Could Bounce Mode Elevate the California Dune Edition?

Rivian Mom · 2025-05-15T14:45:12+00:00

I've been using my phone's hotspot for months, and my Rivian connects to it automatically to run TuneIn and Spotify through the built-in apps on the main display. To be clear, this wasn’t Bluetooth streaming but actual phone data, and the apps worked perfectly without any issues. In Monday for the first time, I saw a Connect+ message pop up, even though the truck was linked to my phone’s data. I can still stream from my phone using Bluetooth, but the sound quality and user experience weren’t as good. This issue started between over-the-air software updates, though it might be tied to a specific date in the system. I tried a soft reset, but nothing changed. Has anyone heard if Rivian changed their policy on this? I remember Connect+ used to mention it provided "data" for streaming apps, suggesting you could use your own data instead. Now, it seems like you need Connect+ just to access the apps at all. I was surprised they allowed phone hotspots to work before, so this might be a deliberate change. I’m okay with paying for Connect+ if this isn’t just a temporary glitch. Any insights would be appreciated.

Rivian Mom

Active Wheeler

Apr 7, 2025

Rivian’s California Dune Edition is no doubt looking a bit standout with its rugged off-road package, striking desert-inspired paint, and a sharp two-tone interior, clearly aimed at dune lovers and desert explorers.

Still, I can’t help but think it’s missing a trick. For instance, the Mercedes’ higher-end GLE models have this neat Bounce Mode feature that rocks the vehicle to free it from sand traps, which makes it perfect for a ride like this. Imagine being stuck in deep sand, beyond what recovery boards or traction tweaks can handle; Bounce Mode could jolt you loose, adding both practicality and peace of mind.

The Dune Edition’s Soft Sand mode helps, but this would take it up a notch. Given Rivian’s slick air suspension, which already adjusts on the fly, it feels like a feature they could pull off with some software magic and hardware tuning. Mercedes does it, so why not Rivian? What’s your take—would Bounce Mode make this edition unstoppable, or is it just extra flash for an already solid rig?

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