“The limited release of Car Thing is not meant to compete with in-car infotainment systems,” Spotify explains in a blog post. While the company does gather voice and usage info (including audio recordings) to improve the hardware, it says it isn't collecting any more data than it does inside its mobile apps. Spotify also explains that the hardware isn't solely a means of collecting user data either. It explains that it “saw a need from our users, many of whom were missing out on a seamless and personalized in-car listening experience.” The company says that Car Thing offers “a superior listening experience” no matter the year or model of your car. Spotify is adamant a “limited release” of Car Thing doesn’t mean the company is now focused on creating hardware. And of course, you’re free to search for anything in Spotify’s massive collection of music and podcasts if you need to stream something else. Shortcuts on the Home screen are personalized and updated throughout the day based on your listening activity. In terms of content, Car Thing displays separate tabs for playlists, artists, albums and podcasts that you’ve saved to your library. The company says Car Thing’s four microphones will ensure the voice setup hears your commands even when music is playing or the windows are rolled down.

“Hey Spotify” is handy for searching and playing what you’re looking for without reaching for the device, but it can also assist with saving songs to your library. You can ask the helper to play or show anything from artists and songs to podcasts and playlists. The company just added its own voice assistant to its mobile apps last week, and that tech gives you the option to use this hardware hands-free when needed. Spotify is showing off its voice control abilities with Car Thing.

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