Hey everyone,
I’ve been thinking about Spotify’s Car Thing and how it failed. It got me wondering about the whole ‘You Will Own Nothing’ idea that’s been going around. What do you guys think about this?
Car Thing was supposed to be a cool gadget for our cars, but Spotify pulled the plug on it pretty quick. It makes me wonder if we’re moving towards a world where we don’t really own our stuff anymore, just rent or subscribe to everything.
Has anyone else been thinking about this? What can we do to keep control of our things in a world that’s pushing us towards subscription models for everything? I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas on this!
The Car Thing’s demise is indeed a symptom of a larger trend. As a consumer electronics engineer, I’ve observed this shift towards ‘everything as a service’ for years. It’s not just about ownership; it’s about long-term usability and value.
Consider the environmental impact: devices becoming obsolete due to discontinued services create more e-waste. To counter this, I’ve adopted a strategy of favoring products with open standards and local processing capabilities. For instance, I use a standalone GPS unit in my car that doesn’t rely on subscription services.
Ultimately, the key is informed purchasing decisions. Research product longevity, support open standards, and vocalize concerns to manufacturers. By voting with our wallets and voices, we can influence the market towards more sustainable, user-centric products that respect our desire for true ownership.
I’ve been pondering this exact issue lately. As someone who’s worked in tech for over a decade, I’ve seen the shift towards subscription models firsthand. It’s not just Car Thing - look at how software, entertainment, and even car features are becoming subscription-based.
While it offers flexibility, it also means less control for consumers. We’re at the mercy of companies that can change terms or discontinue services at will. My solution? I’ve started investing in open-source alternatives where possible. For music, I’ve gone back to building a personal library and using players like VLC.
It’s not perfect, but it gives me peace of mind knowing I truly own my content and devices. We need to be more conscious consumers and support companies that prioritize ownership. It might mean spending more upfront, but in the long run, it’s worth it for the control and stability.
yeah, car thing flopping is a bummer. spotify’s move shows how companies can just pull the plug whenever. i try to buy stuff i can actually own and control. like, i still use an old ipod for music cuz it’s mine, ya know? we gotta push back against this subscription craze or we’ll end up renting our whole lives.
As someone who’s been in the consumer electronics industry for years, I’ve seen this trend coming. The Car Thing fiasco is just the tip of the iceberg. We’re sliding into a world where ownership is becoming a luxury.
I’ve started taking a more proactive approach. For instance, I’ve built a custom car infotainment system using a Raspberry Pi. It’s not as sleek as Car Thing, but it’s mine, and no one can take it away.
We need to support companies that respect ownership. I’ve switched to buying DRM-free music and books whenever possible. It’s a bit more work, but the peace of mind is worth it.
Education is key. We should be teaching digital ownership in schools. If the next generation understands the value of owning their digital assets, they’ll be better equipped to push back against this ‘subscription for everything’ model.
Remember, every purchase is a vote. Choose wisely.