In short: Nicely, that did not take lengthy. Roughly 5 months after making its voice-controlled good participant for automobiles out there to most people, Spotify has quietly discontinued the gadget. For those who nonetheless need one, it is on sale at a considerable low cost whereas provides final.
Spotify began testing a voice-controlled gadget for vehicles again in 2019. Dubbed Automotive Factor, it was initially solely out there to a small group of invited Spotify Premium members within the US. The gadget represented Spotify’s first foray into {hardware} though the corporate insisted it was extra about studying how individuals take heed to music and podcasts of their automobiles than a sign of a transfer into {hardware}.
A broader – but nonetheless restricted – rollout commenced in 2021 and this previous February, Spotify made Automotive Factor a correct shopper gadget out there to anybody (albeit with a $10 value hike).
In its newest earnings report revealed on July 27, Spotify quietly stated its reported gross margin was negatively impacted by their choice to cease manufacturing Automotive Factor. Spotify recorded a one-time cost of €31 million ($31.4 million) related to ending manufacturing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVdED-MA5FI
A Spotify spokesperson advised TechCrunch that various components together with product demand and provide chain points contributed to their choice to halt manufacturing. Current gadgets will proceed to perform usually, the individual stated, including that the initiative unlocked useful learnings [about listening habits in vehicles].
Curiously sufficient, Spotify remains to be providing Automotive Factor on its web site at a deep low cost. Usually $89.99, the gadget is on sale for $49.99 as a part of Spotify’s liquidation sale.
