Three years ago, Spotify wanted to get fully into cars by launching its “Car Thing”, a small screen with voice control and a wheel to manage its menus that allowed the company’s music streaming service to be added to any vehicle. It would be something like the Alexa Echo Auto, but only focused on Spotify and costing $90, designed for vehicles that do not have advanced integrated multimedia systems.
It lasted three years. After ceasing sales just a year after its launch, the music streaming giant has now decided to stop supporting the device and make all Car Things purchased stop working.
It’s not just that they no longer receive updates, it’s that They will not be able to access Spotify directly from December 9 of this year, 2024. leaving users with a nice $90 paperweight.
The company alleges that this is a move aimed at optimizing its products, focusing on adding new improvements and functions to Spotify.
In its FAQ, the company also warns users that it will not launch any buyback program, and will not release a new version. To further the disappointment of customers, Spotify recommends unsuspecting buyers of the device to reset it to the factory state and throw it away safely.
Editor’s Comment
Without a doubt, this situation represents a clear example of the problem of depending on the support of a company for the operation of physical devices. The moment the company decides to stop providing support, the device becomes a useless piece of electronics.
Companies should commit to keeping their devices running for longer periods of time or, failing that, allow their customers to modify the devices to allow them to continue working with other services.
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Antonio Delgado
Computer Engineer by training, editor and hardware analyst at Geeknetic since 2011. I love to tear apart everything that passes through my hands, especially the latest hardware that we receive here for reviews. In my free time I tinker with 3D printers, drones and other gadgets. For anything, here you have me.
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