Spotify’s Car Thing is a dash-mounted device that lets you control your Spotify music in-car with minimal distraction from the road. Previously available only by invitation, the Car Thing is now available for anyone who wants to buy one in the US. Spotify is selling the Car Thing directly on its website for $90.
The Spotify Car Thing requires a Premium subscription. It pairs to your smartphone and can work with the touch wheel control to scroll through the options, or you can use “Hey Spotify” to request what you want to hear. The device can still be used on its own while the Car Thing handles everything related to your music.
There are four preset buttons along the top edge of the Car Thing to find your most listened to playlists or stations. There’s also a 4-inch touch screen all encased in a matte rubber exterior.
The $89 price doesn’t include sales tax, but it does include standard shipping. Included in the box you’ll find a cigarette-lighter adapter with USB-C cable, and three mounting brackets (air vent, CD slot, or dashboard). The Car Thing interfaces with your phone via Bluetooth and then interfaces to the car audio via Bluetooth or AUX input.