Spotify users in the US can now own the company’s music player for cars.
The music-streaming service today rolled out its "Car Thing" product for all Spotify Premium users in the US after a limited test in 2021. On the downside, the Car Thing will retail for $89.99, which is $10 more than the price charged to early access users last year.
Spotify began exploring a music player for cars in 2019. “We developed Car Thing because we saw that our users desired a more seamless and personalized in-car listening experience, no matter the year or model of their vehicle,” the company said in Tuesday’s announcement.
The result is a smartphone-like device, which attaches to your car’s dashboard and can access your music or podcast library via hands-free voice controls. The idea is that it's an easier and safer option than tapping on a smartphone or in-car entertainment system.
The hardware itself has four microphones built with noise-suppression capabilities, which can pick up your voice commands while on the road. Users can say “Hey Spotify,” and ask for a song, playlist, or podcast, and the device should do so accordingly.
Spotify’s Car Thing also has a 4-inch touch screen, which can display whatever audio you’re playing. If you prefer physical controls, the product does come with a prominent dial, which can be turned like a knob to go through your music playlists. Four other buttons on the top can be configured for preset music lists.
However, the device is only for Spotify fans. It requires a paid Spotify Premium account, which costs $9.99 per month. The Car Thing also streams the music on the road by using the mobile data on your smartphone.
The product can connect to a car via USB, Bluetooth, or audio auxiliary cables. It’s also compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Interested customers can buy the product over Spotify’s website.