Should I Get Car Thing Spotify Reddit

Okay, picture this: I'm driving, belting out some seriously embarrassing early 2000s pop (don't judge!), and fumbling around with my phone to skip a track. Nearly rear-ended a Prius. Not my finest moment. That's when I started thinking... is there a better way? Enter the Spotify Car Thing. And, of course, the inevitable deep dive on Reddit to see what the internet really thought.

So, the question on everyone's mind – yours included, probably, since you're reading this – is: Should you get a Spotify Car Thing? It's a valid question! Especially in a world overflowing with gadgets promising to make our lives easier (but often just adding more clutter).

What is this "Car Thing" anyway?

In case you've been living under a rock (or, you know, just not obsessed with Spotify like some of us), the Car Thing is basically a dedicated Spotify controller for your car. Think of it as a little screen and dial that lets you navigate your music without constantly reaching for your phone. It's got voice control, a dial for skipping tracks and adjusting volume, and a touch screen. Sounds pretty slick, right?

It's worth noting that Spotify is phasing out Car Thing, so while you can still find them used online (eBay, etc.), they are no longer available through Spotify directly. This is important, so keep it in mind!

The Good, The Bad, and The Reddit Threads

Let's break down the pros and cons, shall we? This is where those Reddit threads came in handy – hours of scrolling later, I feel like I’ve absorbed the collective wisdom (and occasional rage) of the internet.

The Pros:

• Safety (Potentially): Less fiddling with your phone could mean more attention on the road. Key word: could. It still requires some looking, so don't go thinking it's a magic safety shield.
• Dedicated Spotify Control: It's specifically designed for Spotify. No need to unlock your phone, open the app, etc. Quick access is the name of the game.
• Voice Control: "Hey Spotify, play my 'Chill Vibes' playlist!" (Or whatever embarrassing playlist you listen to. No judgment… much.)
• Simplicity: It's a relatively simple device to set up and use. No complicated menus or hidden features.

The Cons:

• Phone Dependency: It's just a remote for your phone. It needs your phone to be connected and running Spotify. It does not replace your phone's infotainment system.
• Limited Functionality: It only controls Spotify. If you listen to Apple Music, podcasts on a different app, or anything else, you're out of luck.
• Potential for Distraction: While designed to reduce distraction, it's still a screen in your car demanding attention. Be honest with yourself about your ability to focus.
• Now Discontinued: Finding one is getting harder, and support might eventually disappear.

Reddit's Verdict: The general consensus on Reddit seems to be... mixed. Some people swear by their Car Thing, praising its ease of use and safety benefits. Others find it redundant, expensive (especially now that you have to buy it second hand), and ultimately not worth the hassle. Many point out that Android Auto and Apple CarPlay offer far more functionality for a similar (or even lower) price, assuming your car supports them.

Alternatives to Consider

Before you jump on the Car Thing bandwagon (or try to find one on eBay), let's explore some alternatives:

• Android Auto/Apple CarPlay: If your car supports it, these are generally the best options. They integrate your phone seamlessly with your car's infotainment system, giving you access to music, maps, and other apps.
• Phone Mount + Bluetooth: A simple and effective solution. Mount your phone securely and connect via Bluetooth. Control your music with your phone's touchscreen or voice assistant.
• Aftermarket Head Unit: If your car doesn't have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, consider upgrading your head unit. This can be a more expensive option, but it can significantly improve your in-car experience.

So, Should You Get One?

Okay, time for the big reveal. Drumroll, please! It depends.

Seriously. There's no one-size-fits-all answer here. If you:

• Are heavily invested in the Spotify ecosystem.
• Don't have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
• Find yourself constantly fumbling with your phone while driving.
• Can find a used one for a reasonable price.

Then, a Spotify Car Thing might be worth considering.

However, if you:

• Already have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
• Use a variety of music streaming services.
• Are comfortable using your phone for music control.
• Are concerned about adding another device to your car.

Then, you're probably better off sticking with what you've got.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Weigh the pros and cons, consider your budget, and think about how you actually use Spotify in your car. And, hey, maybe try not to rear-end any Priuses in the process. Good luck!