It appears Spotify is expanding its empire to include physical products.
As pointed out by MusicAlly, the streaming service recently posted a series of job listings for its newly developed hardware production department. They’re seeking a senior project manager for hardware production, a project manager for hardware production and engineering, and an operations manager for hardware product. The latter’s description confirms Spotify devices are in the works: “Spotify is on it’s [sic] way creating it’s [sic] first physical products and set-up an operational organization [sic] for manufacturing, supply chain, sales & marketing.”
Because this venture is still in the early stages, the company has not confirmed what kind of products it will begin manufacturing; however, many consumers have speculated that a Spotify smart speaker is in the works.
In April 2017, the Zatz Not Funny blog reported on Spotify job listings for a "Senior Product Manager: Hardware" and a "Product Manager: Voice." The former posting called for an individual who “will be leading an initiative to deliver hardware directly from Spotify to existing and new customers; a category defining product akin to Pebble Watch, Amazon Echo, and Snap Spectacles.” The latter listing indicates Spotify's interest in developing voice-control devices, similar to Google Home, Sonos One, and the Apple HomePod.
Consumers will have to continue speculating for now. Though it looks like Spotify's first physical products are on the way, the fact that the company is still looking for employees to helm the venture suggests it'll be a while before devices actually hit shelves. Stay tuned.
