Spotify is notifying prospects who bought its Automobile Factor product that the gadgets will cease working after December 9, 2024. The corporate discontinued the system again in July 2022, however had mentioned on the time that it might nonetheless assist the models that had already been offered.
The corporate’s plans for the system have modified, as Spotify advised customers on Thursday that every one Automobile Factor models “will cease working” later this yr, in accordance with the e-mail despatched to patrons.
Automobile Factor, which launched to the general public in February 2022, was largely focused towards individuals who don’t have a built-in infotainment system of their automobiles. The system labored by connecting with the Spotify cellular app on a person’s telephone to stream music over their automobile’s sound system. Whereas Spotify cited low product demand and provide chain points when deciding to discontinue the gadgets, Automobile Factor managed to discover a area of interest group.
Customers are understandably upset {that a} system they paid $90 for will now be unusable, regardless of being beforehand advised that Spotify would nonetheless assist it. Some have taken to social media to demand a refund for his or her buy.
“The aim of our Automobile Factor exploration within the U.S. was to be taught extra about how folks hear within the automobile,” the corporate mentioned in an emailed assertion to TechCrunch. “In July 2022, we introduced we’d cease additional manufacturing and now it’s time to say goodbye to the gadgets fully. Customers could have till December 9, 2024 till all Automobile Factor gadgets will probably be deactivated.”
The corporate’s assist web page tells customers to reset their Automobile Factor to manufacturing unit settings and “safely eliminate your system following native digital waste pointers.”
The web page additionally says the transfer is a part of Spotify’s efforts to “streamline [its] product choices” and that whereas it could be “disappointing,” the change permits it to “give attention to creating new options and enhancements.”
It seems Spotify doesn’t plan to revisit the {hardware} market anytime quickly, because it notes that “there are not any plans to launch a alternative or new model of Automobile Factor.”
