Spotify has shut down its Car Thing accessory, discontinuing all functionality. The company announced plans to discontinue the product several months ago due to low demand and supply chain issues. Existing accessories continued to work until this week, when users were met with a message stating that the device is no longer operational.
Car Thing was first introduced in April 2021 as Spotify’s first hardware product. It aimed to provide simple access to Spotify music while driving, particularly useful in vehicles without modern infotainment systems. The accessory cost $90 at launch but has become entirely non-functional due to Spotify’s decision to “brick” them.
Customers are now directed to recycle their Car Things. Despite initial enthusiasm, the product failed to meet expectations, and Spotify has decided to focus on its core streaming service instead of expanding into hardware products.
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2024/12/10/spotify-car-thing-officially-dead