Spotify has announced that it is opening sales of its Car Thing music streaming device to anyone in the United States who wants one.
The device, which debuted in April of last year, offers a cheap way to bring streaming audio to older cars that don't have built-in smart platforms like CarPlay or Android Auto.
Car Thing works by syncing with your car's stereo system, either via Bluetooth or an included 3,5mm aux cable, but requires a connection to your phone to receive a signal.
When synced, Car Thing displays your favorite music, podcasts, playlists, and trending content on Spotify, which can then be selected using the touch controls, dial, four quick select buttons, or built-in voice assistant. you can invoke by saying "Hello Spotify".
For now, the device will remain open to US residents only for $89.99 via CarThing.Spotify.com, but there's always a chance it could become available globally at some point.
Analysis: Not exactly CarPlay, but we'll take it
Granted, the device is something of a niche and doesn't have many broader features like a proper smart platform inside newer vehicles, but Car Thing offers a pretty elegant solution for those of us still turning wheels from the beginning.
According to the post on Spotify's website where he broke the news today, the device will get smarter and smarter over time, namely a night mode that dims the screen brightness at night and a Add to Queue command that allows you to queue up your favorite music.
Both of these features look extremely useful and wouldn't have seen the light of day were it not for Car Thing's time in beta testing.
Like your parents' beat-up, beat-up car, good things come to those who wait...