What non-streaming audio option is MOST important to you?

[BigSkies]

Given the plethora of threads about AM/FM support, satellite radio, crappy Bluetooth, etc, I figured it is time for a poll on which one people most care about.

We all want our own preferred media source, but it's also unrealistic for Rivian to include all of the options.

If you could choose one additional media source, what would it be?

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[carsly]

for road trips and adventuring AM/FM radio just plain work. nearly everywhere you’ll get some signal.

 

[BigSkies]

I didn't expect so many AM/FM fans. Interesting.

 

[RandomMcRandomFace]

I didn't expect so many AM/FM fans. Interesting.

I just don’t care about the others.

 

[WhidbeyIsland]

Yes, FM is needed #1, USB support (not bluetooth) for MP3 is definitely #2. using my phone is a PITA.

 

[Oakwood]

For: Free Access to Listener supported, local radio; addicted to it for news and music!
Against: Hedge fund, private equity owned, monetized radio access (I never knowingly purchased anything I've ever heard about on the radio)

 

[SwampNut]

Offline storage of Apple Music, just like you can do on a phone. That's how I listen to media while off grid, on a plane, etc. But I'd like the higher fidelity of the ATMOS files that play directly in the Rivian system.

 

[NY_Rob]

Too bad the OP lumped USB Flash Drive and "improved BT Experience" together as one choice. It would be interesting to see the numbers for just "USB Flash Drive" support by it self.

 

[SwampNut]

Too bad the OP lumped USB Flash Drive and "improved BT Experience" together as one choice. It would be interesting to see the numbers for just "USB Flash Drive" support by it self.

Right, I would never use a USB drive, but high-bandwidth BT would be very welcome.

We're also missing 8-track player.

 

[loqueid]

Just offer YouTube music (and other streaming services) with offline music/podcast capability.

And guys .... mp3, seriously? Just save it on your phone and connect to a bluetooth speaker. Why you would want the car to have that capability is .. antiquated.

 

[SwampNut]

mp3, seriously? Just save it on your phone and connect to a bluetooth speaker. Why you would want the car to have that capability is .. antiquated.

I mean, some people are asking for AM radio, so at this point, MP3 is like flying saucers for them.

 

[mkg3]

Voted "Other" but really needs "None".

 

[CharonPDX]

I mean, some people are asking for AM radio, so at this point, MP3 is like flying saucers for them.

AM has "local information broadcast that isn't available on any streaming service". Mountain pass information, traffic information, local event information.

That's literally the only time I use AM, but when I need to listen to those, I need AM.

My Tesla got the MCU2 upgrade, but not the FM upgrade that is an optional extra - which means my only "radio" on it is through the TuneIn app.While that suffices for about 90%, it is infuriating. It can't have the local small-broadcast AM, and even the FM is sometimes spotty. There are times I try to tune in to my local rock/alternative station, and it tunes in to the same frequency from Anchorage, Alaska. (Which I'm guessing is the same ownership group, since it even has the same "name", but it is different DJs, slightly different music.) And then there are the ads - TuneIn adds their own ads in addition to the commercial FM station's ads. There are times that the FM station comes back from commercial break, only for TuneIn to start their own commercials.

Thankfully public radio on TuneIn doesn't add TuneIn commercials.

FM (especially with HD) is better. And real AM is sometimes a lifesaver.

I carry a portable AM radio for when I truly need AM. Having it in the car would be so much nicer. But I also do understand the reason EV makers leave it out. My previous Tesla had AM/FM, and its AM reception was terrible. My BMW i3 didn't officially have AM, but the hardware supported it, so some software hackery re-enabled it, and it was *TERRIBLE*, lots of interference from the motor. But when going over a mountain pass and "tune 1600 for live pass information", it was better than not having AM.

 

[SwampNut]

AM has "local information broadcast that isn't available on any streaming service". Mountain pass information, traffic information, local event information.

My state has all that in an app/URL, I'm told. Yours probably does too. I don't use it, but was actually part of deploying some of it. az511.com I think.

 

[CharonPDX]

My state has all that in an app/URL, I'm told. I don't use it, but was actually part of deploying some of it. az511.com I think.

Oregon has Tripcheck.com, which I do check before the trip - but it doesn't help when I'm actively going over the pass with no cell reception. And weather/road conditions can change quickly in winter.

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