Spotify Car Thing review
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- čas přidán 21. 08. 2024
- Spotify's Car Thing is a smart touchscreen with voice control that lets you listen to music and podcasts in the car. But for $80 it still needs a phone to run and you have to be a Spotify Premium subscriber to get your hands on one, as they're still hard to come by.
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Thanks for watching! Let me know if you have any other Car Thing questions I didn’t answer 🚗
Nope, you nailed it. I will just stick with my phone and use the voice recognition from there.
Does this only work if your car has bluetooth?
I've got a 1974 mini cooper s do I have to have a 12 volt connection
@@andrewstanley7300 does your car have a cigarette lighter/any plug at all? If not I guess you could still run the car thing but you’d have to power it with a USB battery pack
@@ozbuckshank3102 you can also contact your phone to the car stereo via USB or Aux plug if your car has that. The connections needed are: Car Thing to phone, then phone to car stereo
I love how they just call it “Spotify car thing”
honestly, its a great name lol
@@kingcohen2494 same, like samsung Freestyle. The name is nice and trendy
@@Vysair i want a samsung freestyle so bad it looks cool and stuff lol
Yeah. I looked at the release date to make sure it wasn't April 1st.
it's simple and catchy name
Spotify should be giving this thing away to premium members.
They were supposed to.. but it never happened
Spotify is in debt
That part 😂
If they did Gmaps or even Waze w/ Spotify this thing would be killer for old cars. I'd also like to see a plus version with a 7 inch display.
So basically its like having your phone stuck to the dashboard using a $5 magnetic clip except it costs $80, the screen is smaller than your phone, you cant use maps or anything other than Spotify, you have to plug it in every time because theres no battery. Please explain why anyone sane would buy this?
Flexing bro, just flexing
You certainly don't need to plug and unplug it each time. You just leave it installed on the dash. I have found mine to be a lot handier than dragging my phone out/unlockocking/opening Spotify. And the voice control works really well
Is called market segmentation dude.
@@NFS-shade So can you name one advantage this thing has over a phone? If you can I'm happy to concede.
@@willv198412 ease of access with one platform rather than going through your phone or having to open it just to get to Spotify which isn’t exactly driver friendly, so for someone who doesn’t have CarPlay or anything like that in their car it works pretty well to avoid using a phone. Concede.
I think it would be much more of a deal if it had navigation, internal storage and maybe cellular capability.
That is true. Thing is your phone has all of that, so all you need is a cell phone holder and you’re good.
@NeedForSpeed.2004 depends where u live, in UK you can't touch your phone whilst driving
For $40 this would be amazing. For $80, it's hard to justify.
It's on sale rn for 50
it's on sale rn!!!
@@abigailgp3199 where???
@@danielrevollo4835 on the website, just look it up
On sale for $40 right now
Pointless. Just get a Bluetooth transmitter. Same thing without a screen. Costs less too.
My man... CNET should hire you.
That's a terrible idea unless you absolutely love hearing coil whine while you're driving...
@@SuzanoSho what are you talking about? They have so many Bluetooth transmitters that work very well without any weird noises whatsoever.
Great review! Using it as a back seat controller for passengers is a great novelty! Honestly if they had some basic maps/directions stuff I'd throw this in my second car (but alas, I'm not a Spotify user, CZcams Music for life).
Same, CZcams music has all the weird niche stuff I listen to on normal CZcams. Plus, I get it with YT Premium for next to nothing.
At that pricepoint you can add a little more and buy a abdroid radio that fits your specific vehicle( or din 2 size) ,
Or you can get some other stereo which supports android auto or apple carplay..
I just think that a fm transmitter or a different radio makes alot more sense..
I never understood why there's no car radio that is also a phone mount. Literally your phone can do everything better
@@Watch-0w1 i had an android radio in my last car, same thing as a tablet in the dash, you can do anything...
@@Watch-0w1 and many new radios have android auto and apple carplay, in a way thats very simmilar to a phone holdier that connects to the phone..
@@Watch-0w1 Pioneer has something like this. SPH-10BT and SPH-20DAB
use the fm transmitter from a nokia belle phone
I just got it on sale for $30. So excited! I have a 2005 that has at least 30k miles left in it, so I’m excited for this!
