A mobile phone with cellular data or wifi access is also required for operation. This feature allows for hands-free operation and is safer than attempting to use a mobile phone app while driving.Ī Spotify Premium subscription is required to use the Car Thing. It also supports voice recognition via the company’s new “Hey Spotify” command. The Car Thing has an interface that is similar to the Spotify mobile app and makes finding your favorite tunes a snap. The device can interface with the car via Bluetooth, AUX cable, or USB cable.

It has a USB type-C port for power that can run to a vehicle's integrated USB port or 12v outlet. The Car Thing will support several mounting options, including a clip that will hang onto air conditioning vents. It has a dedicated touchscreen as well as a large volume knob and context-sensitive button. The device sports a light rectangular frame that is less than five inches across. The Car Thing will serve a market of customers who would otherwise be unable to take advantage of the creature comforts of the newest in-car technology. While most new vehicles sold today feature naive support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, software that allows mobile phones to directly integrate with infotainment systems, Spotify says that the average vehicle on the road is eleven years old. The Car Thing can be added to an older vehicle and offers modern touches like an LCD display and voice controls. Spotify believes it has the answer to this problem with its new hardware device called the Car Thing. While your old Toyota may have an AUX jack, there is no way to simply and safely interact with a streaming music service while driving. One of the drawbacks to driving an automobile that was not produced in the last five to seven years is the lack of a modern infotainment system. Others simply enjoy older vehicles for a variety of reasons. Not everyone is in a position where acquiring a new vehicle is affordable or reasonable.

Is the spotify car thing worth it