Connect+ is Here

[MidnightRivian]

Night and day difference in Audio after the latest update.

Improved sound stage, actual bass down low that has extension and mid bass you can feel in your chest, cleaner highs and overall better audio processing thanks to Atmos.

10/10 feels like a brand new vehicle after the suspension/audio update and like I just picked it up today from taking delivery.

I’m looking for excuses to take a 5 hour road trip each way this weekend to spend time listening to music in the Rivian.

Thanks Rivian. You easily saved me from spending $3,000 (JL subwoofer+amp+battery/labor) - $15,000 (all new Focal speakers and JL amps in all locations plus custom subwoofer box with 2 - JL 12w6 audio subs) at Car Toys for upgrading the Audio system.

I am currently using Apple Music with Dolby Atmos support.

I would recommend for everyone to seriously consider the premium audio upgrade offered by Rivian and pair it with Apple Music.

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[MiaFin421]

https://stories.rivian.com/connect-plus


Rivian must have been reading about the folks who planned on not updating in an attempt to avoid the sunset of their free LTE, this was part of the e-mail I received on this story:

Thanks for sharing - don't start your 60-day trial until you've downloaded the firmware update to vechicle. Rivian should not allow the trial to start until the vehicle has the firmware update.

 

[dfacto]

I dont see why you couldnt.

But again, you have to weigh the cost difference. Whats the monthly service fee of your independent 5G hotspot, vs the $12 a month cost of continuing to use the 4gLTE hotspot provided.

I use (and recommend) Google Fi so I can add another sim and only pay for data used. For our Volvo this has worked well and added negligible cost.

 

[HaveBlue]

To clarify does connect plus provide a subscription to Apple music or is that paid separately to Apple?
I assumed it was just a high volume data connection but wanted to ask those that have tried it. I wonder if it now works in foreign countries like driving to Mexico. Otherwise, just slaving the car to a phone hotspot is free, works in foreign countries and does the same thing (at the expense of phone battery).
$10-$15 seems like the normal going rate for connected devices on phone plans for Apple watches, iPads and vehicles.

BTW I use cell routers to get data into remote locations where regular terrestrial Internet isn't feasible because it's not easily available. I typically buy Cudy routers. They are inexpensive and have worked well for the past few years. They even make exterior waterproof ones. I've used those for building roof tops to service cameras. For cell service, TMO sometimes has deals to add an unlimited line for $15 each. For sites that don't see high data usage per month, US Mobile can cost $8-$10 per line. This is 1/10 the cost of conventional terrestrial Internet services and even the 4g version provides up to 60Mbps. 4g is more reliable in rural areas like mountains where 5g gives zero and 4g can still muster 12Mbps from the high gain antennas.

 

[MidnightM00N]

First to hook up a Starlink for tethering wins the irony award.

 

[MiaFin421]

To clarify does connect plus provide a subscription to Apple music or is that paid separately to Apple?
I assumed it was just a high volume data connection but wanted to ask those that have tried it. I wonder if it now works in foreign countries like driving to Mexico. Otherwise, just slaving the car to a phone hotspot is free, works in foreign countries and does the same thing (at the expense of phone battery).
$10-$15 seems like the normal going rate for connected devices on phone plans for Apple watches, iPads and vehicles.

BTW I use cell routers to get data into remote locations where regular terrestrial Internet isn't feasible because it's not easily available. I typically buy Cudy routers. They are inexpensive and have worked well for the past few years. They even make exterior waterproof ones. I've used those for building roof tops to service cameras. For cell service, TMO sometimes has deals to add an unlimited line for $15 each. For sites that don't see high data usage per month, US Mobile can cost $8-$10 per line. This is 1/10 the cost of conventional terrestrial Internet services and even the 4g version provides up to 60Mbps. 4g is more reliable in rural areas like mountains where 5g gives zero and 4g can still muster 12Mbps from the high gain antennas.

One also has to have an Apple subscription. But what is nice about Connect+ is it's now integrated with Apple (way cool) AND it also opens up Tidal, Spotify, TuneIn etc.

 

[robertrivian]

Sorry if this question has been asked and answered but with 19 pages, it might be time to ask again. Has anyone found out in the real world what you will not get if you don't go to connect+ on October 16 and use your Hotspot? Will maps only be drawings not satellite? What about live traffic? Will I be able to use Apple music through the Rivian system or only through bluetooth? It is very confusing as to what you will get with your own Hotspot from your provider vs what Rivian will provide with the paid subscription. Thanks in advance!

 

[goldburger]

I only listen to Spotify. When I get in my truck the music will be playing but there’s no sound until I turn the volume a clock— it’s on mute though it’s not labeled as mute. Anyone else experiencing this

 

[Mailman1044]

Just got it too. I'm struggling to understand why I'd subscribe to Connect+ if I'm perfectly happy with all the entertainment options I'm getting from my EV Sportline Smart Dash

It seems to me, like (although maybe not as 'integrated'), the EV Sportline product actually gives me way more than Connect+, and piggybacks on my already cheap/strong 5G mobile phone. Maybe I'm missing the value proposition of Connect+

 

[Mailman1044]

Just got it too. I'm struggling to understand why I'd subscribe to Connect+ if I'm perfectly happy with all the entertainment options I'm getting from my EV Sportline Smart Dash

It seems to me, like (although maybe not as 'integrated'), the EV Sportline product actually gives me way more than Connect+, and piggybacks on my already cheap/strong 5G mobile phone. Maybe I'm missing the value proposition of Connect+

This looks like the best option available until we get a dongle to hack the main screen.
Thanks for the link.

 

[Mailman1044]

I'm waiting to see if this works or if all the apps get killed if you don't sign up for the subscription.

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.

 

[Mailman1044]

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.
Great questions.




- 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?

 

[Mailman1044]

That's how you become a millionaire. Being cheap on weird things. Weird things add up ?

I know. And it’s not some egregious offense. Just seems like a weirdly small thing to take the cheap road on.

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