Uber Technologies Inc. has redesigned its in-app music features, making it easier than ever for riders to tune out their drivers.

Anyone who frequently uses ride-hailing services such as Uber has likely run into two kinds of drivers: the silent type who makes the ride feel like an awkward blind date, and the chatty type who tries to fill you in on his or her life’s story in the span of a 15-minute ride. Many riders may have no problem with awkward silence or extra-friendly drivers, but for those who do, Uber’s app now includes a few new music features designed to make the ride go a little quicker.

Previously, Uber’s music feature gave drivers ad-free access to Pandora. Now the company has added Spotify to the mix as well, along with some new features that offer a richer music listening experience. For example, users can now automatically play their favorite music when the ride starts, and it will play until they reach their destination.

Even better, Uber says that  more and more drivers are offering Bluetooth, USB or auxiliary cord connections in their cars, allowing you to blast your 10-hour loop of Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” every time you hop in the car.

According to Uber, since it first launched its music feature, users have listened to over 60 million songs using the app.

How to use it

Here is Uber’s guide on how to use the new music features (via Uber.com):

• Once you’re matched with a driver who has connected music, you’ll see the music bar at the bottom of the screen.
• Tap the bar to sign up or log into an existing Pandora or Spotify Premium account.
• If you use Spotify Premium, the music will pick up from where you last left off.  If your driver is using Pandora, you can preview what station and song is being played.
• Choose a song, station, or playlist. Music will start when your trip begins.
• Want to skip the song, or change the station? You can do so right from the Uber app.

Uber said that Rider Music will be rolling out to iOS users within the next few weeks, but Android users will have to wait a bit longer, as Uber said that Android support will arrive “in the future.” Pandora support will be available in the US, Australia and New Zealand only, whereas Spotify will be supported in the markets in which Spotify itself is already available.

Image courtesy of Uber