Just picked up a new (well not totally new but new to me) car.
The car has the capability to download apps from Google App Store so I downloaded Qobuz as I have a subscription. Tidal was in there as well as a few others. As the car has its own data service (free for 3 years from new date) I do not need to use my phone or the like as a hot spot.
Logged into Qobuz and it worked, all my playlists favourites etc were there. To be honest the sound quality was better than I thought it would be. No idea what streaming quality is but it sounds much better than MP3 320. I’ve not tried it driving around as yet so not sure how good the data link will be on the move. Also suspect that it will fail in those fairly common “dead spots” but hopeful it may work on longer motorway type journeys or in built up areas where reception is more likely to be good.
Anyone any experience or tips on how best to use this service.
I use tidal in the car, but via the phone (car Play). There is an option in Tidal to use low quality rate when not on WiFi, or alternatively you can download a Tidal playlist to your phone when at home on WiFi before you travel
What I like about this is that there is no need to use your phone at all. The data stream is facilitated by the car’s own connectivity eSim. This connectivity is also used to provide updates to navigation such as traffic jams and the like, OTA updates to car infotainment etc. Aware that some other manufacturers already provide such capabilities just surprised that this was for 3 years and not the usual try it for a month and then pay if you want to keep it.
With regard to Qobuz, all my favourites, playlists (including album art etc) are just there on the screen, similar to when I play/stream in the house. I assume that the Qobuz folks have tweaked their app so that it is AAOS compatible. Just doing a bit of searching around now to see if this version of the app has any limits placed on its data throughput eg 16/44.1 or anything else.
Nice. What make of car? We bought a newish Audi a couple of months ago (changing from a 2003 vintage A6!), which has all sorts of stuff that I’m still trying to get my head around.
I have a USB memory stick with my current “tunes of the month”……but every so often it gives me a surprise by playing the music on my iPhone instead of the memory stick….
The car is a Polestar 2. Chassis taken from Volvo although I do believe that whilst there are still links between the two companies this is reducing, Volvo do all the servicing, not that there’s that much. Both still owned by Geely.
Yes, aware that Google have a reputation regarding privacy. I’ve set up a single account that is purely for the car with a self imposed rule that nothing goes between the two. Yes I know I have to an already broken my own rule by using my Qobuz login on the car.
Does the car have a built in storage drive of some sort? I believe some do, in which case you may be able to download some albums within the Qobuz app for use when/if you have poor network coverage.
Been playing around with the car audio. @ChrisSU - read that there is storage within the infotainment but it is not available to apps. Suspect it is used by the car for other functions.
I’ve now got it set up such that I have easy access to:
Usual DAB/FM radio stations - favourites on top.
Downloaded the Qobuz app so have direct access to all my Qobuz favourites/playlists etc via the car’s in-built internet access.
Downloaded Radio Paradise app - bit of a bonus that one.
Downloaded an app that gives me access to my 512GB memory stick of approx 400 albums of music that is all flac and varies from CD to 24/192 quality. This is for when items 1-3 do not connect for whatever reason, thinking some areas of Lake District and maybe bits of the Highlands.
None of this requires my phone to be connected wirelessly or wired. Some access works with voice control but still playing around to confirm voice access to memory stick if asking for particular album/track. Might be a bit optimistic hoping for that.
Considering it is in a car the sound is not too bad, but obviously not as a good as listening at home.