How is it working so far, just ordered mine
I've been using Spotify for years and I don't see the problem this is supposed to solve. It doesn't have an AUX jack so better to just get a new head unit instead and connect the phone to that via Bluetooth. This is just adding more clutter and complexity.
I wish the Spotify Thing had an aux out. My vehicle is a 2008 and there is no option for bluetooth music, only phone calls. Now I still have to plug in my phone to the aux to use this. Seems like they missed a market segment.
You can get good Bluetooth FM transmitter for under 20 dollars that will do Bluetooth music and phone calls
This does have an AUX output. I was in the same boat, my car doesn't have Bluetooth or support aftermarket radio installs, but does have an AUX in. This was a good solution for me because of the AUX output.
@@hpsn5108 I have one of those. The issue is the signal will randomly drop at times. Also, the thing needs to be powered. The aux cable is a much simpler solution.
@@mschieds13 the Car Thing does not have an aux out. I own one. The only port it has is a power port.
@@bergi85 that's unfortunate then, I was looking forward to owning one because it advertises in the description that it had AUX capabilities. Thanks for the info.
Good editing and good choice in music. I never saw so many familiar thumbnails in a device review before.
Great job.
That's what I'm saying lol, MF DOOM, Jungle, Tokimonsta??
Wish they had a device like this with CarPlay or gps
There are tablets with wireless CarPlay built in for $200 on Amazon or eBay. This device is a joke lol
My old 2008 Kia Spectra is now equipped with an apple carplay / android auto radio that was actually installed as part of a recent upgrade. It works as expected. My only complaint is that the 10-inch screen blocks out the vents.
Like your smartphone?
@@trickster_qc no
@@Xjpicax if you think about it real hard for a few minutes, you'll see that the device you are looking for is a smartphone :)
Yeah, I kinda agree there's potential here. My biggest issues that it's JUST for spotify, so the voice issues and UI lag is completely unacceptable for $80. Sure, if it did more than spotify I can see a bit of lag for the price, but it's a dedicated device. Just... no. And the point about losing cell reception and maybe needing some offline music playback is a good point for longer road trips.
Great review. I considered this but without the ability to display a map, it just doesn’t seem worth it for me (and I’m a huge Spotify user and we have one older car that doesn’t have CarPlay).
this would be perfect for the backseat in an uber car, so passengers can quickly pick whatever they want, you'd also have to worry about it being stolen. But apart from the uber case.... not super useful when I'm driving in the front seat, this seems like extra effort with no significant gain.
Great review! And although Spotify may not appreciate your accent, I certainly do! But at $80 it's a little steep of a price, maybe for $40 or $50.
For premium members its actually now $50!
@@evaleenapylypiv4498 Oh really? Cool! Thanks for letting me know. It definitely seems more manageable at that price.
@@ScottWallace5 yes and I just bought it and I’ve had it for a few weeks now and I love it! I’d say it’s totally worth it!
The last line sums this up for me, "not worth the hassle".
On our older car, I just mount my (android) phone and fire up the Android Auto app (I understand it's not supported on newer versions of the OS though, which is a pity, but I think there's a replacement option?). The app has the option to auto-launch as soon as it connects to my car's bluetooth stereo (or any bluetooth speaker, really), which is far more convenient than whatever I just saw here. I've been doing this for about 2 years, and it's been a game-changer. Our newer car supports wireless Android Auto + CarPlay, which is great but not altogether more functional.
Considering I can do all of this virtually for free, AND have access to maps, contacts, my voice assistant, Spotify and other audio services, why would anyone want this sort of device?
Okay but why does she have such good music taste? 😍
I’m deeply surprised
Me too. Definitely wasn't expecting her to be a Doom fan
😎
@@anthonywilliams9415 Yeah same. I was very (pleasantly) surprised when I heard his name. Pretty cool!
Your choice in music is on point.👍🏿
Some countries are banning drivers from touching their phones at all when driving, I assume this is for those markets.
I think you’re confused about the law spreading around, you can still touch your phone screen as long as it’s docked (if you’re talking about the EU and U.K. changes)
two hands on the wheel at all times unless you're shifting gears ....That's why we have Steering wheel controls...You will get a ticket if a cop sees you here in America at least..
@@Pinkielover So you get a ticket in the US if you change your climate control settings in the US?
How do Tesla owners avoid getting constantly pulled over then?
