Spotify's Car Thing accessory will completely shut down operations, with owners having until January 14, 2025, to request a refund. The device now displays its final goodbye message, marking the end of its brief market presence.

To receive a refund for the $90 device, owners must:

• Contact Spotify customer service before January 14, 2025
• Provide proof of purchase
• Follow specific refund instructions from support

While the device will no longer function as intended, creative users have developed alternative uses:

• "Desk Thing" - Repurposed as a desk controller
• "Nocturne" - Custom operating system for additional functionality
• Various other community-developed software solutions

The Car Thing launched in February 2022 to provide a simplified music control interface for vehicles without built-in infotainment systems. However, due to low demand and supply chain challenges, Spotify discontinued the product within its first year.

For those not pursuing alternative uses, Spotify recommends:

1. Reset the device to factory settings
2. Dispose of it following local electronic waste guidelines

The shutdown announcement has sparked criticism from users concerned about both the loss of functionality and environmental impact of potentially discarded devices. While refunds offer some consolation, the brief lifespan of the Car Thing highlights ongoing challenges in sustainable consumer electronics.

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