Spotify rolls out 'Car Thing' to record users' listening habits

Spotify is rolling out a new device designed for its users' cars — and they're calling it the "Car Thing."

While the Car Thing is a smart device, it's not just a smart assistant: It will respond to voice commands just like Alexa or Google Home, but it's not "a consumer device," TechCrunch explained. Instead, it's geared towards listening to you while you listen to music. The company is aiming to learn more about its users' in-car listening habits, though it's not exactly clear what specific data the device will compile. A source close to Spotify told The Verge that it wants to "learn more about the in-car experience."

The device works by plugging into a car's cigarette lighter, and is activated by saying "Hey, Spotify," followed by whatever the user wants to hear. The product will roll out in a few weeks, and users who are invited to receive one will get a complimentary Spotify Premium subscription in return.

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Spotify is also not planning to stop there — "don't be surprised if you hear about 'Voice Thing' and 'Home Thing'" in the future, Spotify said. It may be just the beginning of voice-based testing, for both Spotify and others.

People have been suspicious of their smart devices listening in on them for some time; Spotify, at least, is being upfront about its plans. But if you're one of the chosen few to test out the Car Thing, just remember that while you're listening to your music, Spotify is planning on listening to you.