Spotify will disable its ‘Car Thing’ device, infuriating customers

Spotify recently sent an email to its customers informing them that the Car Thing service will be discontinued and will no longer work after December 9, 2024. This strangely named device is the streaming company’s first-ever hardware attempt that allows users to control Spotify in their cars via touch screen or voice commands.

Extremely confusing and frustrating statement the company said it attributed the discontinuation of production “as part of (its) ongoing efforts to streamline (its) product offerings. The closest thing to an apology in the statement was: “We understand this may be disappointing, but this decision allows us to focus on developing new features and improvements that will ultimately provide a better experience for all Spotify users.”

The standalone streaming device was introduced to the world as limited version in April 2021, and only made publicly available in February 2022. Just five months later, in July 2022, Spotify announced In my second quarterly report on financial results that it is suspending production.

The Car Thing has always been a surprising little device people weren’t sure because it blocks the power port and the vent while ensuring… Spotify is something you can use your phone for. But soon it happened slightly more useful and has always been a lifesaver for people driving older cars without Android Auto, Apple CarPlay or Bluetooth.

Owners of Car Thing they are furious about paying $90 for a dedicated device that will soon stop working less than three years after its public release. The company has made it clear that it will not release a replacement or modified version, nor does it offer any options for replacing the device. Consumers have been asked to reset Car Thing devices to factory settings and dispose of them safely “in accordance with local e-waste guidelines.”

Some consumers do involved in coups from Spotify and demand a refund. They were also disappointed in this respect, as they were offered a monthly premium Spotify subscription – priced at $11 – in exchange for being prevented from using the $90 gadget. Others have announced they are moving on permanently alternatives to streaming music.

A version of this article originally appeared on Gizmodo.