Spotify's foray into hardware with the Car Thing seemed promising initially. Launched in 2022 as its first piece of hardware, it offered a simple screen with a rotating dial and a few buttons, enabling seamless connection to both the phone and the car for better music control. However, within a year of its sale, Spotify announced the discontinuation of the device and the end of sales. Just two years later, it further declared the cessation of operation of existing devices, leaving owners with a sense of disappointment.

From Promising Start to Disappointing End - The Story of Spotify Car Thing

Launch and Initial Promise

In 2022, Spotify introduced the Car Thing, envisioning it as a game-changer in in-car entertainment. It was designed to provide a user-friendly interface for controlling music while on the go. The device's simplicity and connectivity features attracted many users, who saw it as a convenient addition to their driving experience. However, as time passed, it became clear that the device faced challenges that would ultimately lead to its downfall.

Despite its initial popularity, the underlying issues with the Car Thing started to emerge. The extremely low power of the hardware made it difficult to run Android effectively, limiting its functionality. This was a significant setback, as users expected more from a device that was supposed to enhance their driving experience.

The Discontinuation Announcement

Less than a year after its launch, Spotify made the difficult decision to discontinue the Car Thing and end sales. This came as a shock to many users who had grown attached to the device. The company cited various reasons for the decision, including technological limitations and changing market dynamics.

Despite the discontinuation, Spotify assured users that they would still be able to access their music through other means. However, for those who had invested in the Car Thing, it was a bitter pill to swallow. The device, which had once brought joy and convenience, was now becoming a relic of the past.

The Final Blow and Refund Options

Earlier today, Spotify Car Thing owners were shocked to find that their devices had stopped working. Reports started to flood in via Twitter/X, with the device now booting up to display a message stating that it was "no longer operational" and providing information about refund terms. The refund window ends in January 2025, giving owners a limited time to make a decision.

While the death of the Car Thing is a sad chapter in Spotify's history, it is not the end of the story. There are several efforts underway to create new experiences on this hardware that are not reliant on Spotify's back end. These initiatives offer hope for those who still hold onto their Car Things, hoping to find a new use for the device.

Just because Spotify has pulled the plug on the Car Thing doesn't mean it is entirely useless. With the open-source files released by Spotify, there are possibilities for creative minds to breathe new life into this hardware. It may not be the device that we once hoped for, but it still holds some potential.

RIP Car Thing. You were cool, even though you were pretty pointless. Your legacy will live on in the memories of those who used you. For more information, visit carthing.com. Contact customer service by no later than January 14, 2025 to discuss your refund options.