What exactly is Car Thing? It’s a device that Spotify has beenworking on for a few years, using early prototypes to understand how its customers interact with Spotify’sstreaming audio contentwhile in their cars. The version that the company hasjust releasedlooks like a smartphone with a large rotating knob attached to the front of the display.
The 4-inch display is touch-sensitive and along the top edge of the device are four preset buttons that can be programmed with favorites — from playlists to albums, or any other Spotify favorite.
To use Car Thing, you’ll need aSpotify Premiumaccount and you’ll have to keep your smartphone nearby. Car Thing needs the Spotify app on your phone to access streaming content. A Bluetooth connection from the Car Thing to your phone lets the Car Thing act as a remote control, albeit a pretty fancy one. A second Bluetooth connection from your phone to your car’s audio system is how you actually hear your chosen music. Other connections work too, like an Aux-in or USB plug.
There’s no battery, so you’ll need to keep it powered via a USB cable and the car lighter adapter that’s included in the box. It also comes with three kinds of vehicle mounts, giving you a choice of where and how you place Car Thing.
In addition to the big control wheel, touchscreen, and preset buttons, you’re able to use your voice to navigate and control your music. Saying “Hey Spotify,” followed by commands like: “Play rock,” “play my favorites,” or “play more like this” will be picked up by the device’s near-field and mid-field microphones.
Will Spotify users be willing to shell out that kind of money for a gadget that only works with one streaming service and is only useful in a vehicle? That will be the true test of the Car Thing’s appeal.
