Can we add a different audiobook platform to Rivian?

[RRRivian]

I am switching from the Audible audiobook platform to Libro.fm audiobook platform on my smartphone. Can I also switch to Libro.fm on my Rivian?

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[Zoidz]

Not a this time, and no one here knows what the future holds for additional Rivian apps that might be developed.

 

[therealcmj]

i don't want to beat a dead horse and kick off a huge thread about Carplay and Android Auto (like I know this will), but this sort of thing is precisely why Rivian going it alone will never work. If I have 2 cars and 2 home music systems I have to make a matrix list of which services work with each in order to pick which of the music streaming services, audio book services, and podcast services I should buy. And that's untenable.

The car is not the center of my life.

 

[DuoRivian]

i don't want to beat a dead horse and kick off a huge thread about Carplay and Android Auto (like I know this will), but this sort of thing is precisely why Rivian going it alone will never work. If I have 2 cars and 2 home music systems I have to make a matrix list of which services work with each in order to pick which of the music streaming services, audio book services, and podcast services I should buy. And that's untenable.

The car is not the center of my life.

You could align your home choices with your cars and then problem solved.

 

[Polar]

Since Rivian already uses android automotive and android automotive supports many of these other “third-party” apps already this shouldn’t even be an issue.
Personally, I use Libby for my e-books since I borrow them from the library; my Volvo C 40 with android automotive has Libby and it works perfectly

 

[VSG]

i don't want to beat a dead horse ...

And yet ... thwaack.

 

[BCondrey]

Short answer is no, you cannot. But you can use BlueTooth audio for it.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

And yet ... thwaack.

I think it gives them pleasure.

If humans never adapted, we wouldn’t be driving Rivians at all.

 

[bnolan]

Currently considering the R2 (and others) as a possible replacement for my VW ID.4 next year, but was really disappointed to see a real lack of "native" app choices available given that CarPlay is not an option and you need to pay for Connect+ to get the built-in apps.

Really hoping that apps like Libby and a REAL podcasting app (which supports per-show settings, intro skipping, commercial skipping etc) makes its way into the Connect+ options this year.

I understand wanting to control the user experience, but when your media consumption "experience" falls short compared to 10+ year old vehicles and your only solution is telling people to rely on Bluetooth?!...well that seems a bit odd for a company that is so software-focused.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Currently considering the R2 (and others) as a possible replacement for my VW ID.4 next year, but was really disappointed to see a real lack of "native" app choices available given that CarPlay is not an option and you need to pay for Connect+ to get the built-in apps.

Really hoping that apps like Libby and a REAL podcasting app (which supports per-show settings, intro skipping, commercial skipping etc) makes its way into the Connect+ options this year.

I understand wanting to control the user experience, but when your media consumption "experience" falls short compared to 10+ year old vehicles and your only solution is telling people to rely on Bluetooth?!...well that seems a bit odd for a company that is so software-focused.

Then pray they sell millions of R2 and have unlimited funding to increase software development head count to make native apps for whatever tickles your fancy. Or, open a gated app development pay-to-play app store platform so third-party could develop apps. Until then, it is what it is and shouting into the wind won't make any difference.

I'd say app store model is most feasible and sensible. Then, people may get what they want, if demand drives someone other than Rivian to develop an app, and Rivian still gets a level of control over UX. Win-win.

 

[BCondrey]

Your 10 year old vehicle supports carplay. Congrats. The R2 may not be for you if you need carplay and parity with 2016.

 

[smashweights]

i don't want to beat a dead horse and kick off a huge thread about Carplay and Android Auto (like I know this will), but this sort of thing is precisely why Rivian going it alone will never work. If I have 2 cars and 2 home music systems I have to make a matrix list of which services work with each in order to pick which of the music streaming services, audio book services, and podcast services I should buy. And that's untenable.

The car is not the center of my life.

100% of the apps that play on your phone will play over Bluetooth to the Rivian so it's not like you can't use them. They just aren't native to the infotainment software. A minor inconvenience at worst.

Carplay and AA don't work with all apps either. My medical CME podcast app isn't native to Rivian, Carplay, or AA. Just push play on the phone and move on.

 

[Zoidz]

I understand wanting to control the user experience, but when your media consumption "experience" falls short compared to 10+ year old vehicles and your only solution is telling people to rely on Bluetooth?!...well that seems a bit odd for a company that is so software-focused.

Let's see:
VW has been selling for 88 years, €321 Billion sales last year, €8.9 Billion in profit on 8.98 million vehicles
Rivian is has been selling 3+ years, $5 Billion sales last year, $3.6 billion net loss, on 42,000 vehicles

Hmmm. Do ya think any of those numbers has something to do with why Volkswagon had features 10 years ago that Rivian doesn't have today?

If a smorgasbord of mobile infotainment is what your life needs, don't buy a Rivian.

 

[emoore]

Currently considering the R2 (and others) as a possible replacement for my VW ID.4 next year, but was really disappointed to see a real lack of "native" app choices available given that CarPlay is not an option and you need to pay for Connect+ to get the built-in apps.

Really hoping that apps like Libby and a REAL podcasting app (which supports per-show settings, intro skipping, commercial skipping etc) makes its way into the Connect+ options this year.

I understand wanting to control the user experience, but when your media consumption "experience" falls short compared to 10+ year old vehicles and your only solution is telling people to rely on Bluetooth?!...well that seems a bit odd for a company that is so software-focused.

You don’t need connect+ to use the built in apps. You need a cellular connection to use them. It could be connect+ or hotspot through your phone.

 

[godfodder0901]

You don’t need connect+ to use the built in apps. You need a cellular connection to use them. It could be connect+ or hotspot through your phone.

Well, except for video apps. They all require Connect+.

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