Car Thing is free, but you need to purchase a Spotify Premium subscription to use it.
International Internet Audio Streaming Service Spotify announced the release of its own car player Car Thing with voice control. At the first stage, the company distributes the product for free in the US market.
The player reportedly works without its own speakers and is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The gadget connects to the car's audio system via Bluetooth, USB or AUX. The player is not equipped with a module for accessing the network, and communicates with a smartphone via Wi-Fi to play music.
The car player received a 4-inch touch screen, two physical buttons for menu control and voice control. User-programmable buttons allow playback of music, playlists and podcasts.
“We remain focused on becoming the world's number one audio platform rather than building gadgets, but we developed Car Thing because we saw a need for devices from our users, many of whom overlooked seamless and personalized in-car listening experience,” commented Spotify, noting that every car “should have a superior listening experience.”
To use the Car Thing player, you must purchase a Spotify Premium subscription. For new users who have a paid subscription to the service, the player is delivered free of charge, subject to payment for the delivery service. Currently, the company accepts applications for the gadget and forms a waiting list.
The new device is currently being delivered in test mode. Upon its completion, Spotify promises to make a decision on the serial production of a new player and the possible distribution of the gadget in international markets.
The official launch of Spotify in Russia took place in July 2020. The launch of the service in Russia was recognized as the most successful in the history of the company. A premium subscription is provided for two months free of charge, then - at a price of 169 to 269 rubles per month. In international markets, the audience of the service is estimated at 320 million users, including about 150 million on a paid basis.
