Connect+ is Here

[wolfsbane]

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?

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[COdogman]

If one pays the yearly then it works out to $12.41/ mo and you would be locked in and able to use the other apps they plan to add to Connect+ before any price increase, even though I don’t imagine they would be raising prices anytime soon. (SXM is not part of Connect+)

 

[JustPokingAround]

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.

That's a weird sort of workaround. Is that now in lieu of regular old BT audio, which I currently use to listen to Apple Music and Podcasts from my phone? Or will I still be able to do that?

 

[RedRaiderRivian]

That said, I'm constantly amazed at the people who go on and on about buying a $100,000 car but won't pay $15/mo for the data they use in it.

I (like several people that have posted) don't want to pay more to duplicate the unlimited data plan that I have on my phone which is the key I use to get in the car. Just tether the phone and use the same 5G connection that I use for everything else.

 

[BrianB]

Instead of charging me for internet connectivity, which I already have in my phone, please just give me a way to access common apps like Spotify and Waze in the 14” screen. If you do that in a way that’s better than CarPlay, I’d be willing to pay for it.

 

[Dark-Fx]

I (like several people that have posted) don't want to pay more to duplicate the unlimited data plan that I have on my phone which is the key I use to get in the car. Just tether the phone and use the same 5G connection that I use for everything else.

You should be able to do that, the notes make it sound like you can wifi tether the truck to your phone now. If this isn't the case, then they are definitely misleading.

I'm going to opt to pay for the service. We travel to places where my different provider sometimes doesn't have data service (or even any service in some cases) and I can use the truck's hotspot with wifi-calling in lieu of it. I have yet to go somewhere that I've lost service on both my phone and the truck.

 

[rkalbiar]

Well, would be nice if I actually had the freaking update!

 

[madhat]

So, we lose the ability to control the vehicle remotely if we don’t subscribe correct?

 

[rkalbiar]

Thanks for starting this 'Free Trial' before providing the software to utilize it! WTH

 

[Dark-Fx]

So, we lose the ability to control the vehicle remotely if we don’t subscribe correct?

No.

https://rivian.com/support/article/what-is-connect

Note: all Rivian vehicles continue to come with standard connectivity features such as:

• Regular over-the-air software updates
• Live navigation
• Remote vehicle commands
• Phone as a key
• Alexa Basic (for vehicle commands)
• Tethering (connecting the vehicle to an external Wi-Fi network or phone hotspot)

 

[bd5400]

That's a weird sort of workaround. Is that now in lieu of regular old BT audio, which I currently use to listen to Apple Music and Podcasts from my phone? Or will I still be able to do that?

Yes, you can still use Bluetooth. Tethering isn’t really a “workaround”. It’s just another option instead of subscribing to Connect+.

 

[jeeden]

eh, it's ok, they can take my $12 a month. I support the company that I want to see do well, it isn't a ton of money, I don't use Apple Music, but the other stuff will be coming pretty fast I think since they will be on the hook to provide the service for the fee, and I like the integration.

Everyone that is going to use their current hotspot to provide connectivity can do so and be satisfied with not paying more, but you are going to have to deal with that device always being there for the vehicle, you ARE paying for that device even if you are using it for other things, etc.

It kind of reminds me of the people who work really hard to keep their old cell plans that are grandfathered in alive. Sure, your getting the old plan still, but you have to jump through all kinds of hoops to keep it and often loose the ability to have a new phone added, adjust your plan for special things like international calling when on a trip, etc. You ARE paying for the grandfathered plan, just through convenience, time, coordination, feature opportunities... not money

 

[JustPokingAround]

Yes, you can still use Bluetooth. Tethering isn’t really a “workaround”. It’s just another option instead of subscribing to Connect+.

Thanks for confirming that BT audio will still work.

Re: tethering...I don't know. If it provides the exact services that Connect+ does but avoids a $15/mo payment it sure seems like a workaround to me

 

[NitroNick]

I just want to be able to cast YouTube music from my phone since no native app will probably exist for it.

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

 

[cohall]

Starting the “free trial” countdown before they have even deployed the update is pretty sus, as the kids say. Unless everyone receives the update today, which we all know won’t happen, then this is not actually a 60 day trial. Seems like a cheap way to treat customers.

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