Warning, this is a rant. I hate that they got rid of basic voice commands

[mkhuffman]

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[WoodChips]

It's it me or is it weird people are destroying flock cameras because the lack of privacy but also demanding their vehicles have a microphone that listens to what they say? Not to mention a camera that's always watching them while they drive...

Companies do what ever they can to make money, it's capitalism at it's finest, to think a company won't sell their data to make money is a little foolish.

I fall into the physical button low tech vehicle group. I like having buttons and knobs that both the driver and passenger can easily control. I didn't like the idea of my personal vehicle watching and listening to everything I do and say. If "Hey Rivian" is featured in my R3 when I take delivery I'll be turning that shit off.

 

[WoodChips]

Agree, Rivian should not have taken away features that were already included on the vehicle and put them behind a paywall.

Disagree that a vehicle is unsafe without the ability to talk to it as the OP has suggested.

I've purchased previously vehicles that come with satellite radio "trial" for X days. How is the connect+ any different?

My last laptop purchase came with an Apple TV trial period, cancelling it was one of the first things I did.

 

[savethemanual]

I've purchased previously vehicles that come with satellite radio "trial" for X days. How is the connect+ any different?

My last laptop purchase came with an Apple TV trial period, cancelling it was one of the first things I did.

I believe the issue is when Rivian used Alexa, it was not a trial period. 100 percent there should be no reason getting upset for trial periods of a paid service that expire.

 

[WoodChips]

I believe the issue is when Rivian used Alexa, it was not a trial period. 100 percent there should be no reason getting upset for trial periods of a paid service that expire.

I might be thinking the connect+ trail period thinking Alexa was involved.

It doesn't really matter if I use the function or not, if they started with one and then turned it off or required a subscription I wouldn't be happy. I recall one manufacturer thinking about making heated seats a subscription, and another the frunk. That's just plan stupid.

 

[Rivianed]

No I don't like Alexa. BUT at least it didn't require a subscription for basic functionality like adjusting temperature, or placing a call, or turning on heated seats etc.

But with the removal of Alexa, and the requirement of having a connect+ subscription, all the basic command functionality IS GONE. And that to me, is unacceptable. The vehicle is now more dangerous to operate for anyone who refuses to pay for the connect+ subscription.

So, I therefor made this video:

Agreed totally. I rely on basic voice commands to make driving safe. Touchscreen interface is totally unsafe to use while driving yet many car manufacturers copied Telsa on this cost-saving tactic.

Rivian:
If you plan on giving us basic voice commands without a paid subscription, at least make that available at the time you removed Alexa. The way you pushed out this feature reduction has made your vehicle unsafe to drive and obviously is an unethical way to gain revenues. Even if you do make basic voice commands available later, your business practice has already pissed off many existing owners and raised a red flag to potential buyers of both R1 and R2. Whoever at Rivian made this business decision should be fired!

 

[shadow_tek001]

Agree, Rivian should not have taken away features that were already included on the vehicle and put them behind a paywall.

Disagree that a vehicle is unsafe without the ability to talk to it as the OP has suggested.

Explain to me this.

I want to turn on recirculation.

To do so now, I need to press a part of the screen meaning I need to look at it, and my hand may bounce up and down over a bump in the road, meaning I need to watch the screen to make sure I hit the right thing... THEN I need to press ANOTHER button in a different location, with the same set of variables.

BEFORE, I could press no buttons, and keep my eyes on the road and simply say "Alexa, turn on air recirculation"

How exactly, do you think that the first option is equally as safe?

 

[shadow_tek001]

Under connect+ features on the current website, they list what is included for free and what features a subscription to connect+ adds. It says it includes basic voice commands without connect+ subscription.

https://rivian.com/connect-plus#features

Yep, and that's not true. All voice commands are completely gone.

 

[GRSmith]

Yep, and that's not true. All voice commands are completely gone.

True, but I think this means they will be bringing back basic commands at some point, whatever that means.

 

[shadow_tek001]

Agreed totally. I rely on basic voice commands to make driving safe. Touchscreen interface is totally unsafe to use while driving yet many car manufacturers copied Telsa on this cost-saving tactic.

Rivian:
If you plan on giving us basic voice commands without a paid subscription, at least make that available at the time you removed Alexa. The way you pushed out this feature reduction has made your vehicle unsafe to drive and obviously is an unethical way to gain revenues. Even if you do make basic voice commands available later, your business practice has already pissed off many existing owners and raised a red flag to potential buyers of both R1 and R2. Whoever at Rivian made this business decision should be fired!

EXACTLY.
I don't get why people are defending this...

 

[WoodChips]

Explain to me this.

I want to turn on recirculation.

To do so now, I need to press a part of the screen meaning I need to look at it, and my hand may bounce up and down over a bump in the road, meaning I need to watch the screen to make sure I hit the right thing... THEN I need to press ANOTHER button in a different location, with the same set of variables.

BEFORE, I could press no buttons, and keep my eyes on the road and simply say "Alexa, turn on air recirculation"

How exactly, do you think that the first option is equally as safe?

That's why I've been vocal on needing physical buttons. Rivians response was the haptic wheel were just as good.

I'm a truck driver, I like buttons.

But I don't think voice control is the answer want.

 

[shadow_tek001]

That's why I've been vocal on needing physical buttons. Rivians response was the haptic wheel were just as good.

I'm a truck driver, I like buttons.

But I don't think voice control is the answer want.

That's why I've been vocal on needing physical buttons. Rivians response was the haptic wheel were just as good.

I'm a truck driver, I like buttons.

But I don't think voice control is the answer want.

I agree, I'd rather have buttons too... But in their absence, I'd take voice control over multiple finger tapping on a screen.

 

[WoodChips]

I agree, I'd rather have buttons too... But in their absence, I'd take voice control over multiple finger tapping on a screen.

I believe I saw someone making some buttons that could be programed for their Rivian R1, I'm hoping for something that can be done for the R2 in time.

Edit:
Here it is. In time I would like to see some good aftermarket options.
https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/interest-request-physical-buttons.47136/

 

[savethemanual]

Explain to me this.

I want to turn on recirculation.

To do so now, I need to press a part of the screen meaning I need to look at it, and my hand may bounce up and down over a bump in the road, meaning I need to watch the screen to make sure I hit the right thing... THEN I need to press ANOTHER button in a different location, with the same set of variables.

BEFORE, I could press no buttons, and keep my eyes on the road and simply say "Alexa, turn on air recirculation"

How exactly, do you think that the first option is equally as safe?

Holy crapola man, I didn't say equally as safe but it's certainly not this rolling shitstorm of a driving hazard. I have a button in my vehicle for recirculation and it's in an area that I have to look to push it. It's no big deal.

Yes, it sucks you loss your voice control, sorry this happened. I agree it's not right Rivian did this but the argument that the vehicle is a complete hazard to operate without the ability to talk to it...I just can't get on board with.

 

[shadow_tek001]

Holy crapola man, I didn't say equally as safe but it's certainly not this rolling shitstorm of a driving hazard. I have a button in my vehicle for recirculation and it's in an area that I have to look to push it. It's no big deal.

Yes, it sucks you loss your voice control, sorry this happened. I agree it's not right Rivian did this but the argument that the vehicle is a complete hazard to operate without the ability to talk to it...I just can't get on board with.

Holy Crapola man, I didn't say that the vehicle is a complete hazard to operate... Did I?
I said it was less safe. Which is accurate.

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