The Spotify Car Thing refund class action lawsuit has been filed and consumers are breathing fire at the giant company.
Spotify’s Car Thing, a dedicated in-car streaming device, has been making headlines not for its features, but for its untimely demise and the subsequent consumer backlash.
Launched in February 2022 with much fanfare and a waitlist of over 2 million eager users, Car Thing was discontinued later that year, leaving many early adopters feeling betrayed.
How did the Spotify Car Thing refund class action lawsuit start?
Spotify’s decision to brick Car Thing devices, rendering them useless by December 9, 2024, has not gone down well with users. Many took to social media platforms like TikTok to express their disappointment and frustration, leading to a class action lawsuit against Spotify.
The Spotify Car Thing refund class action lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleges that Spotify misled consumers by selling them a product that was soon to be obsolete and then failing to offer refunds.
In response to the growing backlash, Spotify has quietly instituted a Spotify Car Thing refund process for the app, provided users have proof of purchase. However, this gesture has done little to appease many users who are still pleading with the company not to brick their devices.
Some users have reported receiving several months of a Premium subscription as compensation, while others have been denied refunds altogether.
Is there a Spotify Car Thing alternative
While the refund option may appease some users, many remain dissatisfied. They are calling on Spotify to reconsider its decision to deactivate the Car Thing, citing concerns about e-waste and the device’s continued functionality.
The clamor for a “Spotify Car Thing alternative” or a reversal of the deactivation decision highlights the disconnect between Spotify’s actions and the desires of its user base.
Some have even suggested exploring Spotify Car Thing alternatives like Android Auto or CarPlay, but these solutions are not always feasible for users who do not have access to built-in infotainment systems in their cars.
A brewing storm for Spotify
The Spotify Car Thing refund controversy is just one of several challenges Spotify is currently facing. The company has recently introduced paid access to lyrics, a feature previously available for free, leading to further user discontent.
Additionally, Spotify raised its subscription rates last year, and another price hike is expected in 2024. These developments, coupled with the Car Thing debacle, paint a picture of a company grappling with balancing profitability and user satisfaction.
A crucial juncture
As the Car Thing saga unfolds, it remains to be seen how Spotify will address the ongoing backlash and the pending class action lawsuit. The company’s response to this crisis will likely shape its reputation and relationship with its user base in the long run.
The fate of the Car Thing serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of transparent communication, consumer trust, and the delicate balance between innovation and obsolescence in the fast-paced tech industry.
As Spotify navigates these turbulent waters, it faces a crucial decision: will it prioritize user satisfaction and seek a compromise, or will it forge ahead with its current course, risking further alienation of its user base? The answer to this question may very well determine Spotify’s future trajectory…
Featured image credit: Spotify
