Spotify Shuts Down Car Thing: Last Chance for Refunds

Spotify Discontinues Car Thing: What You Need to Know

Spotify has officially announced the shutdown of its Car Thing accessory, a device that provided drivers with an easy and elegant way to manage their music and playlists. This decision comes after Spotify initially indicated back in May that the device would be discontinued by December. As of today, the Car Thing has stopped operating, displaying a final message to its users.

The Final Message

The message reads:

"Car Thing is discontinued and no longer operational. Thank you for being on this journey with us, safe travels. For more information, visit carthing.com. Contact customer service by no later than January 14th, 2025, to discuss your refund options."

Refund Process for Car Thing Owners

Owners of the Car Thing need to act quickly, as they have until January 14, 2025, to contact Spotify for a refund. To receive compensation, users must provide proof of purchase.
For those interested, Spotify recommends resetting the Car Thing to its factory settings before disposing of the device to align with local electronic waste guidelines.

Environmental Impact: E-Waste Concerns

While the discontinuation of the Car Thing may be a disappointment for some, it has also raised concerns about electronic waste recycling. For many, this device will become just another piece of e-waste that needs careful disposal.

Innovative Uses for the Car Thing

Despite its official discontinuation, tech enthusiasts and tinkerers are looking for new and creative ways to repurpose the Car Thing. Reports indicate that some users are finding ways to hack the hardware to run custom software that does not rely on Spotify's backend. For instance, the reported "Desk Thing" project allows users to transform the Car Thing into a useful controller for their computer desks.

Conclusion

The discontinuation of the Spotify Car Thing serves as a reminder of the fast-paced nature of technology and its fleeting existence in the market. If you own a Car Thing and wish to pursue a refund or explore its potential for repurposing, be sure to act before the January 14 deadline.

Further Information

For more information about the Car Thing and refund process, you can visit carthing.com or contact Spotify customer service.