Spotify, known for its music streaming service, ventured into the hardware market with its Car Thing dashboard accessory. However, the venture was short-lived as the company ceased production less than a year after its release to the public. Now, two years later, Spotify has announced that the device will become obsolete by December 9th, leaving customers with a non-functional gadget.
Customers who purchased the Car Thing are disappointed to learn that Spotify will not be providing any form of compensation or refunds for the device. Instead, the company is advising users to responsibly dispose of the gadget as e-waste. Spotify clarified its decision in an FAQ on its website, stating that discontinuing the Car Thing aligns with its strategy to streamline product offerings and focus on developing new features for a better user experience.
The company emphasized that there are no plans for a replacement or new version of the Car Thing in the future. Despite the initial positive reception during its limited release in April 2021 and subsequent public availability in February 2022, production was halted just five months later. The $90 device, while well-designed for a first-generation product, primarily served as a remote control for Spotify on mobile phones, limiting its utility as a standalone player.
Spotify is urging customers to perform a factory reset on the Car Thing and explore responsible recycling options for the hardware. The company’s decision to discontinue the accessory underscores its commitment to enhancing its core product offerings and user experience. However, the lack of compensation or a potential successor has left some users disappointed with the fate of their Car Thing devices.
As the tech industry continues to evolve, Spotify’s foray into hardware serves as a cautionary tale of the challenges companies face when expanding beyond their core competencies. While the Car Thing may have had a niche following, its short-lived existence highlights the importance of strategic product development and customer communication in the competitive tech landscape.
