Android music apps that 'play nice' with Rivian infotainment

[SwampNut]

I appreciate the reply. It's good to know there's something that 'just works'. That said, I'm pretty steadfast with wanting to play 'my' music. My typical commutes usually see cell service drop no less than 3 times. Having my stuff 'local' makes it somewhat less infuriating that the vehicle and/or phone are so reliant on it.

I am often off grid, and I use Apple Music to stream. It lets you designate media to keep on the device. I use that on planes and while off cell networks in the truck. I assume most other music services do too. I know that YouTube and Amazon do. The built-in Apple Music streaming in the Rivian is stunningly great, so much better than Bluetooth and local media.

Is the comma 4 the thing on the windshield?

Yes. It has a stick on mount, you just center it and go slightly below the OEM box with the sensors.

What does the carplay screen over the main screen do? Like, what functionality does it provide that either the phone or the main stack doesnt?

All of this applies to Android Auto and CarPlay, both. The overall answer is that it modifies the UI to be more car centric, including more emphasis on voice. Even the phone mapping UI changes, so you have a map on the CP screen, and a huge-font list of turn by turn on the phone. That's far more useful than it might sound. The larger screen is obviously better for most functions. There are different screens with different priorities. One is all-map, while another can have a map, media controls, and other info on it. Something that's important to me is that you can reply to group texts via CarPlay, but not the Rivian app. Over half of my messages are to groups. My work team, or groups of friends. With the Rivian garbage interface, I have to use my phone to reply to groups to try to coordinate things while driving. I listen to a lot of podcasts, and the way that spoken audio interfaces with directions and other voice events in CarPlay is so vastly superior to the built in stuff.

Sponsored

 

[SwampNut]

Does the Carpodgo T3 Pro plug into the ODB2 port? I did a search and can't seem to find an answer.

It doesn't NEED to use the OBD port, and doesn't interface with the car at all. You COULD use that port for power, or get fuse power, or use the lighter plug it comes with. I chose to run permanent wiring in the dash, down to fuse power.

Quick how-to:

 

[cgsmith]

What does the carplay screen over the main screen do? Like, what functionality does it provide that either the phone or the main stack doesnt?

So, back to my original ask (and strictly from an Android Auto perspective), the device adds a full CarPlay/AA interface (display), while using the Phones existing Bluetooth audio connection to the Rivian (once you select the phone as your source in the Audio screen).

For me the functionality it adds:
Ability to control my media including:
-Start playing music without using the phone
-Now & Next track info
-Ability to search/browse my music (songs/queues/playlists)
Ability to (at least) reply to texts using other messaging Apps - e.g. Telegram, Teams, Texts... By voice of course.
Access to my calendar (Outlook)
Access to 'Hey Google'
Ability to use Maps of my choice - e.g. Waze, google... (not really needed, but it's there)
...

All of this can only be accomplished by unlocking and interacting with my phone otherwise. I don't have that on a mount, it's typically charging on the console or in my pocket.

If I could get 'some' of that functionality from the Rivian infotainment, it'd be enough for me to not want the additional screen; they chose to go another direction.

 

[cgsmith]

Does the Carpodgo T3 Pro plug into the ODB2 port? I did a search and can't seem to find an answer.

It comes with a 12v (lighter-style) to USB-C adapter. When I had the T3 Pro, I ran it to the 12v outlet under the center of the dash (early Gen1).

 

[loqueid]

It comes with a 12v (lighter-style) to USB-C adapter. When I had the T3 Pro, I ran it to the 12v outlet under the center of the dash (early Gen1).

Yeah ... bummer the Gen2 doesn't have a 12V upfront. I might have to use a fuse like @SwampNut or just use a battery until the truck is actually out of lease. I have my cell for anything android I need, but I would love a larger OnX screen -- my primary reason for looking into this.

 

[SwampNut]

Fuse taps are non-invasive and won't affect your lease. Likewise, the phone, CP/AA unit mount, and Comma mounts are easily removed and leave no damage. You can buy an OBD power adapter for under $20 also.

Sponsored