New version, new (and "scary") permissions

[ferdinandishere]

Spotify 2.2.0(.636), this one introduces a new set of permissions, namely "use accounts on device".

Anyone know why? 

Spotify has of course my full trust, but I am of that belief that it is common practice to announce why there is a need to add new (and crucial) permissions, especially delicate ones like this. And the app has worked splendidly without this particular permission, hasn't it? 

And as always, in a user-driven forum, I always appreciate facts prior to wild guessings. So, anyone who can enlighten me and others?

WAIVER: I have already searched this massive forum for this topic, and I have also used Google search with no success. I do apologize if this topic already has been discussed and answered, and is happy to receive a link to such post if it happen to exist somewhere.

Kind regards

Sam

[Daniel]

Hi there. Very good spot and you are right, updated permissions should be declared with a reason for said permission.

Whilst I am unable to comment on why this permission has been added to the application; I am sure that there is no malicious intent and it is an intentional addition to make the Spotify experience more enjoyable for the end user.

[Jordi]

Hi there and welcome to the community,

I'm not sure why Spotify needs this permission, it might be a tiny feature like sharing or something. You shouldn't worry about this.

[Rodrigo]

I believe an "use accounts on device" permission is associated with social network features. I think (I repeat, I think) it's probably there to allow you to log in on Spotify with Facebook without entering the account details, with the touch of a button, if you're already using Facebook on your device.

At least that's how it works on iOS (I tap the Facebook login, a little pop up appears saying that Spotify wants to read my account, I allow it, and it logs in without requiring email and password. The same thing happens when I want to tweet a song.)

[ferdinandishere]

Thank you all for such a massive response, didn't expect it, or at least not so many replies! 

Nay, I do not worry. My experience with Spotify is nothing but positive.

@Rodrigo A valid point, to simplify log-in.

Regards

Sam