The Rise of DeskThing from Spotify's Abandoned Hardware
When Spotify discontinued their Car Thing device, many users were left with what seemed like an expensive paperweight. However, the open-source community has stepped in with DeskThing, a project that transforms these abandoned devices into versatile desk assistants. The project leverages the device's Linux-based system, which runs on an Amlogic S905D2 processor with 512MB RAM and 4GB flash storage, turning it into a customizable desktop control center.
Community Feedback Highlights Documentation Challenges
The project has garnered significant attention in the developer community, but a recurring theme in discussions is the lack of visual documentation. Many potential users and developers have expressed frustration over the absence of screenshots or images that demonstrate the device's capabilities. This oversight has made it difficult for newcomers to understand the project's potential and use cases.
Technical Capabilities and Integration
DeskThing expands the original Car Thing's functionality by integrating with various APIs including Trello, Spotify, and AccuWeather. The project essentially serves as an app store for custom web applications that can be loaded onto the Car Thing hardware. As noted by community members who have successfully implemented the system, it shows promise as a desk control interface despite being in early development stages.
Hardware Specifications and Alternatives
The device utilizes an 800x480 screen and runs a web-based interface. Community discussions have revealed that similar functionality could be achieved with various ARM-based single-board computers, making the project's concepts applicable beyond just repurposed Car Thing hardware. This opens possibilities for makers who might want to build similar desk controllers from scratch.
Future Prospects and Sustainability
With Spotify officially recommending users dispose of their Car Thing devices following local electronic waste guidelines, DeskThing represents a sustainable alternative that extends the life of existing hardware. The project maintains active development through a Discord community, where users can find additional support and resources for implementation.
Conclusion
While DeskThing shows promising potential for repurposing Spotify's discontinued hardware, the community's feedback clearly indicates a need for improved documentation and visual guides. The project demonstrates how open-source initiatives can breathe new life into abandoned commercial products, though its success may depend on addressing these documentation challenges and continuing to build its ecosystem of applications.
For those interested in exploring the project, a demonstration video can be found on YouTube, as shared by community members: DeskThing Demo