Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteSpotify offered a refund route for Car Thing buyers after backlash over its plan to disable the connected music player—but the reported process required proof of purchase. The announcement did not establish that every owner would receive an automatic refund.
What was Spotify Car Thing?
Car Thing was a dedicated in-car device for controlling and listening to Spotify music and podcasts using voice commands, touch, and physical controls. Spotify announced U.S. availability on February 22, 2022, at a launch price of $89.99. Spotify’s launch announcement described it as a way to bring Spotify into a wide range of vehicle years and models.
Consumer Reports later said the device was sold for five months before Spotify pulled it and reported a $31 million write-down. Those figures are Consumer Reports’ account of the product’s short commercial run and financial impact. Consumer Reports’ post-mortem also framed the shutdown as a consumer and electronic-waste concern.
Why did Spotify shut it down?
Spotify discontinued Car Thing in 2022. In May 2024, it notified owners that the device would stop operating after December 9, 2024, according to TechCrunch’s report. That meant the device would not simply lose access to new features: its core Spotify-connected function was scheduled to end.
#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
The backlash centered on what it meant to disable a connected product customers had bought, and on the prospect of adding unusable electronics to the waste stream. Consumer Reports urged Spotify to refund buyers and establish a recycling program. Its statement was an advocacy recommendation, not a regulator’s finding.
How did the refund offer work?
On May 30, 2024, TechCrunch reported that Spotify had instituted a refund process for Car Thing buyers who could provide proof of purchase. The reported condition matters: this was a route to request a refund, not evidence that all owners were refunded automatically or without documentation.
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.
That report does not establish current refund terms, whether the process remains open, or any individual owner’s eligibility. It also does not settle the current status of litigation mentioned in its headline. Owners seeking an answer now should check Spotify’s current support information and retain any purchase records they have; the available reporting alone cannot confirm a present-day outcome.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What can former owners use instead?
Car Thing’s shutdown cannot be reversed by replacing a mount or connecting another accessory to the device. Someone looking for another way to listen in a car should first check the vehicle’s existing stereo and phone support, then choose an option that fits the equipment already installed.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #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
| Option | What to check | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in infotainment or stereo | Whether it supports the phone and audio connection you use, and whether its controls are convenient to reach. | Features vary by vehicle and stereo; specific compatibility is not established here. |
| Phone audio connection | Whether the car accepts a wired or wireless audio connection from your phone. | Audio playback is not the same as Car Thing’s dedicated physical controls. |
| Bluetooth FM transmitter | Whether the car stereo can receive FM radio and whether the transmitter connects to your phone. | It is only relevant for a stereo with FM radio; it does not restore Car Thing or reproduce its interface. No specific model is verified here. |
Spotify positioned Car Thing for many vehicle years and models, but that does not establish which replacement will work with a particular car. Confirm the stereo’s inputs and phone compatibility before buying an accessory.
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.
