- Rivian R1S and R1T homeowners now have entry to a local YouTube app inside their autos.
- This, together with SiriusXM and Google Forged performance, is a part of the newest software program replace.
- Each the pre-facelift and up to date fashions get the brand new options.
Rivian makes some very compelling adventure-oriented electrical automobiles, however for those who have been caught charging on a sluggish DC stall, you had very restricted multimedia choices on the built-in middle touchscreen.
Some homeowners discovered intelligent workarounds reminiscent of utilizing a USB reminiscence stick to look at pre-downloaded movies, however that’s now not wanted, because the California-based startup is lastly rolling out options which have been promised for over a yr.
A local YouTube app, a local SiriusXM app, in addition to Google Forged performance, are rolling out proper now as a part of the software program model 2024.47, which is out there for each the first- and second-gen R1S and R1T.
The replace was introduced again in Could when Rivian mentioned it might come “quickly.” Nicely, it’s lastly right here, which implies homeowners can watch YouTube movies on the automobile’s middle display with out having to make use of their smartphone. The identical goes for the SiriusXM app, which makes use of WiFi or mobile knowledge to stream audio to the car’s audio system.
In the case of Google Forged, you possibly can consider it as having a built-in Chromecast within the automobile. For those who’re unfamiliar with the tech, it principally means you should utilize a smartphone as a distant to solid content material, together with video, to the automobile’s display. The content material is pulled from the web by the automobile, however you want a smartphone to manage issues like subtitles or select episodes from a TV collection.
Google Forged and YouTube on Rivian EVs
Movies can solely be performed whereas the automobile is in Park. Moreover, whereas video streaming apps that provide Google Forged performance embody Netflix, Amazon, Prime, Disney+ and Max, Rivian R1S and R1T homeowners can not at present solid content material from the Netflix app.
Issues get somewhat extra difficult when taking a look at how Rivian is bundling these new options. The YouTube app and Google Forged performance are a part of the corporate’s Join+ expertise bundle which prices $14.99 monthly or $149.99 per yr. Join+ additionally consists of an in-vehicle hotspot, satellite tv for pc pictures for the navigation system, Amazon Alexa instructions, Apple Music, Audible, Spotify, Tidal, TuneIn, Gear Guard Reside Cam and precedence software program updates.
The SiriusXM app on Rivian EVs
SiriusXM satellite tv for pc radio, however, is separate from the Join+ bundle and desires a subscription purchased immediately from SiriusXM, which prices between $9.99 and $24.98 monthly.
Rivian mentioned all prospects can have “a short lived preview of the Google Forged and YouTube options that may be streamed via Join+,” and {that a} free trial subscription to SiriusXM can be provided.
Apart from these new options, the newest software program model consists of enhancements for the Freeway Help system on Gen 2 autos, new graphics for some sections of the infotainment system and a bunch of smaller fixes.
