Turns out, the Spotify Car Thing is already open source, but its hardware is useless

So, why didn't Spotify make this information public? Hendrickson believes it's due to the Car Thing's hardware limitations. With a weak Amlogic processor, limited storage, and minimal RAM, the device struggles to run anything beyond its intended purpose as a lightweight web-based music player. Although the Car Thing is technically open for modifications, its underwhelming performance makes any significant repurposing rather pointless.

This new information adds another layer of disappointment to the Car Thing saga. Hendrickson even refers to the device as "open-source e-waste." For those interested in the technical details, he plans to release a comprehensive video delving deeper into the inner workings of the Car Thing.

Looking back, it seems questionable for Spotify to have invested in creating a $100 device solely for playing music from the web. There were arguably more efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives available, such as improving integration with existing car infotainment systems or leveraging the capabilities of smartphones.

While the open-source nature of the Car Thing might have offered a glimmer of hope for repurposing, its hardware limitations ultimately render it impractical for anything beyond its original function. As Spotify moves forward, it's hoped that the company will consider more sustainable and practical solutions for its future hardware endeavors.