Spotify has officially ceased support for its Car Thing device, a hardware product designed to facilitate music streaming in vehicles. Originally launched in April 2021, Car Thing was developed to provide users with hands-free access to Spotify’s extensive library via voice commands and preset buttons. The company’s decision to discontinue the product aligns with its strategy to streamline offerings, focusing instead on enhancing its audio platform. Despite the discontinuation, Spotify emphasizes that users can still access its services in vehicles through smartphones and other connection methods.
Car Thing was initially perceived as a novel solution to integrate Spotify’s services more seamlessly into car entertainment systems. However, reports and feedback over time indicated challenges such as fluctuating demand and supply chain constraints. These issues, coupled with the evolving landscape of in-car audio technology, might have influenced Spotify’s decision. The company’s statement in July 2022, which highlighted a $31.4 million charge related to Car Thing, signaled financial implications stemming from the product’s production halt.
What Led to the Discontinuation?
Spotify’s decision to end Car Thing’s operational status comes after careful consideration of product demand versus supply capabilities.
“Based on several factors, including product demand and supply chain issues, we have decided to stop further production of Car Thing unit,”
a spokesperson explained. Spotify’s actions reflect a strategic pivot towards refining its core services rather than hardware production, despite Car Thing’s original aim to expand Spotify’s reach across different vehicle types.
How Should Users Proceed?
With the discontinuation of Car Thing, Spotify advises users to perform a factory reset on their devices and dispose of them according to local electronic waste regulations. For those seeking financial recompense, contacting customer service before January 14 is recommended.
“You can still enjoy Spotify in your car and through other methods, such as using the Spotify app on your smartphone or via Bluetooth or cable connections,”
the company reassures users in its communication.
Spotify’s core mission remains focused on being the leading audio platform globally. The company has consistently emphasized its commitment to developing new features and improvements to enhance user experience across its app, rather than through hardware solutions. This redirection demonstrates Spotify’s dedication to adapting to the dynamic audio technology environment, ensuring its offerings remain relevant and competitive.
The discontinuation of Car Thing highlights Spotify’s adaptability in a rapidly changing market. While Car Thing provided valuable insights into user engagement and hardware capabilities, the company’s decision underscores the complexities of hardware ventures in the tech industry. For Spotify, prioritizing its digital platform and user experience over hardware development appears to be a more sustainable approach.
Spotify’s halt of Car Thing underscores a strategic refocus on its core platform. Users can still enjoy Spotify in vehicles via smartphones and Bluetooth. The company’s future efforts will likely concentrate on enhancing its digital streaming capabilities.
