Spotify's Car Thing, a device launched three years ago to help drivers access the streaming service in cars without built-in apps, will become obsolete on December 9. Spotify announced on Thursday that the hardware, which initially aimed to bridge the gap for users without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, will "no longer be operational."
Why It Matters
Car Thing was Spotify's attempt to enter the hardware market, offering a solution for drivers who wanted seamless Spotify access in older vehicles. The device was priced at $90 and featured voice recognition, preset buttons, and a four-inch touchscreen. However, its discontinuation in mid-2022 hinted at its impending demise.
Background
In a 2021 review, Engadget’s Billy Steele found the Car Thing surprisingly useful despite initial skepticism. Steele highlighted its benefits for older cars lacking modern tech features, noting that it offered an upgrade by allowing drivers to use voice control and maintain separate displays for navigation and music. "I'm never getting built-in voice control in [the 2006 Honda] Element, and the ability to keep Waze on my phone and Spotify on another display definitely reduced the need to fiddle with either while driving," Steele wrote.
Official Reason
Spotify attributes the decision to discontinue Car Thing to its "ongoing efforts to streamline our product offerings" and a focus on "developing new features and enhancements that will ultimately provide a better experience to all Spotify users." This translates to cost-saving measures as the company re-evaluates its hardware ventures.
Implications for Users
With no plans to launch a replacement or an updated version of Car Thing, users must rely on their smartphones connected via Bluetooth or cable to stream Spotify in their vehicles. For many, the widespread adoption of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay offers a more versatile solution, integrating multiple apps beyond just music streaming.
Next Steps
Spotify advises users to factory reset their Car Thing devices and dispose of them appropriately after December 9. The company has yet to offer refunds or trade-in options, leaving some users wary of future limited hardware experiments from Spotify.
Conclusion
While Spotify’s Car Thing provided a niche solution for older cars, its discontinuation reflects the challenges of sustaining hardware products in a software-dominated market. As Spotify focuses on enhancing its core streaming service, users can look forward to new features and improvements designed to enrich their listening experience across all devices.
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