Lawsuit Filed Against Spotify Over Discontinued Car Thing: Users Dissatisfied Despite Offered Refunds
In a significant turn of events, a class action lawsuit has been filed against Spotify, alleging the company misled consumers about the functionality of its Car Thing device. As of mid-2025, the lawsuit, which was reported in various media outlets, has raised questions about Spotify's commitment to product longevity and transparency with its user base.
Launched in February 2022, Car Thing was a dedicated in-car music player designed for drivers without integrated infotainment systems. Initially, the device received a warm welcome, with Spotify CEO Daniel Ek claiming a waitlist of over 2 million users for the product. However, the excitement soon dwindled as it became apparent that Car Thing's sales were not as successful as expected, and production was halted by late 2022.
In May 2024, Spotify announced that Car Thing would be deactivated on December 9, 2024. This decision was met with criticism from users who felt it was premature and disregarded their investment. The lack of transparency in the refund process further fueled accusations of Spotify attempting to minimize the financial fallout. The lawsuit also criticizes Spotify for initially refusing refunds to disgruntled users.
The Car Thing controversy has raised concerns for consumers, underscoring the need for careful consideration before investing in new technologies, especially in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. The saga serves as a cautionary tale for companies, highlighting the importance of transparency, product longevity, and customer communication.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, accuses Spotify of deceptive practices and failing to disclose Car Thing's limited lifespan. As of now, there are no detailed updates on the lawsuit's current procedural status, such as whether a settlement has been reached or whether the case is in the discovery or trial phases.
For those seeking the very latest details on motions, settlements, or court rulings for this case, checking official court dockets or Spotify’s investor relations updates might be necessary. In the meantime, the Car Thing story continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of making informed decisions when it comes to adopting new technology products.
References: [1] The Verge. (2022, February 9). Spotify's Car Thing is a dashboard player for music, podcasts, and more. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2022/2/9/22930841/spotify-car-thing-announcement-dashboard-player-music-podcasts
[2] CNET. (2022, February 9). Spotify's Car Thing: A hands-on review. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/spotifys-car-thing-a-hands-on-review/
[3] TechCrunch. (2024, May 15). Spotify's Car Thing will be deactivated in December. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/15/spotifys-car-thing-will-be-deactivated-in-december/
[4] The Verge. (2024, May 15). Why Spotify is killing Car Thing. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/15/22728247/spotify-car-thing-killed-reasons-why-deactivated-explained
- The lawsuit against Spotify has sparked discussions about the future of AI-driven technology products in the business world, particularly in the realm of finance and smart-home devices.
- As the Car Thing controversy unfolds, potential investors are urged to carefully weigh the risks and rewards before diving into the fast-paced world of technology, including nearing AI advancements.
- Looking ahead, the controversy may prompt other businesses to reconsider their approach to transparency, product lifespan, and customer communication in a bid to avoid similar backlash and maintain a strong brand image.
- The court case highlights the significant role AI technology plays in various industries, from gadget manufacturing to entertainment services, and underscores the importance of ethical business practices in shaping the future of these advanced technologies.
