Spotify has launched a new assault on the home audio market.
Current home streaming systems such as Apple's AirPlay generally require the use of a third-party mobile phone, tablet or remote to send music to a speaker or audio device.
But while that makes it easy to know what's playing and where, it drains the battery of whatever device you're using to play the music.
'Spotify Connect' is an attempt to break that loop, and pipe the streaming music service directly from your router to your speaker, with no need for a third party device.
It comprises a new chip-based wireless music standard, which can be built into speakers and WiFi-enabled HiFi systems.
Spotify says users will be able to walk into their homes, press 'play' on their speakers and continue playing from where they left off - with a single button press.
Spotify says: "Unlike other wireless music solutions, using Spotify Connect won't drain your battery. Plus you can continue to use your phone or tablet to call friends or start playing your favourite game without missing a beat."
SEE ALSO: Sonos Playbar Review
Users will have to buy new speakers with Spotify Connect built in to use the service. Models from Argon, Bang & Olufsen, Denon, Hama, Marantz, Philips, Pioneer, Revo, Teufel and Yamaha are already on the cards, with others "coming soon". There is currently no word about a possible 'mini box' that might allow existing speakers to run Spotify Connect.
"Today, listening to music at home can be a frustrating experience - dropouts, below-par audio quality, signal range and phone restrictions, battery drainage, it's basically a hassle," says Sten Garmark, VP Product Management at Spotify.
"Spotify Connect solves this by giving you effortless control of your music across your phone, tablet and now speakers with millions of songs built right in".
There's as yet no word on price for the speakers - but the service itself will be free to Spotify Premium subscribers.