@@Pinkielover I’ve had cops pull up next to me while I’m clearly using one hand and have never said anything……
Having just diy installing a wireless Apple CarPlay stereo and backup cam in my 2007 suv, definitely worth saving a few more months for all the extra features of a touchscreen stereo receiver. With retailers like Crutchfield, they make it super easy by providing all the instructions for your specific vehicle.
I’m looking at getting a stereo head from crutchfield just to have Bluetooth and a touchscreen, and this seems nice to save money so I can get a basic receiver just to have Bluetooth, and this will be the actual UI. Thoughts? Would it be better to get an $800 car play device from crutchfield? Is it simple enough to install?
Why not just use your phone?
4 easy payments of $20 all at once!
*spills coffee laughing*
great job on the commercial ad work :D
even for $80, i would buy it IF i didnt have to pair my phone to my car. If the Car Thing connected via bluetooth to my phone and had an aux output, i would be totally in. It would be most similar to adding bluetooth radio to your car without installation of a new head unit
it has an aux output
I could see this being great for Uber/Lyft drivers (passengers in back seats)
I found the same issue when I try to have Alexa play any Spotify playlist that isn't streamline.
Thanks for the review!
It's a shame they couldn't have gotten a condensed version of Android Auto to work with it.
not sure if it still works but the android auto app with your phone was a good alternative.
Lexy has great taste in music, I see you!
This is a great idea! I'll mount it next to my Garmin GPS.
We have one and love it! I find it much less distracting and cumbersome than multi-tasking my phone for music. It reminds me of the radio, except I can talk to it. I know I'm in the minority but I really really like the single-task nature of Car Thing. Let my phone worry about maps and phone stuff (or even better just stay tucked away in my purse) and use this just like the ol radio. I love it.
The best thing about this video was the infomercial 😂
It's on sale right now for $49.99!
Woah! That’s a Nigerian artiste in the thumbnail. I def wasn’t expecting that, but I guess it’s not too crazy since our music’s actually really good.
Just upgrade the radio for $200-300 that works for GPS, music, and is larger. The annoyances of this device is not worth the $80. It’s better to just save up for the radio upgrade
I agree fully but a decent carplay or Android auto capable radio from a respectable brand plus professional installation will cost much more than 2-300
@@gcforreal it's better to have all the feature into one device than one specific feature into one device. I don't see any point for that thing other than if they have a... I dunno, a really old car.
Spotify has a car mode AND voice mode. This is VERY pointless but to each his/her own. All i use is Spotify and even i feel like "but why?" IT IS GOOD FOR OLD CARS THOUGH.
only connects to your car's speakers via bluetooth, so its useless for any car without bluetooth
@@azathothwakesup wrong, you don’t need Bluetooth there are other methods.
Extra props for MF Doom, and Joey Bad@$$
Can’t believe that they actually called their device “car thing”
on bored music, There's no audio output either. But you can download music to your phone in Spotify. It's definitely a neat little device that's lacking some features. It almost would've been nice if it could be a dedicated Spotify client and then just connect to your phone or Wi-Fi for data but the cell phone companies think that data on a separate device than your phone is completely different and they can charge you more for it. Would love to have seen an SD slot would at least act as a decent media player once it's discontinued and ewasted.
lol the outro gave me throwbacks to my childhood I love it
I knew someone else likes Paper Trail$ too! How cool :D
My fav of his!
I think that investing 200$ to buy a proper android radio is the best option!
You can use google with your voice, you have a proper navigation and radar warning apps, you can use spotify perfectly...
Seems a better option than spending 80$ for a incomplete device that doesn't even recognize properly voice commands, needs phone's Bluetooth and has a small display!
If it had maps built in I would definitely get this.
Drops casual “crime here is so bad, maybe don’t get this”
I love that you listen to quality rap music like Joey bada$$ and MF Doom. I just wasn’t expecting that 😂
MF Doom!?!?…..RESPECT
It feels like i am watching a 2015 video
🤣
I don't think I'd bother with that I just get a Bluetooth for my car if I only had a CD player. I had to do that for my older bmw, and another thing you would have to leave the ignition key in the start position to listen if parked in your car, which isn't good for long periods of time. Bluetooth btw is only 20.00 vs 80 and you can use your phone apps for various uses, especially maps, also listen to youtube, which I think has the best sound!
