In May 2019, Spotify announced that it would publicly test a voice-controlled smart assistant for cars that the company called the “Car thing”. But, almost two years later, we haven’t heard much about the project – although that may change soon. A car with a completely new design and a larger screen appeared in the FCC files.
This new version of Car Thing looks like it will work similarly to the 2019 version – it is a “voice-controlled phone accessory / Spotify app with display and support buttons”, according to a description found in the documents. “Bluetooth enabled for communication with the car’s main unit. Powered by a 12 V outlet, ”continues the description, bluntly.
The design, however, is radically different. The new Car Thing looks almost like a mini-tablet, with some kind of button and a large knob. It is pictured at the top of this post. Compare with this Spotify image of the version announced in 2019:
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And if you want to get a better look at the latest version, we’ve collected some pictures of the new FCC files in this gallery, including some of the connected device. Unfortunately, however, it is difficult to say anything about how the device actually works from the photos, or what the software looks like.
It is also unclear whether this is a product that people will be able to access. A product that reaches the FCC does not necessarily mean that it will be released to the general public. And we never heard much about the 2019 version of Car Thing after its initial announcement (although it also took a trip through the FCC).
Spotify did not immediately respond to a request for comment.