Play Music are neck and neck, each accounting for 24.7% of music sessions on the Android driving app Drivemode.

Pandora was the first streaming service to get into cars, but has slipped to 14.3% of sessions on Drivemode.

Amazon Music was 8.3% and Samsung Music at 3.6%, with Apple Music and Tidal down the list.

In another update, Google Maps in 80 regions around the world will advise commuters if there are any delays on your drive, when their next train or bus will depart, and the time from the nearest station to their destination.

In Sydney, commuters even get to know how full the next bus or train is, to work out whether to rush for it.