Few things make a drive pleasurable, like beautiful landscapes and a suitable playlist or podcast episode. Having the right entertainment blasting through your speakers makes all the difference when traveling. Spotify's Car Thing served that very purpose.

It helped you stay entertained in the car without having to fiddle with your phone, allowing you to drive safely. But it soon won't be your companion on the road, as Spotify has stopped manufacturing the hardware. But why is this the case, and what does this mean for the streaming device? Let's find out.

Spotify Has Stopped Manufacturing Car Thing

Spotify Car Thing Using Dial for Volume Control
Image Credit: Spotify

Spotify is no longer manufacturing Car Thing. The news was revealed in passing in Spotify's Q2 2022 Update [PDF], which stated:

Reported Gross Margin was negatively impacted by our decision to stop manufacturing Car Thing.

Spotify launched Car Thing in March 2022. It works similarly to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay by allowing you to stream music and podcasts in your car. However, it's more in line with the infotainment systems that come with newer vehicles.

But not all cars have these fitted. Spotify's Car Thing catered primarily to those car owners who wanted the ability to stream music in older vehicles through a third-party device. Learn more about how Spotify's Car Thing stacks up against alternatives.

The news of its cancellation comes at an eventful time for the streaming service. Spotify acquired the Wordle-inspired, music-related game Heardle in July 2022. This happened a month after Spotify confirmed its expansion into the audiobooks industry.

Given that Spotify has had such a busy year so far, it's possible that it didn't make sense for it to continue to invest in Car Thing and that other projects could be more important. But what does Spotify have to say about this?

Why Spotify Has Stopped Making Car Thing

spotify car thing illustrations
Image Credit: Spotify

In March 2022, the Spotify team told us that the demand for Car Thing was high and that it was excited about the future of the hardware. But just four months later, in July 2022, we learned that the company is closing up shop for it. So, what could be the reason for the change of direction so soon?

In a statement to TechCrunch, a Spotify representative cited low customer demand and supply chain problems, among other factors. They explained:

The goal of Spotify’s Car Thing exploration was to better understand in-car listening, and bring audio to a wider range of users and vehicles. Based on several factors, including product demand and supply chain issues, we have decided to stop further production of Car Thing units. Existing devices will perform as intended. This initiative has unlocked helpful learnings, and we remain focused on the car as an important place for audio.

It sounds like interest in the hardware dwindled after it was officially launched, despite the initial demand. Spotify's decision to pull the plug on Car Thing only four months in suggests that the device might have been projected to operate at a loss into the foreseen future.

In other words, it just didn't make financial sense anymore. Therefore, Spotify might have wanted to consolidate its offerings. As it stands, podcasts seem to be one of its biggest priorities as it grows and invests in this category.

What Spotify's Cancellation of Car Thing Means

incoming call on spotify car thing on dashboard
Image Credit: Spotify

If you're unfamiliar, Car Thing is Spotify's smart media player which you can mount on your dashboard, so you can stream Spotify content while driving. It serves as a remote while you drive and works on all cars.

The hardware allows for a convenient and seamless experience right from the moment you enter your vehicle. More importantly, it's safer to use, as it eliminates the need to reach for your phone—something which puts you and other motorists on the road at risk of a car crash if you did.

Spotify's cancellation of Car Thing doesn't mean it won't be available going forward—it just won't be manufactured anymore. If you've set your sights on getting yourself one, now's the time to buy it. In July 2022, the device is down to $49.99 from its original price of $89.99. Not sure where to get it? You can buy it on the Spotify website.

Stay Entertained With Spotify While Traveling

With Spotify's Car Thing now dead in the water, your options for entertaining yourself while on the road include streaming through your car's infotainment system and directly from your phone. If you can still get your hands on Spotify's Car Thing, consider buying it while it's cheap and available.

Otherwise, you can still limit distractions while driving, thanks to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. If your car doesn't support these, you can always play your Spotify music and podcasts via Bluetooth if that's an option.