Dec 9, 2024, 12:00 AM
Dec 9, 2024, 12:00 AM

Spotify shuts down car thing and offers last chance for refunds

Highlights
  • Spotify has officially discontinued its Car Thing accessory, which was designed for music control while driving.
  • Owners are given until January 14, 2025, to contact Spotify and request a refund, provided they have proof of purchase.
  • Despite the shutdown, some users are finding new ways to repurpose the gadget for non-Spotify uses, while others are left dealing with e-waste.
Story

In December 2024, Spotify officially discontinued its Car Thing accessory, which was intended to enhance the music-listening experience for users while driving. This announcement came with the device's final goodbye message, notifying owners that the product is no longer operational. Users are urged to contact customer service for refund options by January 14, 2025, providing proof of purchase to initiate the refund process. This development follows an earlier announcement from Spotify in May about the upcoming discontinuation of the Car Thing. Despite being discontinued, some users have attempted to repurpose the Car Thing for alternative uses, such as running custom software. Although the device's functionality is limited, creative users are exploring projects that leverage the hardware for non-Spotify-related purposes. The company advised owners to reset the device to factory settings and dispose of it following local electronic waste guidelines, underlining the environmental concerns tied to e-waste. The closure of the Car Thing marks a significant moment for Spotify, which had aimed to create a streamlined way for drivers to interact with their music and playlists. The initiative faced challenges in gaining a broad user base and effectively integrating into users’ driving experiences. As enthusiasts mourn the loss of the device on online platforms, the future of similar gadgets and innovations by Spotify remains uncertain, factoring into the company's overall strategic direction. This situation highlights the ongoing struggles in the tech industry regarding product viability and consumer adoption. The fate of gadgets like the Car Thing serves as a reminder of the constant evolution within tech, where excitement can quickly turn to obsolescence. Overall, the story of Spotify's Car Thing reflects broader themes concerning innovation, market response, and the growing responsibility to manage electronic waste sustainably.

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