Developer MustakimK has unveiled the Mira project, which breathes new life into the forgotten Spotify Car Thing—a device that Spotify itself abandoned. Now owners can regain full functionality.
Spotify Car Thing: From Launch to Obsolescence
Spotify introduced Car Thing in 2021 to give owners of older vehicles easy access to Spotify via touchscreen controls and voice commands. However, low sales led to discontinued production in 2022, and support was completely withdrawn in July 2024, rendering the device useless.
Mira: New Life for Car Thing
Mira is third‑party firmware designed specifically for the Spotify Car Thing. Installation is straightforward: connect the Car Thing to a PC via USB‑C and flash the Mira build. Once installed, the device comes back to life, offering:
- Voice control for music selection.
- Display of album covers and lyrics.
- Gesture‑based navigation.
- Use of the physical rotary dial originally on Car Thing.
- Viewing of podcast transcripts.
This development from MustakimK is a genuine lifeline for anyone still holding onto a Spotify Car Thing and unwilling to part with it.
“Mira restores the functionality of Spotify Car Thing, allowing users to enjoy their favorite music and podcasts exactly as before.”
More information about the Mira project can be found on GitHub.
Xpert Take
The Mira project underscores the power of community‑driven software to extend the lifespan of abandoned hardware, promoting sustainability and reducing electronic waste. It also highlights a growing trend where enthusiasts revive discontinued gadgets through open‑source firmware, potentially influencing manufacturers to consider longer‑term support or modular designs. For Spotify Car Thing owners, Mira offers a practical solution that restores core functionality without relying on official channels.
