
Spotify Car Thing Officially Bricked, Sparks Creative Revival | Image Source: Spotifycdn.com
STOCKHOLM, Sweden, December 10, 2024 – Spotify has officially stopped supporting its Car Thing, leaving the streaming device in the car once promising non-functional. The company’s decision, announced earlier this year, resulted in the deactivation of all units, a move that transformed the $120 device into a little more than electronic waste. However, inventive users took to modify and regenerate the device, keeping their legacy alive unexpectedly.
The end of the Thing car
Spotify introduced Car Thing in February 2022 as his first hardware raid. Designed to improve the control of automotive music for vehicles that lack sophisticated infotainment systems, the device features an elegant touch screen, a swivel dial and voice controls. Despite its innovative approach, Car Thing faced challenges from the outset, including limited adoption and disruption of the supply chain. In mid-2022 Spotify ceased production and in May 2024 announced its intention to disable all devices by the end of the year. According to TechCrunch, Spotify’s decision was motivated by low demand and operational complexities.
By 9 December 2024, Car Thing owners reported that their devices were no longer operating, showing a final message confirming the deactivation. The message says: “Car Thing is suspended and no longer works. Thank you for being on this journey with us safely. Spotify offered refunds to customers who send purchase tests before January 14, 2025 and recommended the recycling of devices in accordance with local e-waste guidelines.
A new life through piracy
While Spotify sees the car What’s out of date, technology enthusiasts have found creative ways to expand its usefulness. Reddit and GitHub communities shared methods to imprison the device, allowing users to install other operating systems. Supported “DeskThing” by some, modified devices can serve as desktop music drivers or macro buffers. These efforts highlight the ingenuity of the technological community in recovering lost gadgets.
A popular approach is to install a custom operating system, detailed in a YouTube tutorial by content creator Dammit Jeff. Your video accompanies viewers in the process of transforming Car Thing into a versatile desktop tool. According to Tom’s guide, this change opens up new possibilities, including controlling various music applications such as Spotify and Apple Music. Users praised these adaptations to preserve the device’s functionality in a new way.
Macro Pads and beyond
For users looking for more advanced applications, GitHub is home to car hacks thing. Among the most innovative projects is a macropad configuration, which turns the device into a programmable keyboard accessory. This repurposition allows users to assign custom shortcuts to the device interface, so it is a valuable tool for productivity tasks. According to 9to5Google, these changes take advantage of the open source files published by Spotify, ensuring accessibility for those who are ready to experiment.
Another favorite modification of fans is to use Car Thing to run classic video games, including the iconic first “Doom” shooter. The enthusiasts have shown that, despite their limited material abilities, Car Thing can still offer nostalgic gaming experiences. As The Verge says, these projects highlight the continuing appeal of retro gaming and the creativity of the technological community.
Refunds and refunds to the Customer
Spotify’s decision to disable Car Thing led to the criticism of the users who invested in the device. Many expressed frustration over the short lifespan of the product and the lack of a more robust support strategy. According to The Verge, customers initially paid $90 to $120 for the device, and the abrupt shutdown left a certain feeling abandoned by the company.
To address these concerns, Spotify offered refunds to eligible customers who contacted customer service before January 14, 2025. The refund process requires a purchase test, and customers are invited to adjust their devices to the factory configuration before withdrawal. According to TechCrunch, this measure is considered a gesture of goodwill, although it has not completely mitigated disappointment among users.
The legacy of the car
Although Spotify officially closed the chapter on Car Thing, the camera’s history continues with the efforts of its dedicated community. Since it became a desktop accessory to explore its potential as a gaming platform, users have shown that even disabled technology can find a new life. These projects demonstrate the resilience and creativity of technology enthusiasts in the face of obsolescence.
As the repayment period approaches, the destination of the remaining units is in the hands of their owners. Recycled, refunded or reused, the impact of the device will be recalled as a unique experience in Spotify’s history. RIP Car Thing, and a long office service.