Connect+ is Here

[omgcoffee]

* Dolby Atmos® is only available with Rivian Premium Audio
This is at the bottom of the email! Does that mean only Gen2 with premium audio? Ding for gen1?

IIRC, all Gen 1's have what is considered Premium Audio in Gen 2.

Sponsored

 

[ironpig]

On the one hand I hate paying subscriptions on something I already own…

But on the other hand, it’s a new era of Software defined vehicles and I can’t imagine any car will be sold without a subscription plan over the next few years. It’s really no different than how the smart phones and app stores evolved.

Of all the subscriptions I pay for on a monthly basis, this is one of the least annoying. I love my truck.

 

[mkg3]

so what will still work and what will not work without the paid connectivity subscription? Is this correct?

- OTA updates for the vehicle's software will still work over free LTE

- using vehicle's LTE as a hotspot for phones/tablets/computers will no longer work unless you have a sub (not sure why this would matter if your phone has unlimited data and can be a hotspot for other devices)

- even though the vehicle won't be available as a hotspot for your devices anymore, your phone can be tethered to become a hotspot for the vehicle if needed (i.e. the casting and video streaming when in park, etc.) ?

- built in streaming apps that we have been enjoying all this time, like Spotify, will stop working unless we're subscribed? Will we have to use FM or phones over BT without the sub?

- upcoming built in streaming apps like goog cast, audible, apple music, will not work without a paid sub.

- upcoming live remote Gear Guard video surveillance (like a Ring door bell app) will not work without a sub.

- does the NAV still work the same without paid sub?

what am I wrong about and what am I missing?

There are app controlled limitations that the providers can enable with the IOS and Android phones, such as not being able to Airplay/Cast video from your phone to the smart TV. Perhaps you’ve experienced it yourself with not being able to play video like NFL+ from your phone onto the TV.

Rivian can, easily not allow music streaming or video casting from the phone into the vehicle. The BT for phone calls and PAAK would still work but not any entertainment apps. One would need to subscribe to Connect+ for that feature.

Personally, I feel like we’re all being nickel’d and dime’d to death. I just need to be selective about which service I subscribe to.

 

[Spamthechan]

Any gen 2s get the update? Anxious to hear how that Dolby Atmos sounds!

 

[godfodder0901]

Any gen 2s get the update? Anxious to hear how that Dolby Atmos sounds!

Dolby Atmos is available for Gen 1 as well.

 

[runwithscissors]

You will have the option to cast or use the native Youtube app in the infotainment once they push that update in the fall.

Understood, hopefully it's possible to do it while driving and not just parking. Not sure how they will differentiate the casting of certain apps so you can't watch video while driving but you can cast music.

 

[runwithscissors]

This ain’t gonna get the price back up to the absurd IPO value.

Yep, some dummies like me held on to it instead of dumping it for a nice profit at the time.

 

[narmstrong79]

Not worth it. If this was $5/mo maybe.

 

[tosehee]

If I'm interpreting the patch notes correctly, you should be able to use your phone's hotspot to connect the Rivian's wifi to it, and still retain access to all the streaming stuff.

Are you sure about this? Last time I tried, Rivian can't connect to iphone's hotspot.

 

[majorfriend]

I'm good with subscriptions that carry a continuing cost for the provider. I'm not okay with them in lieu of a single payment that doesn't have continuing costs, ala the BMW heated seats debacle.

IMO, how Rivian is doing this so far seems more than fair. You still retain a lot of features that do still carry a continuing cost to Rivian, without subscribing.

This is exactly where I'm at too. Rivian is likely paying $10+ million/year to provide us with this functionality. I'm not sure why anyone would expect them to just keep paying that in perpetuity without passing any of the cost on.

 

[Puttyandnapalm]

Not worth it. If this was $5/mo maybe.

I was reading through hoping to mid-tier option for just music streaming.
My commute is 6 minutes.

