When companies declare a device dead, sometimes users have other plans. The Spotify Car Thing – a small, dedicated music player for cars – is proving that technology can be repurposed long after manufacturers give up on it.
Originally sold for $100 in 2022 and discontinued shortly after, the Car Thing seemed destined for the trash heap. Its specs were unimpressive: a weak processor, just 512MB of RAM, and only 4GB of storage. But instead of becoming electronic waste, it’s become a playground for tech enthusiasts.
Community developers have transformed the device in surprising ways. DeskThing, one innovative project, turns the Car Thing into a desktop information hub. Another project called Nocturne completely rebuilds the Spotify interface, allowing continued use with a simple connection to a Raspberry Pi.
The broader message is powerful: old technology doesn’t have to be disposable. Where manufacturers see obsolescence, creative users see potential. Whether it’s an old phone, laptop, or in this case, a discontinued music player, there are always possibilities for reimagining tech.
Spotify’s plan to completely disable the device by December 2024 would have created unnecessary electronic waste. Instead, the development community has extended its life, challenging the idea that technology has an expiration date.
This story isn’t just about one device. It’s a reminder that with imagination and technical skill, we can challenge planned obsolescence and create more sustainable approaches to technology.
