Spotify Car Thing Launches Most User-Requested Update

Spotify adds new capabilities to Car Thing. (photo: Doc. Spotify)

JAKARTA - Spotify has added new capabilities to its Car Thing, where the infotainment device can now answer phone calls, control other apps, and more.

You know, beyond any form of navigation, the ability to see incoming calls on Car Thing has been one of the biggest glaring weaknesses of the Spotify device.

With this update, incoming calls will show the contact's name and phone number, as well as a touch target to answer or reject the call

Apart from that, Spotify also allows devices to gain control over other media apps, not just Spotify. If a user uses background playback on a video from YouTube, or perhaps Google Podcasts, Spotify Car Thing can now control that playback on the Now Playing screen.

Complementing the update, the system also adds an add to queue button for songs or albums on touch screens, as well as with old button presses and new voice commands as well.

Launching The Verge, Friday, April 8, users can also ask Car Thing to create a personalized playlist by telling them what genre or type of music they want to listen to.

Spotify says the add to new queue feature is one of the most requested for Car Thing.

Designed as a more convenient way to control Spotify while driving, the Car Thing device uses Bluetooth to connect to the phone, and users can use a cable to connect it to the car or connect the phone to the car via Bluetooth.

The device does not have a rechargeable battery, so it must remain plugged into the USB socket in the car. Spotify says the feature will roll out to iOS users automatically, and Android availability will roll out at a later date.