Spotify

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Spotify is a global music streaming service founded in 2006 in Sweden by Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon. It allows users to stream music, podcasts, and other audio content via a freemium model, offering both free, ad-supported access and premium subscription services.

Summary of Anti-consumer practices

Car Thing

In 2021, Spotify announced the Car Thing, a device marketed as a voice-controlled interface for selecting music and podcasts while driving. The device was officially launched in the U.S. on February 2022, it cost $89.99 and requires a Spotify Premium subscription plan along with a phone with a mobile data connection to be used. The company discontinued the device in July 2022. On May 23rd, 2024, Spotify announced, via email to users, that support for the Car Thing would end in December of that year, rendering the device inoperable after that point.

Screenshot of email from Spotify, sent to Car Thing users.

The Car Thing support page advised Car Thing owners to "contact your state or local waste disposal department to determine how to dispose of or recycle Car Thing in accordance with applicable laws and regulations," rendering the device obsolete.

The Spotify website for Car Thing reads "Contact customer service by no later than January 14, 2025 to discuss your refund options." The Spotify support web page for Car Thing states that they are discontinuing the hardware product as part of ongoing efforts to streamline their product offerings.