There are two technically decent way to get playlist support in Spot Remote.
Option One is using Spotify’s own “libspotify” (link). This would allow us to get/add/edit playlists, starred items, inbox, proper coverart etc.
However, the End User License Agreement that needs to be signed does not allow me to use their library on a mobile device, nor can it be used within a commercial application. Until Spotify changes their EULA – we can not use libspotify to get playlists, sadly.
Option Two
There is an alternative to libspotify, called “despotify” (link). A couple of years ago, a few dedicated users reverse engineered the Spotify protocol and could create their own Spotify Client from it. This is great for platforms that Spotify does not support, like linux and embedded devices (refrigerators and other cool stuff). I was able to use their library to get playlists within Spot Remote. However, some vital functions are missing (such as inbox and starred items). And most importantly, folders does not seem to work properly. More on that later though.
Worth noting is that technically, despotify breaks the EULA you signed when downloading Spotify. But despotify has been around for a long time now, and Spotify has not yet blocked any use of it (They can tell if a user has the real client or despotify). I use it daily, and I know there are hundreds of users that has used it since it was released, and has not had any issues. The Spotify crew are nice guys, and if they don’t want despotify around – they would have just blocked it as soon as it came out.
Playlist Folder issues
From my testing, I have noticed that folders are not working properly – since I am using despotify, which does not have support for folders. (However, sometimes it does work. Magic of reverse engineering) But in general:
- Playlists works
- Playlist folders with playlists within them work
- Playlist folders with folders within does not work.
This is ok
This is NOT ok
Those playlists that are within a folder, within a folder (Inception style) shows up irregularly or not at all in Spot Remote. This might be an issue for some, that uses folders within folders, but it’s the best we can do so far. The remaining playlists works just fine.
The playlist function requires Spotify Premium. This is a great way to support Spotify and their great work. Plus, no commercials – and that’s nice.
Please write your questions in the comments, and I will try to update the post as we go along.
Axel
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