Spotify’s hardware device, Car Thing is officially discontinued. Fans mourn the loss, owners claim refunds, and hackers mod the device.

This week marks the official discontinuation of Spotify’s first and only hardware product. With voice control and preset buttons, Car Thing provided drivers with an easy way to control the music streaming service playing through their car speakers.

Spotify initially started a limited launch in 2021, before launching Car Thing to the public in February 2022. Just five months later, Spotify ended production, “as part of our ongoing efforts to streamline our product offerings.” In May earlier this year, Spotify announced support would end in December. This was closely followed by outrage and a class action lawsuit for “prematurely render[ing] the Car Thing obsolete.” In response, Spotify offered refunds.

As of December 9, a message on the device reads “Car Thing is discontinued and no longer operational. Thank you for being on this journey with us, safe travels. For more information, visit carthing.com. Contact customer service by no later than January 14th, 2025 to discuss your refund options.”

As the message states, Spotify are offering refunds to those that get in touch by January 14, 2025. On the carthing.com site, Spotify points to the other ways to access the streaming service in the car, such as through Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and other infotainment systems.

Spotify recommends resetting the device to factory settings and disposing following local electronic waste guidelines.

It’s unknown exactly how many Car Things were made, but Spotify are said to have made a $31.4 million loss due to the production of the device. While the number of devices out in the world is likely fairly small, those who do have them have made their feelings known on the dedicated Subreddit.

Many fans of Spotify Car Thing have modded the device to run an alternative OS. While it’s too underpowered to run full Android, users have installed DeskThing, an open source project that transforms the device into a desktop companion by allowing users to run community-made apps.

Alternatively, if DeskThing doesn’t interest you and you don’t feel like contributing to e-waste, there are many on eBay who would be willing to take Car Thing off your hands, where they are currently selling for around $150, far above the $49.99 Spotify sold them for towards the end of their life.