Take Music and Podcasts Everywhere You Go

(Family Features) Music is everywhere, and today’s tech-enabled world makes it easy to enjoy the sounds of your favorite artists and storytellers no matter where you go.

“In the connected world we live in, consumers want to be able to listen to their favorite music and podcasts wherever they are and however they choose to listen, whether that’s at home, in the car or on the run,” said Sten Garmark, vice president of product for Spotify.

Learn about the many ways you can access music and podcasts while on the go with these tips that can make it easy to bring your audio library with you from the family room, to the car, to the gym and virtually anywhere else life takes you:

At Home
Smart technology isn’t just for improving security or managing your home’s energy use. An increasing number of smart devices designed for the home make it easy to listen to your favorite music and podcasts in every room.

Smart speakers are a must for any music-lover’s home with a wide range of devices that come in all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s listening to motown while you cook, turning up the jazz while you entertain or queuing up your favorite podcasts as you wind down for the night, smart speakers are equipped to stream all types of audio across your home. There are other sources for accessing your music, too. Smart TVs have become true information and entertainment hubs; going far beyond the music channels many cable and satellite providers offer, you can now access an array of apps, including streaming music, on many smart TV models. Another option: game consoles that integrate apps and features beyond their basic gaming function, such as streaming music for the best gaming soundtrack experience.

Also keep in mind that smart home hub capabilities often extend beyond simple device management, such as allowing you to use voice commands to play music and podcasts from streaming services.

In the Car
For most newer vehicle models, standard audio systems offer a wealth of handy music features like favorites lists, Bluetooth integration with your smartphone and access to various apps. Voice-activated controls even let you adjust volume and switch tracks while keeping your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Just say the word to turn up the volume on premade playlists such as “70s Road Trip” and podcasts like “The Joe Budden Podcast” with a streaming service like Spotify.

It’s no secret that there are dozens, if not hundreds, of apps designed to make driving easier and more enjoyable. You’re probably familiar with apps that provide directions or help you locate the cheapest gas nearby, but don’t overlook entertainment apps that can add a little fun to all that function.

If music apps like Spotify aren’t already integrated into your car’s audio system, you can access them through your smartphone then connect via an auxiliary cord or through Bluetooth with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which have in-car display options that make streaming audio simple and stress-free.

On the Run
One of the fastest growing tech segments is wearable technology, which spans everything from smartwatches to electronic devices integrated into clothing or shoes. Fitness enthusiasts may find that in addition to offering health and fitness functions, many of these devices are also able to stream music. Some wearables come with music apps pre-installed, but many also offer options to add your own custom app selections after purchase.

Streaming music directly from your smartphone’s built-in speaker is almost always an option as well, even without any other device. When you want or need to keep your music to yourself, wireless headphones are an increasingly affordable, hassle-free option. Simply pair the headphones with your smartphone for a private music experience even when you’re in a crowded place.

Explore more options to take your music everywhere you go at Spotify-Everywhere.com.

Download Before You Go This Summer

New and classic shows to watch on the road in July

(Family Features) As you pack your travel essentials for your summer road trip, long weekend at the beach or a lazy day at the pool, there’s one thing you might be forgetting. Wherever you go, your favorite shows and stars can come with you.

Allowing you to download shows and movies to your smartphone or tablet, an option like Netflix helps you be ready to stream anywhere, anytime, even without WiFi. With so many new titles coming this month, the time is now to take advantage of this convenient feature. Whether you’re sitting shotgun or flying at 30,000 feet, you can always access your favorite shows and movies on the go.

This month, you won’t want to miss Jerry Seinfeld in his latest talk show, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee: Brewed Fresh for 2018, where he mixes his two loves: classic cars and comedy. Every episode, Seinfeld interviews a comedian while they drive around in a classic car and stop for a cup of coffee. Everybody Loves Raymond creator Phil Rosenthal provides a new adventure with even more laughs. Follow Rosenthal as he travels to Copenhagen, Ireland, Capetown, Buenos Aires and beyond to find the best local restaurants in Somebody Feed Phil: The Second Course.

These are just a couple of the new titles you can find on the service this July. Find more information about countless shows and movies, sign up for a one-month free trial and set up your account atNetflix.com.

TV shows and movies on Netflix This Month

As an alternative to endless summer re-runs, there is always something new to watch on-demand. Whether you’re into comedy, documentaries, drama or anything in-between, you can find those genres and more by going to Netflix.com to sign up. Here’s some old favorites as well as new content available to watch this month:

Chocolat
Starring Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche, this film is based on the novel by Joanne Harris, in which a woman and her daughter open a chocolate shop in a small French village that shakes up the rigid morality of the community. (Available July 1)

Jurassic Park
In this 1993 Steven Spielberg classic, starring Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum, a theme park suffers a major power breakdown that allows its cloned dinosaur exhibits to run amok. (Available July 1 with the entire trilogy coming to the service this month)

Finding Neverland
This 2004 remake of the children’s classic Peter Pan follows the life of author J.M. Barrie (Johnny Depp) who, upon meeting the widowed Sylvia (Kate Winslet) and her four sons, is inspired to write a play about a group of children who don’t want to grow up. (Available July 1)

Anne with an E: Season 2
Based on the classic coming of age story, Anne, a 13-year-old orphan in the late 19th century, is back for a second season as she maneuvers her way through tough circumstances with an unmatched enthusiasm for life. (Available July 6)

Amazing Interiors: Season 1
They might look ordinary on the outside, but inside, these stunning homes have some jaw-dropping secrets to reveal. (Available July 20)

Last Chance U: INDY: Part 1
This Original series returns to give viewers an intense, unfiltered look at a rising junior college football program, where guys with red flags seek to prove their worth on the field and in the classroom in Independence, Kansas. (Available July 20)