Spotify Is Bricking Car Thing, Leaving Users Furious
Spotify Kills Car Thing: Fair Move or User Betrayal?
Spotify has announced the discontinuation of Car Thing, a device designed to control Spotify in cars, effective December 9, 2024. This decision, described as part of efforts to streamline product offerings, has left many users frustrated, especially since the device, launched publicly in 2022, will become inoperable less than three years after its release.
The company's statement offered little consolation, merely noting the discontinuation would help focus on enhancing overall user experience. Users, having paid $90 for the device, are particularly upset as there are no plans for a replacement or trade-in options. Some are even seeking refunds or switching to alternative streaming services, dissatisfied with Spotify's offer of a one-month premium subscription as compensation.
What is the purpose of Spotify's Car Thing device, and how does it operate?
Spotify's Car Thing device was designed to provide a convenient and streamlined way for users to control Spotify’s audio content in their cars2. It operates primarily as a remote control for Spotify's vast library of music and podcasts. The device features a touch screen and voice command functionality, allowing users to interact with it by saying "Hey Spotify" followed by their request, such as playing a specific song or showing playlists145. Additionally, Car Thing includes physical controls like a dial and preset buttons for navigation and selection within the Spotify interface.
Car Thing connects to the user's smartphone via Bluetooth, which provides the necessary internet connection to access Spotify. The device itself does not have built-in speakers but connects to the car’s audio system either wirelessly via Bluetooth or through wired connections like AUX or USB. This setup enables it to play Spotify content directly through the car's sound system, enhancing the in-car entertainment experience, particularly for vehicles that lack modern connectivity options like Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
Why has Spotify decided to discontinue the Car Thing device?
Streamlining Product Offerings: Spotify has decided to discontinue the Car Thing device as part of their strategy to streamline their product offerings. This decision was mentioned in a statement where they emphasized their focus on developing new features and enhancements for their software services, which they believe will provide a better overall experience for Spotify users.
Limited Success and Practicality Issues: Initially introduced as a limited release and only broadly available from February 2022, Car Thing was Spotify's first attempt at hardware, designed to allow users to control Spotify in their cars through a touch-screen or voice commands36. However, the device was not well-received by the market. It was seen as somewhat redundant since it performed functions that a smartphone could already handle, such as controlling Spotify. Additionally, it required a power port and an air vent in the car, which added to its impracticality.
Financial and Operational Considerations: The decision to halt production was also influenced by financial and operational factors. In July 2022, Spotify's quarterly earnings report indicated that halting Car Thing production negatively impacted their gross margins. The device had not achieved enough market success to justify continued production, compounded by challenges such as product demand and supply chain issues.
Customer Reaction and Future Directions: Despite the decision, the discontinuation has led to significant customer dissatisfaction. Owners of the device, who paid $90 for it, expressed frustration over its impending inoperability and the lack of any trade-in or adequate compensation options. Spotify's focus remains on enhancing its core audio streaming service, indicating no plans to revisit hardware production for Car Thing or offer a replacement product.