Latest news with #Jam
GMA Network
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Ben&Ben reflects on their music journey after drummer's injury
Article Inside Page Ben&Ben relaunches 'The Traveller Across Dimensions' album tour with renewed purpose. Ben&Ben is set to continue the Philippine leg of its The Traveller Across Dimensions album tour in August, adding Baguio City to its previously announced Bacolod City and Davao City stops. The shows will take place on three consecutive weekends, starting with Bacolod City on August 16 at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum, Baguio City on August 23 at the John Hay Convention Center, and Davao City on August 30 at the Holy Cross of Davao College Gym. Before these shows, the band will bring their music to Lincoln, California, for a one-night-only performance at the Thunder Valley Casino Resort on July 12. The country's biggest folk-pop band paused their album tour after its first stop in Cebu City on May 24 because drummer Jam Villanueva needed to rest and recover from De Quervain's Tenosynovitis and Drummer's Wrist on her left hand. During this break, Ben&Ben recently took time to reflect on their music journey. 'We were faced with a great challenge that none of us expected. Nangyayari rin pala siya sa music. Akala namin sa sports lang siya nangyayari, na biglang may mai-injure,' said lead vocal and acoustic guitarist Miguel Benjamin Guico at the relaunch of The Traveller Across Dimensions album tour last Monday, June 30, at 12 Monkeys Music Hall and Pub in Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Pasig City. Before the question-and-answer segment, the band treated the press with a live performance of their songs 'Paninindigan Kita,' 'Autumn,' and their new single 'Saranggola.' Instead of Jam, the drums were played by Eo Marcos of Kjwan. Later, Jam joined the group and told the press, 'I'm okay. I'm on the road to recovery naman. Dati kasi, hindi ko siya magalaw from this position [raised her left arm]. At least now, yung range of motion niya is there.' As of that day, she was not sure if she would be able to join the upcoming shows of Ben&Ben. She said, 'I'm still working on the strength of it. So, I can't tell pa now if I'm able to, but that's the goal. The goal is to be able to play as soon as I can in the best and healthiest way possible. Kasi siyempre, ayaw din natin yung bibiglain natin yung katawan ko 'tapos, magre-regress yung progress natin. "The goal is to do it right. To be able to keep playing, that's the goal. I'm okay, nakakahugas na ako ng plato. I've graduated from mugs to plates, so that's good.' Related gallery: K-pop idols who raved about OPM band Ben&Ben Despite this challenge, the band shared how the incident made them appreciate not just their craft, but also their bond as a family, and the purpose behind their music. Andrew de Pano (percussion) related, 'Actually, when Jam was first showing signs of wrist thing, ang kulit niya, pinu-push niya talagang tumugtog. She didn't wanna stop until we could really see in her face na natatakot siya it might ruin her wrist for the long term. 'Honestly, I feel if it were up to Jam, she would still be playing and be gone next week. So, we really pushed for her to figure out what's wrong, to consult with a lot of doctors and physical therapists.' 'We were, honestly, more worried about her health and the longevity of playing. Kasi, we know how Jam embodies her love for playing and how much it means to her. Wala kaming feeling na, 'Hala, paano na yung next show.' It's really how can we best help Jam. Ayun, it's apparently a condition that would take a little bit more intensive healing. So, kung ano ang makakaya naming gawin.' He also noted that this incident was 'It's a bit of an eye-opener, na hindi kami invincible. 'Kailangan nating i-take care ang ating joints, wrists, mag-vitamins, mag-rest, warm up before playing. I think we've been doing this for so long that we didn't realize how much of a physical job it is kasi ang bata pa namin dati. 'We were able to form… When you know how important something is, it kind of makes you closer to the people you experience it with. So, napaka-important nito sa aming family namin, itong band namin, that we really care for each other's health and with all the steps possible talaga na hindi mawawala ang isa't isa.' After hearing words of support from her bandmates, Jam felt nothing but deep gratitude towards them She said, 'I really felt the support of the team like everyone was, 'Don't worry about playing. Worry about your health. Put yourself first, this is your time to heal.' So, I really appreciate everyone in the team.' Meanwhile, aside from the resumption of The Traveller Across Dimensions album tour, Ben&Ben also announced the extension of their ties with Sony Music Philippines. Miguel said, 'Grabe, as in, we really took a lot of time to reflect on the future of our music journey. A huge part of that future is which record label we're partnering with. 'As we know, especially here in the Philippines and all over the world, record labels are an important part of the music industry. They really help push forward and deliver the music to artists' audiences, our fans, and our fan community. 'So, we're happy to announce that we're renewing our partnership with Sony Music Philippines and we are proud Sony Music Philippines artists.' In her speech, Sony Music PH general manager Roslyn Pineda said, 'As we move forward, I'm excited to explore new horizons and continue our shared vision of bringing heartfelt melodies to people.'
