Source: Spotify
It's only been around five months since Spotify launched its first hardware. But the company announced it would stop making its dash-mounted Car Thing device. The announcement was made during its latest earnings release for shareholders.
It said that developing the Car Thing cost €31 million (around CA$40 million), and its overall gross margin was "negatively impacted by our decision to stop manufacturing Car Thing." The company also based the decision on product demand and supply chain issues.
The device never really did hit other markets besides the US. It was supposed to work as an in-car dash-mounted music and podcast player promising a more personalized and seamless listening experience. It was meant to attract Spotify Premium car owners who don't have modern in-car infotainment systems. The Car Thing worked with Android and iOS devices and featured a touchscreen, knob for navigation, voice control, and four user-configurable buttons.