Spotify has announced that it will deactivate its Car Thing devices, rendering them unusable by the end of this year. This decision concludes Spotify’s short-lived venture into hardware, which ended when the Car Thing dashboard accessory was discontinued shortly after its release.
As the device approaches obsolescence, Spotify has decided not to offer refunds or subscription credits to purchasers, instead advising them to responsibly recycle the device.
“We’re discontinuing Car Thing as part of our ongoing efforts to streamline our product offerings,” as written on an FAQ on Spotity’s website. “We understand it may be disappointing, but this decision allows us to focus on developing new features and enhancements that will ultimately provide a better experience to all Spotify users.”
The FAQ also clearly states that there are no plans for a successor to Car Thing, shutting down any speculation about future hardware projects from Spotify.
Introduced in April 2021 on an invite-only basis, Car Thing was later offered through a public waitlist before its wider release in February 2022 at a price of $90. Despite its well-received design, the device served primarily as a remote control for Spotify’s mobile app rather than as a standalone media player, which limited its broader market appeal. By July of the same year, production ceased, less than a year after its debut.
The impending deactivation of Car Thing was communicated to customers via email, informing them that the device would stop functioning completely by December 9. This move by Spotify not only signifies its exit from hardware production but also highlights the challenges tech companies face when they step beyond their core product offerings.
As customers face the reality of their Car Things turning into e-waste, Spotify’s recommendation is to perform a factory reset and explore environmentally responsible methods for disposing of the gadget.
Related News:
Featured Image courtesy of Spotify