Yes, you read that right. Spotify’s device for streaming music and podcasts through your car is known as ‘Car Thing.’ The peculiar name may raise eyebrows, but is it any good? And how does it stand up to other similar devices like Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s AndroidAuto?
Car Thing is a smart device that can play music, news, podcasts, and more from your car. The device features a 4-inch touchscreen, four convenient preset buttons, and four microphones. It requires a premium Spotify subscription to use, and is a great alternative to CarPlay or Android Auto.
Spotify’s Car Thing has received mixed reviews and may not be suitable for every customer and vehicle. The device lacks many of the defining features offered by other infotainment centers such as CarPlay and AndroidAuto. So, is Spotify’s Car Thing right for you, or is it a complete dud? Let’s take a look.
What Is Spotify’s Car Thing?
Spotify’s Car Thing is an intelligent device that can be used to play music, news, podcasts, entertainment, and more while you’re in your car.
The device features a 4-inch touchscreen, a physical dial, four preset buttons, and four microphones that are located at the top of the device. It responds to your voice so that you can focus on the road and stay safe.
Spotify’s Car Thing requires a premium Spotify subscription and a compatible iOS or Android device with a stable internet connection.
How Does Spotify’s Car Thing Work?
Spotify’s Car Thing acts similarly to a remote or infotainment center. However, the device can only play content from the Spotify library. Car Thing works by pairing with your smartphone via Bluetooth. You can then use Bluetooth, AUX, or a USB cable to connect the device to your car’s audio system.
The Spotify Car Thing doesn’t come with a built-in speaker or data plan. The device also doesn’t have its own power source. This means you must plug the Spotify Car Thing into your vehicle’s 12V port.
How to Use Spotify’s Car Thing
Using the Spotify Car Thing is straightforward and the device will quickly become a natural extension of your vehicle. Installing and using the device is a breeze and should take no time at all. Here are some of the critical features of Spotify’s Car Thing:
Voice Search
Spotify’s Car Thing uses voice commands similar to those used with other popular smart devices such as Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. You can quickly access any song, playlist, album, or podcast by simply saying, “Hey Spotify.”
For example, you could say, “Hey Spotify, play Bruno Mars.” Because of the four microphones and their placement, Car Thing should be able to hear you even if you have your music blasting or windows down.
Hands-on Dial
If you haven’t made the leap to voice commands, you can also use the device’s built-in dial to control your music manually. The built-in dial allows you to navigate your Spotify library, select, pause, play, and discover new artists and podcasts. Spotify’s Car Thing is essentially a dedicated remote control with added features.
Touchscreen Display
The Car Thing’s 4-inch touch screen display allows you to see what you’re playing and navigate through your Spotify library at any time. You can use simple swipe features to browse for songs, skip tracks, and pause your music.
Four Customizable Buttons
Spotify’s Car Thing includes four customizable buttons, allowing easy access to your favorite media. These preset buttons could be used to play new episodes of your favorite podcasts or access your daily playlist with ease.
Spotify Car Thing vs. CarPlay and AndroidAuto
If you’ve been following along, you may be wondering: What’s the point of the Spotify Car Thing? You’re not alone with this question. Although the device is sleek, elegant, and easy to use, it may not be worth the price tag. So, how does the Car Thing stand up to other infotainment systems?
CarPlay vs. Car Thing
Apple’s CarPlay has more features and capabilities than Spotify’s Car Thing. You gain access to navigation features, hands-free calling, and a wide variety of apps with Apple CarPlay. Here are some of its key elements:
- Maps: CarPlay provides users with the Apple Maps app. The navigation app provides users with detailed turn-by-turn directions. The CarPlay interface accurately shows the route, instructions, traffic conditions, and visual cues for upcoming maneuvers. CarPlay is also compatible with other third-party GPS apps like Google Maps, Waze, and more.
- Siri Voice Control: One of the staples of an iOS device is Siri. With simple voice commands, users can send texts, respond to calls, and more. The entire messaging process is voice-based, reducing the risk of injury and accident. Siri is easy to use, convenient, and typically accurate.
- Apple Music: CarPlay allows users to access iTunes and the free Beats 1 radio station. You can also use Siri’s voice commands to play different songs, artists, and more. The interface is easily navigated and recognizable.
- Third-Party Software: CarPlay doesn’t only exist within the Apple ecosystem. The infotainment center allows access to third-party apps and software. Third-party software includes Spotify and other streaming services, such as YouTube.
The Spotify Car Thing doesn’t provide any navigation, hands-free messaging, or other convenient apps. The Car Thing is designed explicitly for Spotify and Spotify alone. This makes the device incredibly limited in comparison to Apple’s CarPlay.
AndroidAuto vs. Car Thing
AndroidAuto is Google’s equivalent to Apple’s CarPlay. AndroidAuto allows you to use hands-free messaging and calling, quickly navigate around town, and listen to music with ease. Spotify’s Car Thing still lacks these features. Here are some of AndroidAuto’s key features:
- Google Assistant: AndroidAuto provides users access to Google Assistant with a simple tap on the microphone button or by saying, “Hey Google.” You can ask Google Assistant for nearly anything you could search for on the web. Whether you’re looking for directions, the nearest gas station, or the definition of a word, Google Assistant is there for you.
- Third-Party Apps: AndroidAuto is compatible with a gamut of third-party apps and software. You can use YouTube, Spotify, or even Apple Music to play your favorite songs. Or you can use apps like Waze, Audiobooks, and Facebook Messenger.
- Easy-to-Use Interface: One of the most reported features of AndroidAuto is the incredibly easy-to-use interface. Android fans will rejoice with how easy it is to use Google Assistant, play music, and navigate using the GPS.
Spotify’s Car Thing lacks the majority of features found in AndroidAuto. The Car Thing can’t make hands-free calls, help you navigate, or use third-party software. This makes the device incredibly limited compared to its competitors.
Device Compatibility
Spotify’s Car Thing is compatible with nearly every vehicle that contains Bluetooth, AUX, or a USB connection. Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s AndroidAuto are more vehicle-specific. This makes Spotify’s Car Thing a solid solution for those with older vehicles and devices.
Visit the official Apple CarPlay site to see compatibility requirements. If you’re team Android, you can view a compatibility list here.
Who Should Get the Spotify Car Thing?
After reading all of this, you may be wondering: Who is the Spotify Car Thing meant for? This is a fair question, as the device lacks the glitz and glam of similar options.
The Spotify Car Thing is best-suited for people with vehicles that lack infotainment centers. For example, if you had a 2008 vehicle without a touchscreen display, opting for Car Thing might be wise. The Spotify Car Thing can also work for those who just plainly love Spotify and want to support the brand.
However, there isn’t much point to Spotify’s new device if you have access to Apple’s CarPlay or Google’s AndroidAuto. With the Car Thing’s hefty price tag as well, you may even be better off using your smartphone and a car mount.