Spotify recently delivered disappointing news to customers who purchased its Car Thing device. The music streaming giant announced that the product, which was discontinued in July 2022, will cease to function after December 9, 2024. This comes as a surprise to users who were previously assured that Spotify would continue to support the units that had already been sold.
Car Thing was introduced to the public in February 2022, primarily targeting individuals whose vehicles lacked a built-in infotainment system. The device allowed users to connect their smartphones to their car’s sound system via the Spotify mobile app, enabling them to stream music on the go. While low demand and supply chain challenges were cited as reasons for discontinuing the product, Car Thing managed to establish a devoted community of users.
Understandably, customers are expressing their frustration over the device they purchased for $90 now becoming useless, despite earlier promises of ongoing support from Spotify. Many have taken to social media platforms to demand refunds for their purchases. One disgruntled user tweeted directly at Spotify, requesting a refund for their fully functional Car Thing that will soon be rendered inoperable.
In response to the backlash, Spotify issued a statement explaining that the purpose of the Car Thing experiment in the United States was to gain insights into how people listen to music while driving. They further clarified that the decision to discontinue production was made in July 2022. Spotify has now set a deadline of December 9, 2024 for deactivating all Car Thing devices.
To address the situation, Spotify’s support page advises users to reset their Car Thing to factory settings and dispose of the device in accordance with local electronic waste guidelines. The company emphasizes that this move is part of its efforts to streamline its product offerings. While it may disappoint some users, it allows Spotify to focus on developing new features and enhancements.
It seems that Spotify does not currently have any plans to reenter the hardware market. The company explicitly states that there are no intentions to release a replacement or new version of Car Thing. This suggests that Spotify’s focus will remain on its core music streaming platform rather than expanding into hardware devices in the near future.
Although the news may be disheartening for Car Thing owners, it highlights the challenges faced by companies in the constantly evolving technology landscape. As consumer preferences change and new innovations emerge, companies must make strategic decisions to stay competitive and meet the demands of their user base. While this may sometimes result in product discontinuations, it also opens the door for exciting new developments that can enhance the overall user experience.
