Nocturne (software)

Last updated
Nocturne
Developer(s) Nocturne Team
Initial release8 October 2024;10 months ago (2024-10-08)
Stable release
3.0.0 / 10 August 2025;0 days ago (2025-08-10)
Repository github.com/usenocturne/nocturne
Written in Shell, JavaScript, Golang
Operating system Void Linux
Platform ARM Cortex-A53
Type System software
License MIT
Website usenocturne.com   OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

Nocturne is an open-source software project designed to extend the functionality of Spotify's discontinued Car Thing device.

Contents

Background

Spotify released the Car Thing in 2021 as a dashboard-mounted device to control its music streaming service, [1] but ended production of the device in July 2022, attributing the decision to limited consumer demand and supply chain issues. [2] Spotify officially discontinued support for the Car Thing on December 9, 2024, effectively rendering the device non-functional. [3]

Software

The software is developed as an open-source initiative, allowing contributors to participate in the project. [4] While Nocturne enables the device to regain functionality, it relies on additional hardware due to the Car Thing's limited specifications, which include 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of internal storage powered by an Amlogic S905D2 SoC. [5] Users must pair the Car Thing with a Raspberry Pi to overcome these limitations. [6] [7]

Nocturne functions either in vehicles, similar to the Car Thing's original use, or as a desktop music controller. [8] The software offers features such as full playback controls, playlist management, real-time interface updates, and artist and album exploration, requiring a Spotify Premium account to function. [9]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Perez, Sarah (2021-04-13). "Spotify launches its in-car entertainment system 'Car Thing' in US". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  2. ↑ Benedetto, Antonio G. Di (2024-05-30). "Spotify is refunding Car Thing owners before bricking their devices". The Verge. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  3. ↑ "Spotify users refuse to let Car Thing die with new workarounds". Android Authority. 2024-12-10. Retrieved 2024-12-15.
  4. ↑ Purdy, Kevin (2024-11-12). "Spotify's Car Thing, due for bricking, is getting an open source second life". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  5. ↑ Snyder, Brady (2024-06-19). "Spotify's Car Thing joins a long list of misguided products always doomed for the landfill". Android Police. Retrieved 2024-12-15.
  6. ↑ King, Ashley (2024-11-18). "An Open Source Mod for Car Thing Is Here — If You Like to Tinker". Digital Music News. Retrieved 2024-12-15.
  7. ↑ Conway, Adam (2024-11-17). "Spotify's Car Thing is more proof that old tech doesn't have to go to waste". XDA. Retrieved 2024-12-15.
  8. ↑ "Developers keep Spotify Car Thing alive with custom firmware". TechSpot. 2024-12-10. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  9. ↑ Ion, Florence (2024-12-11). "The Dream of Spotify Car Thing Is Being Kept Alive by Devoted Tinkerers". Gizmodo. Retrieved 2024-12-15.
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