Is It Possible to Bring Spotify Car Thing Back to Life?
Spotify discontinued its Car Thing accessory, leaving many early adopters with a device that no longer worked. Recently, dedicated hobbyists have launched Mira, free software designed to restore Car Thing's key functions—even without official support.
How Does Mira Work and What Features Does It Offer?
Mira runs on your existing Car Thing hardware. You can set it up by connecting your Car Thing to a phone or computer and activating Mira from there; no invasive installation is needed apart from having Spotify itself. The software restores key features such as:
- Voice commands to control playback on Spotify
- Album artwork and on-screen lyrics display
- Gesture controls and use of the Car Thing’s physical dial
- Podcast transcript viewing
Mira is free and open-source, with no extra subscription fee required. However, Spotify Premium is still necessary to use most playback features.
Who Should Consider Reviving a Car Thing?
If you own a Car Thing and drive a vehicle without smart infotainment features, Mira can restore value to your hardware for little to no cost. It's best suited for users who:
- Already have a Car Thing and miss its convenience
- Prefer an easy Spotify playback option over phone juggling
- Are comfortable with following basic software setup instructions
Those expecting seamless, out-of-the-box functionality should know that Mira is a community project. Some users have reported Bluetooth connectivity bugs, and third-party music service support (like Apple Music or YouTube Music) is not yet available.
Limitations and Alternatives to Consider
Mira resurrects much of Car Thing’s original value, but it's not a perfect replacement for factory infotainment systems. Expect occasional bugs, and be ready to troubleshoot. For a plug-and-play experience, a modern phone mount with voice assistant support or a dashboard-friendly smart speaker may be simpler, though less integrated.
Key Takeaway: Should You Dust Off Your Car Thing?
If your Car Thing has been gathering dust, Mira gives it a second act—restoring a unique Spotify-focused experience with no ongoing fees. It isn't flawless, and it won’t match the stability of mainstream hardware, but for Spotify diehards willing to tinker, it’s a rare second chance in gadget land. If you want set-and-forget car audio, consider sticking to your smartphone or investing in a more up-to-date solution.