After Spotify decided to discontinue the Car Thing, a passionate modding community has breathed new life into the device with an innovative firmware known as Nocturne V3. This update aims to restore all the original functionalities, providing a fresh beginning for those who still see potential in their hardware.
Since the discontinuation in December 2024, multiple projects have tried to repurpose the Car Thing. Among them, Nocturne stands out by offering a comprehensive suite of features that revive and even enhance its capabilities. Recently, Brandon Saldan announced that Nocturne V3 is the most advanced Car Thing firmware yet, reintroducing bluetooth tethering, native Spotify login, gesture control, and adding local file playback.
Being an open-source project, Nocturne is accessible through its GitHub repository. This release is the first non-beta version, meticulously crafted over the past year with features aimed at replacing the original, network-dependent firmware. Crucially, it supports complete offline functionality, preventing the device from becoming obsolete should official support cease. Donations are welcomed to sustain its development.
Key features of Nocturne V3 include:
– Bluetooth tethering for seamless car use
– Enhanced graphics acceleration
– Native Spotify login
– Podcast and DJ support
– Gesture and full knob control
– Support for numerous languages
– Local file playback
– OTA updates
The installation is user-friendly through a browser-based app, Terbium, ensuring compatibility with any desktop OS using a Chromium web browser.
Originally, Spotify halted support after just three years, urging users to dispose of their devices. Significant backlash prompted the company to issue refunds and empower the open-source community, enabling projects like Nocturne to flourish.
With a deep-rooted passion for open-source technology and all things tech, the development of Nocturne is a testament to the power of community-driven innovation, ensuring the Car Thing’s enduring relevance.
