Very basic question about music control.

[Talkingtoaster]

Ok so lets be honest, i don't NEED this watch but I'm a total fanboy with an iPad air 2, iPhone 6+ and macbook pro. I don't go out so much and always have my phone to hand, or at least in the house within BT/wifi range. The few things I would use the watch for is notifications while I'm elsewhere in my property, for tracking heart rate while exercising (i do a lot of cardio on static bike and weight training) and also and most importantly is music control.

Here is my question: I connect my phone, via BT to my sony BT sound system. I play spotify, deezer, podcasts etc. I don't use the native music app. So when I play, no matter what audio output programme i use, I can swipe up on my phone to reach the command centre with toggles and the play/pause/next track etc. This works a treat using my phone. My question is will swiping up on the watch and pressing pause and play working just like on my phone?

Example. I'm playing a podcast/music from my phone to my system and i go in another room, i think "oh i will skip this track" can I use the music controls on the watch exactly as i would on my phone? or is the music controls not generic and ONLY for the official Music app? Im assuming it will do as I require but need to be sure and I'm buying this watch for very few reasons but this is my main one. Its not practical to be on my bike with my 6+ in my hand so i can skip tracks. to be able to do it on my wrist would be a joy.

Simple question explained in a detailed manner, I apologise for the length of it but I like to be thorough in my explanation.

Many thanks in advance for help

 

[Talkingtoaster]

Can't believe 50 views and nobody has an answer to such a simple question. Surely it's not rare to play audio media via BT/AirPlay and control it with your phone media controls? Heck I can even use the systems remote control to pause and play etc so the watch MUST do it, such a basic feature. Can anybody confirm? Really wanting to place this order today to arrive tomorrow

Or I'm thinking maybe a new model/upgrade in September and should maybe wait? We only just got them here in the UK you see

 

[coffeemadmanUK]

Well I think it must be because nobody can say for sure.

I would reply "I don't know" but it wouldn't be much help.

I would reply "I would assume it would work as you said" but again, it's not confirmed.

 

[Night Spring]

I don't use spotify or any podcast apps. I just tried YouTube, and while the volume, next and previous track buttons do work, the play/pause button doesn't.

If you listen to podcasts with an iPhone app, and your app has a watch extension, then you will be able to control the podcast from your watch using the app.

And do be patient, someone might come along eventually with more info, but sometimes it takes a while before the right person sees your thread.

 

[Talkingtoaster]

OK thanks guys, apologies for the impatience. Common sense say it will work exactly as it does on my phone. Also youtube probably won't play or pause as it doesn't on my iPhone, but thats video and not audio. As your slide up on the watch to bring up a similar command centre with the controls its obvious it will work the same way.

Im ordering now for next day delivery, I figure rather than debating it I may as well order it and try it out and if not happy just return it online, nice and easy!

 

[cambookpro]

Works exactly the same as the music controls in Control Centre.

I often stream music via Spotify to my Jambox outside and leave my phone charging inside. Can change tracks, control volume and pause/play music all from the watch.

 

[Taco1933]

Works the same way, but you can't pull up from just any screen. It has to be the watch face, which is extremely annoying if you're using the workout app.

 

[AbeFrohman]

The music control works for whatever is currently playing. I've used it to control tracks and volume with the official music app, Pandora, Jango, Songza, Spotify, Audible, YouTube....

Just like the control center on your phone when you swipe up.

 

[DynamicSausage]

Or I'm thinking maybe a new model/upgrade in September and should maybe wait? We only just got them here in the UK you see

The UK was one of the countries to get them on day one, we didn't "only just get them". Just enough time has passed though to get good delivery times but hopefully there won't be another update until April time, many countries still don't have this one.

The watch is good though, although maybe just go for the sport if you don't think you'll get as much use from it? Your choice though, I love mine even though I don't use many of the features. Apple Pay alone is great.

 

[tekchic]

I've tested it on Apple Music, Spotify, iBooks audiobooks, and iOS Podcast app -- all of them are viewable/play/pause, volume on crown, etc. Not just for Apple Music.

 

[Talkingtoaster]

Yep can confirm it works exactly as imagined/hoped. On podcasts you even get the +15 or -15 time skip too. Im using apple music now though for full control which is working great so far to my speakers and leaving my phone on my desk.

 

[Talkingtoaster]

Working beautifully with apple music now, ditched spotify. Now on A music I can choose any album or playlist etc from my phone which in turn is connected to BT all around the house so no matter where I am I have full access. Other wise all i use is podcasts but these must be started on phone first.

Only curious thing Ive found is pressing and holding the FF or backward doesn't skip forward like it does on the phone/app etc. Other than that its all gravy baby!

Pleased I waited the month to get the watch and make my mind up. Never bought first gen of any apple product but I thought bugger it ill just sell it if a new one comes out, all apple stuff keeps in value so well especially when you look after it like I do with major OCD. Either way I love it, even if just for the health/sports app and music control thats all i wanted it for!

So excited to see how this develops as a product. So many things I keep thinking 'should be able to do this' logically and I know they will come in time. 2/3 years down the line when we are on watch v3 it will be totally killer. Imagine cameras and FaceTime/audio, LED light, so much will be possible. Childhood dreams are finally coming true! Dick Tracy eat your heart out!!

BTW i got the most popular choice: Sports/S grey and black strap. Hoping they release a red strap (product RED) other wise I'm saving up for the (insanely priced) black leather loop which should match the space grey perfectly and my leather 6 plus case.

Im outta here baby, got another 16km indoor cycle to do. BTW on that note the heart tracking is usually bang on with my bike readings. A friend has a dedicated garmin fitness watch for running and he says this is nearly as good considering its not a dedicated fitness device.