Spotify Unveils Car Thing Dedicated Smart Player for the Car

In a effort to expand its reach in the lucrative automotive sector, Swedish streaming audio company Spotify has launched its very first hardware product. With free and widely available radio stations still dominating the space, car audio remains the last frontier to be conquered by streaming services. Spotify seems determined to cover that market, even if it requires launching a proof-of-concept product. Spotify Car Thing is basically a dedicated Spotify player with voice controls for Premium subscribers, cutting the ties to the smartphone.

Polestar 2, the new all electric car model from the exclusive brand owned by Volvo Car Group and Geely, is also betting strongly on distinct interiors and a focus on the whole audio experience. The Polestar 2 features a premium Harman Kardon audio system developed by Harman uniquely for the car, and allows over-the-air (OTA) updates to introduce new and improved audio features and functions over time. And being a Swedish brand, Polestar 2 also features Spotify Group Sessions Beta directly in its built-in Spotify app.