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Hey there, Spotify aficionados! Remember Spotify’s Car Thing? Launched in 2022 with much fanfare, it promised to revolutionize how we connect our cars to our favorite tunes. Fast forward to today, and the Car Thing is, well, a thing of the past. But is there a way to bring it back to life? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty and see if there’s hope for this little gadget.
The Rise and Fall of Car Thing
Spotify invested millions into developing the Car Thing, aiming to offer a seamless connection between your car and Spotify. It was a neat idea but didn’t quite catch on as expected. Despite its early promise, the device was discontinued, and Spotify recently announced that support for Car Thing will officially end on December 9, 2024. They’ve even offered refunds to early adopters—a sure sign that the curtain is closing on this device.
The Challenge of Repurposing Car Thing
So, why can’t we just repurpose Car Thing? According to tech expert Josh Hendrickson, who recently shared his insights on X (formerly Twitter), the device’s hardware limitations are a significant hurdle. Here’s the breakdown:
- Weak Processor and Limited RAM: Car Thing runs on a modest processor with just 512MB of RAM. It’s not equipped to handle more complex operating systems like Linux or Android, which severely limits its potential for repurposing.
- Software Limitations: While it’s true that Car Thing’s software is open-source and runs on Linux, the hardware just doesn’t have the muscle to support significant modifications or upgrades.
The Open-Source Conundrum
For those who had dreams of tinkering with Car Thing’s software to give it a second life, this news is a bit of a letdown. The device’s open-source nature initially sparked some hope, but the hardware constraints are a dealbreaker. Essentially, Car Thing isn’t just limited by its software—it’s the physical components that are the real bottleneck.
The Final Nail in the Coffin
Spotify’s recent email to Car Thing owners recommended a factory reset before disposing of the device. They emphasized proper disposal according to applicable laws and regulations, ensuring that the device doesn’t just end up in the trash. It’s a responsible move, but it adds one last headache for owners of the now-defunct gadget.
Conclusion
While the idea of reviving Spotify’s Car Thing is appealing, the reality is that it’s not built to handle the demands of more robust software. For now, it seems that the best course of action is to accept the refunds and bid farewell to Car Thing. If you were hoping to prevent e-waste by repurposing it, unfortunately, the options are very limited.
