Spotify Officially Shuts Down Car Thing As All Units Become Inoperable

Spotify Car Thing, the music streaming giant’s first attempt at hardware, has officially reached its end as all units were rendered inoperable today. Launched in 2022, Car Thing was designed to enhance the music listening experience in vehicles with a simple screen, a rotating dial, and a handful of buttons. This device provided a convenient link between users’ phones and their cars, allowing for easier control of Spotify’s extensive music library.

However, the device’s life was short-lived. Just a year following its debut, Spotify announced that it would discontinue production and sales of the Car Thing. Fast forward to today, and the final blow came when Spotify confirmed that existing devices would stop functioning altogether, urging users to dispose of their units.

Reports began flooding social media platforms like Twitter and X this morning, with Car Thing owners sharing their dismay upon discovering that their devices had ceased to work. Users attempting to power on their devices were greeted with a stark message stating, “This device is no longer operational,” alongside essential information regarding refund eligibility, which will close in January 2025.

While the sleek music controller was meant to be a breakthrough in the connected driving experience, feedback from users indicated that it offered limited functionality. Spotify’s final farewell message acknowledged this sentiment, stating, “Car Thing is discontinued and no longer operational. Thank you for being on this journey with us, safe travels. For more information, visit carthing.com. Contact customer service by no later than January 14, 2025, to discuss your refund options.”

In spite of the device’s demise, not all hope is lost for the Car Thing hardware. Some tech enthusiasts have begun exploring alternative uses for the device. The release of open-source files by Spotify has sparked ingenuity, leading to improvised experiences that do not rely on Spotify’s backend support. However, the Car Thing’s low processing power severely limits its potential, hindering the device from effectively running more complex systems like Android.

As Car Thing bids adieu, users reflect on a device that, while intriguing, often seemed more gimmicky than useful. Many are left to ponder the brief yet notable journey of Spotify Car Thing, which inspired a mix of curiosity and criticism among consumers. Its closure serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of technology, where innovation can be met with unexpected outcomes. As Spotify heads back to the drawing board, Car Thing’s legacy will undoubtedly spark discussions about the future of tech gadgets in the music and automotive sectors.