The Tool Desk
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What was Spotify Car Thing?
Car Thing was a dedicated in-car device for controlling and listening to Spotify music and podcasts. Spotify said it could be controlled by voice, touch, and physical controls, and announced U.S. public availability on February 22, 2022, at a launch price of $89.99. Spotify’s launch announcement described it as a way to bring Spotify audio controls to a wide range of vehicles.
Consumer Reports later said the product was sold for five months before Spotify pulled it and reported a $31 million write-down. Those figures are Consumer Reports’ account, not independently verified figures here. (Consumer Reports, May 28, 2024.)
Why did Spotify face backlash?
In May 2024, Spotify notified owners that Car Thing would stop operating after December 9, 2024, following the product’s discontinuation in 2022. The announcement drew criticism because owners had bought a connected device that would be rendered unusable, rather than merely losing access to a discontinued product line.
#1 Best Overall
- Push To Talk - Connect to your Smartphone’s Android and IOS assistant with the push of a button via Bluetooth. This unit Lets you access information, accept commands, and keep driving
- Switchable Tuner - The selectable tuner function allows you to adjust this receiver's tuner to receive radio broadcasts in the US & Europe
- Bluetooth - Answer/make calls and be hands-free with no distractions. The built-in microphone picks up your voice and your car speakers let you hear the person on the other side. Play and control your music and apps like Spotify/Pandora wirelessly
- Auxiliary - Compatible with the audio output from smartphones as well as MP3 players
- Inputs - The USB port gives you the option to have a vast library of audio files at your fingertips. The auxiliary input is a convenient way to hook up to your MP3 player. Advanced Bluetooth supported profiles include A2DP, AVRCP and HFP
Consumer Reports also emphasized the resulting electronic waste and called for both refunds and a recycling program. That was the organization’s advocacy position, not a regulator’s finding. Its recommendation was: “It should issue a refund for buyers of the device and create a program to recycle the device to avoid the addition of more e-waste to our landfills.”
Could Car Thing owners get a refund?
On May 30, 2024, TechCrunch reported that Spotify had instituted a refund process for Car Thing buyers who could provide proof of purchase. The report does not establish an unconditional refund for all owners. TechCrunch’s report described the process amid public criticism and a lawsuit over the planned shutdown.
Rank #2
- Seamless Bluetooth Connectivity: Car stereo with Bluetooth technology allows you to enjoy hands-free calling and high-quality wireless music streaming from your iPhone and Android devices.
- Powerful, Clear Audio Performance: Equipped with a built-in MOSFET amplifier, this Pioneer car stereo delivers up to 50 watts per channel to four speakers for rich, dynamic sound across your entire vehicle.
- High-Quality Music Playback via USB: Enjoy clear, detailed sound from your favorite tracks using the front USB input—compatible with FLAC, MP3, and WMA formats.
- Compact 1-DIN Design: Single din radio is designed with a super-short chassis to make installation easy, even in vehicles with limited dash space, without compromising on performance.
- Simple Sound Customization: Dedicated Direct EQ Keys let you adjust bass, treble, and balance settings on the Pioneer stereo to match your personal listening style.
The available reporting does not establish current refund terms, individual eligibility, or the present disposition of the litigation. Anyone seeking a refund now should check Spotify’s current support information and retain any proof of purchase; do not assume that the 2024 process remains open or that an owner without documentation qualifies.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What can you use instead?
The right replacement depends on what your car already supports and whether you need audio playback alone or dedicated controls. Compare these options against your stereo and phone rather than expecting another accessory to reproduce Car Thing’s interface.
Rank #3
- Enhanced Connectivity: Stay connected on the go with the KENWOOD Car Stereo KMM-BT270U, featuring Bluetooth technology for seamless wireless audio streaming and hands-free calling from your smartphone
- Powerful Sound Performance: Experience exceptional audio quality with the built-in MOSFET amplifier, delivering up to 200 Watts Max power output, ensuring crystal-clear sound and deep bass for an immersive driving experience
- Versatile Media Options: This digital media receiver supports various media formats, allowing you to enjoy your favorite music via USB, AUX input, or even connect your iPod or iPhone for seamless playback.
- Convenient USB Charging: Rapidly charge your compatible smartphones and devices while driving, thanks to the USB connection feature, ensuring your devices stay powered up and ready for use.
- Trusted KENWOOD Quality: With the KENWOOD brand, you can trust in the durability, reliability, and superior performance of this car stereo, making it a perfect upgrade for any car audio system
- Built-in infotainment or stereo: Check whether it supports your phone and Spotify through its own interface or a compatible connection.
- Phone playback: A phone can provide Spotify playback, but it is not a dedicated Car Thing control unit. Use it in a way that complies with local hands-free and distracted-driving rules.
- Bluetooth FM transmitter: This may be an option only if your car stereo receives FM radio. It can send audio to the stereo, but it does not restore Car Thing or reproduce its controls.
Before choosing, verify phone compatibility, the car stereo’s inputs or FM capability, and how much the setup depends on apps or online services. No particular substitute model or current compatibility combination is established here.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Sony DSX-A410BT Bluetooth FM/AM USB AUX Digital Media Player Bundled
- Wirelessly connect your first phone to play music, get directions and communicate with contacts · Add a second phone to make additional hands-free calls on the move
- Connect two smartphones with Dual Bluetooth: Pair your first phone using DSX-A410BT for full access to navigation, music playback, and communication features
- Control by talking: Enjoy helpful smartphone features without taking your eyes off the road
- Voice control lets you manage music, get real-time directions, and communicate with contacts – all via simple spoken commands
Rank #4
- 【Bluetooth Upgrade for Older Vehicles】Upgrade your vehicle with this single DIN Bluetooth radio and enjoy wireless music without replacing your entire car audio system. The Bluetooth car stereo pairs with a compatible smartphone to stream playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks through your vehicle’s speakers, giving daily commutes and road trips a more convenient, cable-free soundtrack.
- 【Hands-Free Calling & Push-to-Talk】The built-in microphone and dedicated answer/end button let you hear calls through your car speakers and talk without holding your phone. Once Bluetooth is connected, press the push-to-talk button to access a supported phone voice assistant for calls or music, helping reduce phone handling while driving.
- 【FM Radio with 18 Presets】This FM car radio covers 87.5–108 MHz and supports automatic and manual station search. Save up to 18 favorite stations, while the memory function keeps them ready for quick access to music, news, weather, talk shows, sports, and local traffic information.
- 【5 Ways to Play & Multiple Audio Formats】Enjoy music through Bluetooth, FM radio, USB, AUX input, or TF/microSD card. This car stereo supports MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC, and WAV files, giving you flexible listening options with or without mobile data. Rear RCA outputs also support connection to a compatible external amplifier or powered subwoofer.
- 【50W x 4 Output, EQ & 7-Color Lighting】This single DIN car stereo delivers up to 50W x 4 maximum output across four channels. Choose from Pop, Rock, and Classic EQ presets to match different music styles, then select one of seven LED button colors to complement your dashboard and personalize your driving space.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
