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SiriusXM radio on Model 3
- Thread starter Willy’sEV
- Start date
On my 50 state tour last year, part of it was from West Yellowstone, MT across Wyoming (via Greybull) to Sheridan, continuing to Spearfish, SD. Then north to go across North Dakota to Minneapolis then south zig zagging between the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers before heading back north and east to go to New England. Anyway, saw no dead zones anywhere across the country around Interstate Hwys. Really had to stretch to lose a signal as I did on that Montana to Coeur d'Alene road around 20 miles parallel and north of Interstate 90. Very scenic, no signals, but I at least expect some signage to verify I hadn't made a wrong turn as my battery slowly drained. I did make it.
Absolutely. I also find the human-curated playlists are much more aligned with my tastes than the algorithmic mismosh that Spotify gives me.
Radio programming is still an art form.
Interstate highways do not cover 100% of the land mass of the US. also, there are still plenty of dead zones on the interstates (and otherwise) in the southwestern US. as i've mentioned (what feels like several hundred times) in this thread and others.
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True, but I should have clarified - on my 50 state trip, I didn't experience any dead zones on the portions of Interstates involved. I did use the word 'saw'.
Lexdysic
Member
Sometime last fall, I was trying to decide how I wanted to add SXM to my M3. Someone posted about how they purchased the Amazon Echo Auto, and in tandem with their iPhone, can change SXM channels through simple voice commands. (Alexa)
I decided to do the same, and I've gotta say it's been simple. I keep the unit in the little caddy under the arm rest, and it plugs in right there as well. When I've got the audio set to Bluetooth, I have full voice commands over anything to play through my phone, including SXM channels. ("Alexa, play Classic Vinyl on Sirius XM")
The unit only costs around $40, and IMO is a no-brainer.
Jeffrios
Member
There are a few radio stations I've discovered on TuneIn that are curated with a DJ. A human making a playlist can match the mood of the day.
For me, this falls under my comment about “ways to partially ameliorate”; I personally dislike voice commands for most automotive functions, and do not want to add a third party box to the car to accomplish the functionality anyway. I’m sure there are other people like you who have no significant reservations about this way of integrating SXM into the car, but I’m equally sure there are significant numbers of folks who share my opinions too. Either way, the Tesla customer would be better served by Tesla focusing on value-added UI, infotainment, etc., improvements instead of more elaborate Easter eggs. IMHO.
(and I’ll add that I knew all of this going in and decided it was a trade off I was willing to make, and I don’t regret that decision, but that doesn’t stop me from some amount of missing what I used to have
)
heavyD
Member
I agree totally. A lot of this is relevant to personal expectations and what type of vehicle you are currently in. I've really enjoyed features like HUD, CarPlay, satellite radio and I've been struggling for months now deciding if I can handle such a bare bones vehicle that takes me back 15 years in regards to cell phone connectivity and music playing options. Even simple ipod music functionality from plugging in your phone would be better than bluetooth quality music or having to invest time into managing a USB music library.For me, this falls under my comment about “ways to partially ameliorate”; I personally dislike voice commands for most automotive functions, and do not want to add a third party box to the car to accomplish the functionality anyway. I’m sure there are other people like you who have no significant reservations about this way of integrating SXM into the car, but I’m equally sure there are significant numbers of folks who share my opinions too. Either way, the Tesla customer would be better served by Tesla focusing on value-added UI, infotainment, etc., improvements instead of more elaborate Easter eggs. IMHO.
(and I’ll add that I knew all of this going in and decided it was a trade off I was willing to make, and I don’t regret that decision, but that doesn’t stop me from some amount of missing what I used to have
Coming out of several cars that had all 3 of the above ... the only one I really miss is satellite radio.
The HUD (which, previously, I really liked) I'm finding not just unnecessary - but distracting - now on Model 3. I've got an appreciation for the clean, clear, wide open view ahead of the steering wheel.
CarPlay was always a hack to me. The limitations and restrictions on list length and the clunkiness switching between apps etc -- Tesla's system is *much* better for me.
Satellite radio I do miss. I've installed my own satellite receiver in Model 3, but honestly - think I'm going to go back to the Echo Auto + cell phone method. It's simpler - I don't love voice commands either but this one I think I can handle.
Anyway -- my point is to give them a try. I found the things I thought were important, turned out to not really be missed.
Now, blind spot indicators in the side view mirrors? Those, I could use right quick and in a hurry!
Birdman325
Member
I picked one of these up when it was on sale for $25 and I have to say it was well worth it! The only issue I have is that I don't often remember the channel name or number! (But I can always find Channel 20!)
heavyD
Member
I swear I read last year that there was talks of Tesla possibly providing an Sirius/XM app but I don't know if anything ever came from it. I don't see why they wouldn't as why wouldn't you want to offer apps that make your vehicles more attractive especially given that EV alternatives are now starting to sprout from other automakers.
Knightshade
Well-Known Member
They could off all sorts of things as an option.
But each app requires development time from someone at Tesla- and someone to document it- and someone to support it- and someone to update it as needed.
Tesla has hinted they will eventually offer some version of an app store that permits 3rd party developers to do most of this work- but not until the fleet is large enough for it to be worthwhile--- in the meantime Tesla has to decide how they want to spend their own internal resources.
Right now you can stream SXM on your phone over BT. The choice Tesla made most recently to add a native service was Tidal, since it provides an option for actual quality improvement option over using your phone than an SXM app would not.
Knightshade
Well-Known Member
So fart apps and 'boombox' are more important than music apps. Got it. Seems backwards, though.
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