Spotify’s decision to discontinue its Car Thing device has left many users disappointed, but there is a silver lining. The streaming giant is offering full refunds for the $90 device, providing relief for those who invested in this now-obsolete gadget.
What You Need to Know
Spotify has announced that customers can receive refunds for their Car Thing purchases by contacting Spotify customer support and providing proof of purchase. This refund initiative comes after Spotify decided to cease the operation of Car Thing, just five months after its release. The device is set to stop working on December 9.
Car Thing’s Short-Lived Journey
Car Thing was launched in early 2022, following a quiet rollout to select Spotify Premium subscribers in late 2021. The device aimed to address the needs of drivers whose cars lacked built-in displays compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Car Thing functioned as an external remote with voice command capabilities, preset buttons, and a four-inch color touchscreen.
Despite its promising start, Spotify pulled the plug on Car Thing shortly after its official release. The decision to discontinue the device has been attributed to Spotify’s efforts to streamline its product offerings and focus on developing new features for a better user experience. This move likely aligns with broader cost-cutting measures following a challenging year that included layoffs and a price hike.
Customer Refund Process
Initially, there were reports that Spotify would not offer refunds for Car Thing, which led to significant customer dissatisfaction. However, Spotify’s FAQ page now confirms that customers can contact support with proof of purchase to discuss refund options. Spotify began processing refunds on May 24, a few days before a class-action lawsuit was filed against the company.
Legal Troubles
The decision to discontinue Car Thing has not been without controversy. A class-action lawsuit was filed on May 28 in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. The lawsuit alleges that Spotify misled customers by selling a device that would soon become obsolete without initially offering refunds.
Interestingly, Spotify started processing refunds shortly before the lawsuit was filed, suggesting that the company may have preemptively initiated this process to mitigate potential legal repercussions.
The Bottom Line
While the discontinuation of Car Thing is undoubtedly disappointing for users, Spotify’s refund offer provides some consolation. By contacting Spotify customer support and providing proof of purchase, customers can receive a full refund for their device. This move underscores Spotify’s commitment to addressing customer concerns and focusing on enhancing their overall user experience.
