Spotify removes ‘car view’ function from mobile app

Spotify stops using the car view in its application. This is a simplified interface that should be easier to operate during a car trip. Spotify offers no alternative in its software for the functionality.

Image via @popsy444 on Twitter

Spotify already confirmed on its forum in October that the feature would be retired. That then happened step-by-step, so that users can still use the function on their phone, but others can’t. A short test with an Android device confirms that the latest available version of the app does indeed no longer offer a car view, but only options for setting up the Spotify Car Thing.

Dat Car Thing is a mini tablet-like device with voice control and physical buttons. Spotify runs on it and it connects via bluetooth to the car’s audio system. Besides the fact that it is a physical product, another big difference is that the Car Thing only works with Spotify Premium. For now, it is also only available in America, for $ 79.99.

Spotify motivated the decision in October by saying they are “actively looking at new ways to deliver the best in-car listening experience.” Furthermore, car view had to be removed from the app ‘to make room for new innovations on the horizon’. The company also suggests using Siri or the Google Assistant for in-car controls.

The Spotify Car Thing, Spotify’s only remaining car-centric solution