Spotify Car Thing users fight back with DeskThing and other custom firmware solutions

Spotify’s decision to retire its Car Thing device has ignited substantial controversy among its users. The Car Thing, launched as Spotify’s first hardware product, was intended to enhance the music experience in older vehicles lacking modern media systems. However, the announcement that it would cease functioning after December 9, 2024, has left many feeling frustrated and betrayed, especially since they had invested $90 in the device.

Introduced widely in 2021, the Car Thing was designed to provide a user-friendly interface for controlling Spotify in cars that did not have built-in media systems. It features a physical knob and buttons, allowing users to play music via Bluetooth or an auxiliary connection. The device was particularly appealing for those with older vehicles, as it offered a modern solution for enjoying Spotify without requiring a new car.

Earlier this year, Spotify confirmed that it would retire the Car Thing due to what it described as a “poor in-car user experience.” This announcement came after the company had already stopped selling the device in 2022 but assured users that their devices would continue to function. The sudden shift from support to discontinuation left many users feeling misled and angry.

Following the announcement of the Car Thing’s retirement, users expressed their outrage on social media and various online platforms. Many felt that Spotify was effectively “bricking” a product they had purchased, rendering it useless without prior warning. In response to the public outcry, Spotify began offering refunds to affected customers, attempting to mitigate some of the backlash. However, this move did little to quell the anger of those who felt cheated by a company that had previously promised ongoing support for their devices.

In light of the impending obsolescence of the Car Thing, a vibrant community of tech enthusiasts has emerged, working on custom firmware solutions to keep the device functional beyond its official support date. In a YouTube video, Dammit Jeff describes how he managed to hack Spotify Car Thing and install a bunch of apps that you couldn’t imagine would function on this thing. We’ve linked the video below:

According to Jeff, some of the most notable modding options include:

• DeskThing: An open-source project designed to transform the Car Thing into a desktop music controller. This firmware allows users to control Spotify from their desktops while maintaining similar functionality as before.
• GlanceThing: Available on GitHub, this firmware provides additional features and customization options for users looking to enhance their experience with the Car Thing.
• Nocturne: Currently invite-only, this firmware is under development and aims to offer even more capabilities for modders.

The process of installing these custom firmware options involves using a tool called Superbird, which allows users to bypass the original software restrictions. This method requires some technical expertise but has been successfully navigated by various modders who share their experiences online. Below is a video of how to set DeskThing on Spotify Car Thing.

The emergence of these modding communities highlights a growing trend among consumers who seek to maintain control over their devices after official support ends. Since Spotify decided to discontinue a popular product without providing alternatives or support, users are taking matters into their own hands. The ability to modify and customize technology empowers consumers and fosters innovation within communities that thrive on collaboration. In fact, the community has constantly been evolving the modding solutions at hand, and here’s a simpler way to hack your Car Thing.

Spotify’s decision to retire the Car Thing has sparked significant debate about consumer rights and corporate responsibility in technology. While refunds may alleviate some financial concerns for users, they do not address the broader implications of rendering a purchased device non-functional through software updates. The rise of modding communities showcases how consumers are pushing back against corporate decisions by finding ways to extend the life of their devices.

As we approach December 9, 2024, when Spotify plans to disable the Car Thing permanently, many users are looking toward these community-driven solutions as a way to preserve their investment. I hope you find a viable solution for your Car Thing too.