Spotify will build its own “in-car” device and will not offer refunds

In 2021, Spotify launched Car Thing, making the product available in the United States the following year. The device is described as “a new smart player that will fill your car with music, news, entertainment, calls and more.” The product is currently being discontinued and will no longer function. The Car Thing expires on Monday, December 9, 2024.

In a statement to Ars Technica, a Spotify spokesperson said: “The goal of our Car Thing US exploration was to learn more about how people listen in the car. In July 2022, we announced that we would cease further production and it was time to say goodbye to the devices completely.”

Spotify has no plans to create a new version of Car Thing or a similar physical product. The company suggests that Car Thing owners find an appropriate way to recycle or dispose of their devices. There will be no refunds or exchanges.

What the hell is Spotify’s tragic name “Car Thing”?