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Android Auto Spotify update: Introduced ‘Jam' to make musical journeys more fun
Android Auto Spotify Jam feature is transforming in-car entertainment by making every drive a collaborative playlist experience. Debuting after its reveal at Google I/O 2025 , this upgrade lets passengers join a shared Spotify Jam session via a QR code on the Android Auto display—putting everyone in the musical director's seat . The feature, supported on Android Auto, integrates smoothly with Spotify's updated UI, which now includes a prominent Downloaded section, floating search shortcut, and offline-playlist indicators. Whether you're commuting with family or streaming with friends, this collaborative music feature optimizes ride sharing and group drives. Stay tuned to find out why this upgrade is a game-changer for mobile infotainment. What's the new major update? Jam allows real-time collaboration in playlists, so that one person doesn't dominate the music. | Credit: Spotify The streaming behemoth Spotify has released a revised UI and a number of new features, the most notable of which is Jam, in a significant update to its Android Auto app. Spotify's collaborative group listening feature, Jam, is now officially available for Android Auto with the release of version 9.0.58.596. Jam, which was first hinted at at the recent Google I/O 2025, enables drivers to conduct a shared playback session using the infotainment screen of their vehicle. While the host maintains complete control over playback, passengers can participate by scanning a QR code, adding music to the queue in real time. According to Spotify's news release, "this makes collaborative listening seamless while on the go." With Spotify's current goal of making music more participatory, the move is an obvious gesture to road trips and carpooling. How to access? The latest version of Spotify Android Auto is currently accessible on the Google Play Store and will be made available to users globally over time. The latest version of Spotify also accommodates places with inadequate connectivity, guaranteeing that music will continue to play even in isolated locations. The in-app library now features a new "Downloaded" tab that provides faster access to offline content. In order to prevent users from inadvertently queueing tracks that require data, songs that have already been downloaded are now clearly noted. For customers planning lengthy travels without dependable internet or traveling across unreliable network zones, this improvement is especially helpful. Smarter search is now on The new Spotify Android Auto update is now available on the Google Play Store and will roll out gradually to users worldwide. | Credit: Spotify Up until recently, the only way for Android Auto users to start voice searches was with Google Assistant, which skipped the results and started playing music. The floating search button in the latest version opens a separate tab where users can peruse and choose tunes. Safety is also prioritized in the updated user interface. With its new interface designed for in-car navigation, Spotify has made it easier to browse, choose, and control music with less visual clutter. Whether you're driving alone on the highway or with pals on a road trip, Spotify's most recent upgrade positions itself as more than simply a music player—it's the soundtrack to every journey. Spotify is improving the in-car music experience and advancing Android Auto by fusing social elements like Jam with more intelligent offline access.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Android Auto Spotify update: Introduced ‘Jam' to make musical journeys more fun
Android Auto Spotify Jam feature is transforming in-car entertainment by making every drive a collaborative playlist experience. Debuting after its reveal at Google I/O 2025, this upgrade lets passengers join a shared Spotify Jam session via a QR code on the Android Auto display—putting everyone in the musical director's seat . The feature, supported on Android Auto, integrates smoothly with Spotify's updated UI, which now includes a prominent Downloaded section, floating search shortcut, and offline-playlist indicators. Whether you're commuting with family or streaming with friends, this collaborative music feature optimizes ride sharing and group drives. Stay tuned to find out why this upgrade is a game-changer for mobile infotainment. What's the new major update? The streaming behemoth Spotify has released a revised UI and a number of new features, the most notable of which is Jam, in a significant update to its Android Auto app. Spotify's collaborative group listening feature, Jam, is now officially available for Android Auto with the release of version 9.0.58.596. Jam, which was first hinted at at the recent Google I/O 2025, enables drivers to conduct a shared playback session using the infotainment screen of their vehicle. While the host maintains complete control over playback, passengers can participate by scanning a QR code, adding music to the queue in real time. According to Spotify's news release, "this makes collaborative listening seamless while on the go." With Spotify's current goal of making music more participatory, the move is an obvious gesture to road trips and carpooling. How to access? The latest version of Spotify Android Auto is currently accessible on the Google Play Store and will be made available to users globally over time. The latest version of Spotify also accommodates places with inadequate connectivity, guaranteeing that music will continue to play even in isolated locations. The in-app library now features a new "Downloaded" tab that provides faster access to offline content. In order to prevent users from inadvertently queueing tracks that require data, songs that have already been downloaded are now clearly noted. For customers planning lengthy travels without dependable internet or traveling across unreliable network zones, this improvement is especially helpful. Smarter search is now on Up until recently, the only way for Android Auto users to start voice searches was with Google Assistant, which skipped the results and started playing music. The floating search button in the latest version opens a separate tab where users can peruse and choose tunes. Safety is also prioritized in the updated user interface. With its new interface designed for in-car navigation, Spotify has made it easier to browse, choose, and control music with less visual clutter. Whether you're driving alone on the highway or with pals on a road trip, Spotify's most recent upgrade positions itself as more than simply a music player—it's the soundtrack to every journey. Spotify is improving the in-car music experience and advancing Android Auto by fusing social elements like Jam with more intelligent offline access.
