Spotify’s Plan to Shut Down Car Thing Devices Sparks Controversy

The recent announcement of Spotify’s decision to deactivate all Car Thing devices by the end of the year has left many users disappointed. Despite discontinuing sales of the device earlier, the move to completely shut down functional units has raised concerns about sustainability.

Tech enthusiast Josh Hendrickson uncovered an interesting detail about the Car Thing that Spotify had not publicized – it is open source. According to his findings shared on Twitter, the device runs on Linux, with its source code for U-boot and Linux kernel available on GitHub. Additionally, the Amlogic chip used in the device allows for running custom code and adding personal software.

However, despite its open-source nature, the Car Thing’s hardware limitations pose challenges. With a weak processor, limited storage, and minimal RAM, the device struggles to perform beyond its primary function as a web-based music player. This limitation renders significant repurposing efforts impractical.

Hendrickson even went as far as calling the device “open-source e-waste,” highlighting its disappointing outcome. While Spotify’s investment in creating a $100 device for web music playback may seem questionable in hindsight, there are lessons to be learned for future endeavors.

As Spotify navigates through this setback, it is crucial for the company to explore more sustainable and practical solutions for its hardware projects moving forward. The open-source aspect of Car Thing offered a glimpse of hope for customization but ultimately fell short due to hardware restrictions. It is essential for companies like Spotify to prioritize environmental consciousness and efficiency in their product development strategies.