Entune + Pandora = frustration

I spoke with Toyota and was told that they have to work out a new licensing agreement with Pandora/Sirius, Gesss we’ll see.

 

Wow, that's pretty cool of Kia to do. Talk about keeping your customer happy or at least trying.

 

I also called Toyota and spoke to a nice rep. Got kicked to the next tier to see what kind of compensation I can try to negotiate for. I'll let you guys know.

 

I have given this some thought, and will share my current feelings about this. I believe that there is strength in numbers and that a community of customers with a unified voice is harder to ignore. That said, I hope some of you will consider my point of view as you communicate with Toyota regarding your feelings on this matter.

From a Sirius/Pandora point of view:

• Toyota could have been charging Pandora a fee in exchange for prominent placement on their Entune platform. Under this scenario I can imagine a scenario where this was not tenable going forward because of the poor reviews of the platform etc.
• The legal contract for XM, may mean that Sirius is paying twice the fee, and the Pandora app generates less revenue. Something has to give.
• Sirius/Pandora could see this as a large natural install base and revenue stream from Entune owners. Both new vehicle royalties, and tapping in to customers who are willing to pay for the service on a device they own.

From a Toyota point of view:​

• I have come to the conclusion that Toyota sees Entune as their platform, and each app being nothing more than a 3rd party SW. This is very similar to how Google sees Android and the Google Play store.
  
• I can see a scenario where Pandora is asking or negotiating a fee from Toyota for the ability to pre-load the Pandora App. This would likely be a complex negotiation and its not difficult to see both sides staring each other down to see who flinches.
• Toyota may be looking at the situation as being completely out of their hands, since they don't control the app, development on said app etc.

From a Customer Point of view

• I acknowledge and understand that I was not guaranteed continued unrestricted access to new application versions, guaranteed new phone compatibility, etc.
• The Pandora app was was explained to me at the time of sale as a feature, not a 3rd party app that could be disabled/ or forcibly removed. The sales organization representing Toyota USA attributed value to the feature. This is important to remember.
• I can understand a scenario where the app stops working unless I provide a valid account, etc. This would not be Toyota's fault as the decision lies with the Pandora development team.
• I do not agree and will not accept a scenario where they remove all mention to the Pandora app via software update as if the benefit never existed. To do so, would require a good faith effort to replace it with something that is like or as.
• An example of an acceptable solution is that Toyota enable Apple Carplay and Android Auto via software change to any Entune capable system that is compatible with the new software.
• I would not find Toyota to be acting in good faith if these updates came at an unreasonable price, or were only applicable to new vehicle purchases (assuming the same radio exists in both vehicles.)
• I would accept as an alternative; a good faith effort of restitution to be provided as compensation to current Entune owners. I expect the offer of remediation to be in executed in a way that any reasonable person would deem fair and equitable compensation for replacement of the Entune unit with a 3rd party device or new radio with the removed features.

Conclusion

• Neither Pandora, nor Toyota have been forth coming regarding what is causing the end of collaboration, and to my knowledge neither has sought public comment on the decision.
• I am crafting a summary letter I will deliver to leadership from both organizations. The letter will call for restitution and include a claim of harm, and suggestions for remediation.
• If an agreement between Pandora and Toyota cannot be reached, I will expect Toyota to make an effort/offer to remediate the issue.
• I will push for transparency from Toyota and a call to have them communicate a clear plan of record.
• Anyone who would like to contact Bill Lentz and leave a message with his direct reports is encouraged to PM me for the contact info. I make this offer without condition or requirement that you agree with any of my points of view. I only ask that you be respectful to Mr. Lentz.

 

The App is nice to use on entune. I also got the email letting us know they'd stop using it. I forget, has it official been out of use now using the app on entune? If so, it's not a big deal because we can just use the pandora app thru bluetooth. Plus I have unlimited skips for my pandora

 

Standalone Android add-on for Entune Radio