{"id":1262,"date":"2024-10-12T01:02:48","date_gmt":"2024-10-12T01:02:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/serverhost.com\/blog\/maximize-your-listening-experience-why-the-spotify-controls-gnome-extension-is-a-must-have-for-music-addicts\/"},"modified":"2025-02-26T05:18:30","modified_gmt":"2025-02-26T05:18:30","slug":"maximize-your-listening-experience-why-the-spotify-controls-gnome-extension-is-a-must-have-for-music-addicts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/serverhost.com\/blog\/maximize-your-listening-experience-why-the-spotify-controls-gnome-extension-is-a-must-have-for-music-addicts\/","title":{"rendered":"Maximize Your Listening Experience: Why the Spotify Controls GNOME Extension is a Must-Have for Music Addicts"},"content":{"rendered":"

GNOME Shell displays the currently playing information in the notification shade, keeping it out of sight until you need to check. Many users appreciate this design, but what if it’s not your preference?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Sounds Good<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Install Spotify on Ubuntu (Snap or DEB)<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n

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Personally, I enjoy having media details (such as album art, artist names, and track titles) readily visible in the top bar. When I’m listening to a playlist like Spotify Discover<\/em>, I can easily see the current song and artist at the top of my screen.<\/p>\n

This approach is much more convenient for me than disrupting my workflow by switching applications or clicking on the notification shade to check what’s playing.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Additionally, having the ‘now playing’ information visible while I’m enjoying music just adds a certain cool factor for me!<\/p>\n

I utilize MPRIS Label + Controls<\/a><\/em> since it is compatible with most Linux media players, such as Rhythmbox<\/em>, Spotify<\/em>, and TIDAL Hi-Fi<\/a><\/em>, along with command-line audio players like MusikCube<\/em>, among others.<\/p>\n

It’s also highly<\/strong> customizable<\/a>, allowing me to design a look and layout that aligns with my personal preferences.<\/p>\n

The only downside is that it doesn\u2019t display player controls. The concept is to manage playback with mouse clicks (which can be tailored, for instance, left click to skip a track, right click to pause). It works fine, but I often forget which key does what when my media keys lose focus.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Spotify Controls<\/em><\/strong> is a GNOME Shell extension designed to integrate playback controls and<\/em> track information directly into the top bar. Unlike other GNOME extensions, this one is tailored specifically for Spotify users. This niche focus may not be an issue for those who are dedicated Spotify aficionados. <\/p>\n

Once you install it (and only when Spotify is active), this extension presents the following elements:<\/p>\n