Nocturne software

Nocturne is an open-source software project designed to extend the functionality of Spotify's discontinued Car Thing device. Released in 2021, the Car Thing was a dashboard-mounted device for controlling Spotify's music streaming service. However, due to limited consumer demand and supply chain issues, Spotify discontinued the device in July 2022 and officially ended support in December 2024, rendering it non-functional. In response, the Nocturne team developed this software to breathe new life into the Car Thing. The software is developed as an open-source initiative, allowing contributors to participate in the project. While Nocturne enables the device to regain functionality, it relies on additional hardware due to the Car Thing's limited specifications, which include 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage powered by an Amlogic S905D2 SoC. Users must pair the Car Thing with a Raspberry Pi to overcome these limitations. Nocturne functions either in vehicles, similar to the Car Thing's original use, or as a desktop music controller. 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.