Spotify’s Car Thing hits the brakes: All devices to cease functioning, users demand refunds

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Spotify has announced the discontinuation of its Car Thing devices. The music streaming giant has informed customers that these devices will cease to function after December 9, 2024. This decision has sparked a wave of discontent among users, many of whom are now demanding refunds.

 

 

The Car Thing, Spotify’s first venture into hardware, was launched in February 2022. It was primarily targeted at users without a built-in infotainment system in their vehicles. The device connected to the Spotify mobile app on a user’s phone, allowing them to stream music over their car’s sound system.

 

However, despite finding a niche community, Spotify decided to discontinue the device in July 2022. The company cited low product demand and supply chain issues as the primary reasons for this decision. Yet, users were assured that the units already sold would continue to be supported.

 

Fast forward to 2024, and Spotify has changed its tune. The company has now stated that all Car Thing units will stop operating later this year. This has understandably upset users, who paid $90 for a device that will soon be rendered unusable.

 

 

Spotify’s support page advises users to reset their Car Thing to factory settings and dispose of the device following local electronic waste guidelines. The company has also clarified that there are no plans to release a replacement or new version of Car Thing.

 

This move is part of Spotify’s efforts to streamline its product offerings. While it may be disappointing for some, the company believes that this change will allow it to focus on developing new features and enhancements.

 

How do you feel about Spotify’s decision to discontinue the only 'Thing' it made so far? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

 

Read more:

• https://support.spotify.com/us/article/car-thing-discontinued/
• https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/23/spotify-to-shut-off-car-thing-for-good-leading-users-to-demand-refunds/
• https://www.slashgear.com/1588551/spotify-killing-car-thing-device/
• https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/05/pleas-for-open-sourcing-refunds-as-spotify-plans-to-brick-car-thing-devices/
• https://www.howtogeek.com/spotify-is-about-to-kill-the-car-thing/

 

Image: Spotify