Spotify is Going to Break Every Car Thing Gadget It Ever Sold

Spotify’s brief foray into hardware with its Car Thing dashboard accessory is coming to an unceremonious end. The company has announced that the device, which was discontinued in 2022, will be rendered completely inoperable by December 9th, 2024. This move has left customers frustrated, especially since Spotify is not offering any subscription credit or refunds for the defunct product.

A Short-Lived Experiment

Car Thing was Spotify’s attempt to integrate its streaming service more seamlessly into car audio systems. Initially launched on an invite-only basis in April 2021, the $90 device became available to the general public in February 2022. However, just five months later, production ceased. Despite its potential, Car Thing struggled to find a broad market due to its reliance on being a remote control for Spotify on a connected mobile phone rather than a standalone player.

Customer Disappointment

Spotify has begun notifying Car Thing owners that the device will stop working altogether by the end of this year. The company's FAQ section bluntly states, “We’re discontinuing Car Thing as part of our ongoing efforts to streamline our product offerings.” This announcement has sparked disappointment among users who expected more support or a possible successor to the device.

No Compensation or Future Plans

Adding to the frustration, Spotify is not offering any form of compensation to Car Thing owners. There will be no subscription credits or automatic refunds, and the company has no plans to open-source the device. Instead, Spotify advises users to perform a factory reset and responsibly recycle the hardware. The FAQ further clarifies, “As of now, there are no plans to release a replacement or new version of Car Thing.”

The Rise and Fall of Car Thing

Despite its short lifespan, Car Thing did find a niche community. The hardware was well-received for its build quality and functionality as a Spotify remote control. However, its limited appeal and the reliance on a connected mobile phone likely contributed to its downfall. The abrupt end of support highlights the risks consumers face when investing in experimental tech products from companies outside their core expertise.

Looking Ahead

Spotify’s decision to discontinue Car Thing reflects its focus on enhancing its software and streaming services rather than venturing further into hardware. “This decision allows us to focus on developing new features and enhancements that will ultimately provide a better experience to all Spotify users,” the company stated.

For now, users who invested in Car Thing are left to deal with the reality of their devices turning into e-waste. This situation underscores the importance of considering the long-term viability and support of tech products, especially those from companies testing new waters.

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