Spotify, the renowned music streaming service, has faced some challenges with its now-discontinued Car Thing device designed for in-car music streaming. The company recently announced that the device will no longer be operational after December 9th, 2024, leaving many users with inactive devices and a sense of disappointment.

Car Thing was a popular choice among music lovers for its dedicated functionality in vehicles, despite its short time on the market. Spotify’s decision to discontinue the device came as a surprise to many loyal users who were assured that it would continue to work normally. The news of its upcoming deactivation has understandably upset many Car Thing owners.

In response to the frustration expressed by users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, Spotify has taken steps to address the situation. The company has confirmed to TechCrunch that they are offering refunds for Car Thing purchases, upon providing proof of purchase. Some users have also reported receiving compensation in the form of several months of Premium subscription, while others may not be eligible for reimbursement.

Amidst this refund process, a lawsuit has been filed against Spotify alleging misleading conduct in selling a product that would soon become unusable. This legal challenge adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

While the refund initiative aims to appease dissatisfied customers, many are still urging Spotify through social media channels to reconsider deactivating their devices. Suggestions have been made for Spotify to allow the installation of different operating systems or apps on Car Thing, but it seems that this is not part of the company’s plans at this time.

It remains to be seen how these developments will impact the ongoing lawsuit and whether customers will accept Spotify’s efforts at reconciliation. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.