Indian Express
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Spotify introduces ‘Jam' in Android Auto, making group listening accessible on the go
In a major update to its Android Auto app, streaming giant Spotify has unveiled a redesigned interface and a suite of new features headlined by Jam. With the rollout of version 9.0.58.596, Spotify has officially brought Jam, its collaborative group listening feature, to Android Auto. First teased at the recent Google I/O 2025, Jam allows drivers to host a shared playback session via their car's infotainment screen. Passengers can scan a QR code to join in, adding songs to the queue in real time – while the host retains full control over playback. 'This makes collaborative listening seamless while on the move,' Spotify said in its press release. The move is a clear nod to road trips and carpooling where Spotify now aims to make music more interactive. The new Spotify Android Auto update is now available on the Google Play Store and will roll out gradually to users worldwide. Spotify's update also caters to areas with poor connectivity, ensuring uninterrupted music even in remote areas. A new 'Downloaded' tab has been added to the in-app library, offering quicker access to offline content. Songs already downloaded are now visibly marked, ensuring users don't accidentally queue tracks that require data. This enhancement is particularly handy for users travelling through rough network zones or planning long drives without reliable internet. Until now, Android Auto users could only initiate voice searches via Google Assistant, which skipped results and played music directly. The new update introduces a floating search button, launching a dedicated screen where users can browse and select tracks. The refreshed UI also puts safety first. Spotify has introduced a layout for in-car navigation, reducing visual clutter and making it easier to browse, select, and control playback with minimal distraction. With the latest update, Spotify is carving itself not just as a music player but as the soundtrack to every drive, whether you are solo on the highway or vibing with friends on a road trip. By blending social features like Jam with smarter offline access, Spotify is refining the in-car music experience, evolving Android Auto. (This article has been curated by Kaashvi Khubyani, who is an intern with The Indian Express.)
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Spotify just dropped ‘Jam', its most social in-car feature yet for Android Auto
Spotify has started rolling out a major update to its Android Auto app, introducing a refreshed design and new functionality aimed at improving the in-car music experience. Among the most notable additions is support for 'Jam,' the group listening feature first announced at Google I/O 2025. Spotify's new 'Jam' feature lets passengers add songs on Android Auto via QR code.(Pixabay) 'Jam' makes road trip playlists a group effort With the latest update, version 9.0.58.596 for Android, Spotify now lets drivers host a shared playback session directly from their car's display. The feature, called Jam, allows passengers to scan a QR code and instantly join a group session, adding tracks to the music queue in real time. While the host retains full control over playback and guest management, the feature is designed to make road trips and group drives more interactive. 'This makes collaborative listening seamless while on the move,' Spotify noted in a press release earlier this year. The company had hinted at deeper Android Auto integrations back in May, and the current update seems to deliver on that promise. Offline playback and smarter search for better connectivity The update also brings more practical changes, particularly for users driving through areas with poor connectivity. A new 'Downloaded' tab now sits prominently within the in-app Library, making it easier to find music available offline. Tracks that are already downloaded are also now visibly marked while browsing playlists or albums, ensuring users don't have to guess what's accessible without a signal. In addition to the design tweaks, Spotify has added a floating Search button that launches a dedicated search screen, something previously unavailable in Android Auto. Until now, users had to rely solely on Google Assistant for music searches, which would start playback instantly without showing results. With this change, users can now browse and choose tracks manually, much like the mobile app experience. Refined UI for safer navigation This update also brings UI improvements across the app, offering a more streamlined interface for safer in-car navigation. This update is the first major sign of Google's recently announced plans to give media apps more flexibility within Android Auto. Google has also confirmed that Amazon Music and YouTube Music will adopt these enhanced Android Auto capabilities in the near future, with similar updates expected for other media apps in the coming months. The Spotify update is now live via the Google Play Store and is gradually rolling out to eligible users.