I knew this was coming eventually, but it’s now a little more disappointing we didn’t get the Sirius xm satellite hardware. My subscription for that was like $7 a month. Now for the Spotify subscription plus the rivian subscription, we’re talking $30 just to have music in the car.

 

[bd5400]

Are you sure about this? Last time I tried, Rivian can't connect to iphone's hotspot.

The newest software allows the vehicle to maintain WiFi connections when not in park. Previously, you had to be in park for WiFi to work, which interfered with connecting the car to a hotspot while driving.

 

[Hercules10]

Pretty soon we will need a degree in engineering to understand the info system and how it interplays with our phone. Goodness can't things be easy? I just dropped Pandora to get Spotify and now I will have to use Bluetooth to connect?

 

[jambaman84]

Just got this email, looks like they’re ending free Connect+ services in the next 60 days.

Link to Rivian Story:
Connect+ No Longer Free

RIVIAN

AUGUST 13TH, 2024
There’s no better sidekick to your daily adventures than your favorite playlist or podcast, and nothing more important than staying connected when you need to be, wherever your Rivian takes you.
We’re introducing Connect+, a streaming and connectivity service, for Rivian owners with our latest software update. All the music, audio, and video streaming connectivity you want is made possible with an easy monthly or annual subscription.
Thanks to Rivian’s fully integrated software platform, Connect+ offers seamless access to enhanced connectivity features and a host of new apps in your R1. Your favorite streaming services are shown natively within the vehicle’s display, making for a simple, convenient and immersive infotainment experience everywhere you go.

Apple Music
With Connect+, Rivian drivers with an Apple Music subscription can stream a library of over 100 million songs and thousands of playlists from anywhere, always ad-free. Thanks to a significant collaboration between the teams at Apple and Rivian, this experience is deeply integrated into our software platform, and enables listeners to easily search and browse through Apple Music's catalog and playlists, enjoy access to its global live-streaming radio stations and more.





Audible
Connect+ allows Audible customers to stream Audible’s world-class catalogue of premium audio titles to your Rivian. Choose from their enormous selection of Audible Originals, hit audiobooks and must-listen podcasts to inspire your imagination on your next road trip.





Google Cast & YouTube
Coming soon, we're introducing Google Cast and YouTube experiences, seamlessly bringing your favorite entertainment right into your R1’s center display. Whether you’re charging or relaxing at a campsite, you’ll soon be able to stream high-definition video content, with high-quality sound, from cast-enabled apps on your iPhone or Android™ phone or tablet directly to your vehicle. With access to over 3,000 cast-enabled apps, you’ll be able to stream your favorite content without missing a beat. In addition to Google Cast, YouTube offers an extensive catalog of videos, entertainment, and more.





Other Streaming Apps
With Connect+, Rivian vehicles can stream previously integrated apps too including Spotify, Tidal, and TuneIn from anywhere. There’s a range of audio streaming options for listening to all your favorite sports, music, podcasts, audiobooks and other content.


Connectivity Features
Beyond the fully integrated streaming apps, Connect+ also brings with it several enhanced connectivity features. The vehicle hot spot provides connectivity for up to eight devices using the onboard LTE connection. Drivers are also able to view satellite images using the on-screen navigation, as well as use Alexa Connected commands.


Spatial Audio
Rivian customers seeking an even more immersive sound experience can configure a vehicle with Rivian Premium Audio, which enables pioneering spatial audio with Dolby Atmos® . The experience is optimized for the vehicle, delivering astonishing audio that reveals more depth, clarity, and details in your favorite music.





Getting Started
All Rivian owners will start with a Connect+ two-month trial. Together with the available streaming apps, Connect+ gives Rivian drivers an expansive, industry-leading infotainment and connected car experience, and this is only the beginning. There’s much more to come soon!

Yep, I am fine paying 150 a year if I can stream and watch youtube. It will make charging on road trips much better.

 

[bd5400]

Because it’s free with more functionality in my other cars

Out of curiosity, what functions are free in your other cars that are now tied to the Connect+ subscription?

Sponsored