Remember the Spotify Car Thing? That sleek, dedicated dashboard controller for Spotify that generated buzz, then bafflement, when Spotify abruptly pulled the plug and bricked existing devices? What was once destined for landfills is now roaring back to life, thanks to the ingenuity of independent developers and a powerful new free, open-source firmware.
For those who missed it: Spotify launched Car Thing in early 2022 as a limited-release accessory. Aimed at drivers with older cars lacking modern infotainment, it offered voice control, a large dial, and a screen designed purely for seamless Spotify playback. Despite positive initial reviews, Spotify shocked users by discontinuing it just months later, citing low demand and product portfolio streamlining. The real gut punch came in December 2024 when Spotify remotely disabled all existing Car Thing devices, rendering them useless paperweights and sparking significant user backlash.
Enter the Hackers: Salvation Through Open Source
The developer community, however, saw potential where Spotify saw obsolescence. Tinkering began almost immediately after the shutdown announcement. The breakthrough came with the discovery of methods to bypass Spotify's kill switch and gain deeper access to the device's hardware.
The hero of this story is a free, open-source firmware project, spearheaded by developers like Brandon Saldan (known as @brandonsaldan on X, formerly Twitter). This firmware doesn't just restore the Car Thing's original Spotify-centric functionality; it unlocks the device's true potential, transforming it into something far more versatile and powerful.
What Does the New Firmware Actually Do?
- Restored Core Spotify Functionality: First and foremost, it brings back the core experience. Users can once again browse their Spotify library, play/pause/skip tracks, control volume, and use voice commands ("Hey Spotify") – essentially everything the device did out-of-the-box.
- Bluetooth Audio Receiver (Huge Upgrade!): This is a game-changer. The original Car Thing required a phone connection for audio. The new firmware allows the Car Thing to act as a standalone Bluetooth receiver. Pair your phone (or any Bluetooth audio device) directly to the Car Thing, and it will output the audio via its 3.5mm aux jack. This decouples it entirely from the Spotify app's quirks and opens it up to playing any audio from your phone.
- USB Audio Output: For higher fidelity or different setups, the firmware enables audio output directly via the Car Thing's USB-C port.
- Enhanced Control: Developers are exploring and implementing support for controlling other media apps beyond just Spotify via the physical dial and buttons.
- Customizable Interface: The open-source nature means the interface and features can evolve. Expect themes, custom layouts, and potentially integration with other services down the line.
- Local File Playback (Experimental): Some versions are exploring the ability to play music files stored directly on a USB drive attached to the Car Thing.
The Developer's Vision
Brandon Saldan, a key figure in the revival effort, has been actively sharing progress and demos. Seeing the Car Thing working flawlessly again, and doing more than before, is exhilarating for former owners.
Check out the firmware in action directly from the developer:
https://x.com/brandonsaldan/status/1955056884118901132
Is It Easy to Install? What Are the Risks?
Installing the custom firmware requires some technical know-how. It involves putting the Car Thing into a specific recovery mode, connecting it to a computer, and flashing the new software. Detailed guides and support are emerging within the enthusiast communities (like Discord servers dedicated to the project).
Crucially, this is a community effort, not supported by Spotify. There are inherent risks:
- Bricking: A failed flash could permanently damage the device.
- No Warranty: The device is long out of warranty anyway.
- Future Uncertainty: Spotify could potentially try to block this method, though the community is confident the current approach is robust.
Why This Matters: Beyond the Car Thing
This revival is more than just saving a cool gadget. It's a testament to the power of open-source development and community perseverance against planned obsolescence. It highlights:
- Fighting E-Waste: Giving perfectly good hardware a second life.
- User Ownership: Asserting the right to repair and modify devices we own.
- Unlocking Potential: Demonstrating that manufacturers sometimes abandon capable hardware prematurely.
Where to Get One & Get Started
Demand for Car Things on the secondhand market (eBay, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace) has skyrocketed since this firmware emerged. Prices, which had plummeted after the bricking, are climbing again as users seek devices to revive.
If you have a bricked Car Thing gathering dust, or you snag one cheaply online, a vibrant community awaits:
- Find the Firmware: Search for "Spotify Car Thing Open Source Firmware" or check developer hubs like GitHub (look for repositories by brandonsaldan and others).
- Join the Community: Discord servers are the primary hub for support, guides, and updates. Search for "Car Thing Revival Discord".
- Follow Developers: Keep an eye on @brandonsaldan and other developers on X/Twitter for the latest news and releases.
The Verdict: A Phoenix from the Ashes
Thanks to dedicated hackers and the ethos of open-source, the Spotify Car Thing has undergone a remarkable resurrection. What was a symbol of corporate abandonment is now a beacon of community-driven innovation. It's not just back; it's arguably better than ever, offering enhanced flexibility and functionality its creators never envisioned. For tech enthusiasts, tinkerers, and Spotify fans who felt burned by the shutdown, this free firmware offers a deeply satisfying second chance for a much-maligned device. The Car Thing's story isn't over; thanks to its users, it's just entered a thrilling new chapter.
🧵we just brought the spotify car thing back from the dead - a year of work; the most advanced car thing firmware ever.
— brandon saldan (@brandonsaldan) August 12, 2025
✅ bluetooth tethering
✅ full graphics acceleration
✅ native spotify login
✅ podcasts, DJ, local files
✅ gesture & knob control
✅ OTA updates
✅ much more pic.twitter.com/zkAcCFuCUh
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