Never pegged her for a Joey Badass listener. +Respect
Thank you for your review, @Lexy! I've been looking forward to it. And were you an infomercial actress before? Your acting is a little too on point! 😅
🤣
I have watched just 30 seconds and Lexy has made me laugh already. Insta like.
Fantastic intro/outro 😂 takes me back to those old TV infomercials lol, before streaming took over
"older vehicle, like i am"
-drives a 2015...
lady, i am in a 1999 toyota camry...
this is how you do a review
Lexy bumpin' Joey Bada$$ and MF DOOM! 🔥
MF Doom? You got good taste.
Genius! Now I will throw my iPhone 12 Pro Max and use car thing instead
They recently had a sale where it was $30 so I hopped on it. But according to your review I would agree not worth 80 bucks
Nah...the problem wasn't that it can't understand your accent, the problem was ac that blow directly to all 4 mic holes. This is why it work just fine in the studio/house/room (what ever that room at the end is)
Yeah not having any offline storage (16gb would be plenty for myself) and not having any navigation or any other functionality is a deal breaker for me. I also don't use Spotify but that's not a big deal cause if this was something I really like I might switch. I would like to see an Apple version of this device, whether it's made by Apple or a 3rd party I don't really care.
What's the difference between using nthis vs connecting your phone directly to the car Bluetooth and using Android auto? Seems wayy better experience
I'm here for Adekunle Gold😂
Me seeing “Adekunle Gold” made me click this video😌
u have such good music taste
Love the intro
2:05 - Ah the joys of living in San Francisco, lmao
Just got mine, I drive a 2010 Nissan rogue and I drive for uber. My phone is a 1st gen iPhone se and I love this thing. I play metal in my car and people are always asking what's playing and this makes everything soooooo much easier.
Just use your phone....this is redundant technology!
I see thumbnail “Adekunle Gold” I click, I like 😄
This Device is totally defeated by phone holder... 🤣
@ 4:20 props for playing MF Doom.
No for $80 maybe for $40
Discontinued and will cease to operate 9 December 2024
I already have one of these…….it’s called an old smartphone. I use it for Spotify and google maps
I do not understand !! If your car radio has bluetooth, why do you need a device if you can connect your phone via bluetooth and from your phone connect to spotify?
it’s on sale rn for $30 !!!
Was anyone else surprised by the MF Doom request? Ok, ok, I see you! Lol.
So why not just attach your smartphone to your dash vent (using a $~20 Kenu) ?
Super bad for your phone to heat up and cool down like that.
If you need your phone either way, why dont you just use your phone on the dashboard like normal people do?
So basically it is an $80 Spotify remote control with a fancy touch screen.
i love “hey siri”
I have an old car, I just have the aux cable to iPhone. Simple and it only cost 13.00 dollars.
Hey by the way if you still have the Subaru if you connect your phone with voice commands it Auto pair your Bluetooth because in a Subaru they have two different systems. One for the radio and one for voice command. The voice command is way better for Bluetooth.
So it's an $80 car Bluetooth adapter
my only complaint is the price. i have a 2001 BMW 5 series and it has the most basic of all basic center control systems. so this works well since I will never put one of those phone mounts on my dashboard. wish it was a little sturdier but it gets the job done
Whoever has that Volvo, you need to get the airbag recall done.
You know they have screens like the car thing that are bigger, attach to the windshield or dash but they have Android auto and CarPlay, I’d love to see a review
Not every car can have a stereo like that installed..
So what's the difference between this and a $16 audio transmitter.
I love that you have Joey Bada$$ on here ha.
I just came because the thumbnail had a song featuring "Adekunle Gold".
Idc what people say, I’m really glad this device exists.
Spotify Car Thing I think I don't need you, but I wanna know for sure!
Jesus Christ Lexy. Gorgeous.
Car thing is a weird thing.
I installed a MagSafe charger within arm and eyeball reach. Boom. Hands free Bluetooth stuff. Gotta be a hardcore Spotify user for this thing; and you still need your phone! So phone Bluetooth to car thing Bluetooth to vehicle Bluetooth. Weird solution to a nonissue.
Great review
Someone’s got good taste. Glad to see DOOM in there!
MF Doom nice 👍😉
Hope it doesn’t get bricked
“Spotify car thing” is that the actual name lmao