- 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 vehicles, however if you happen to had been caught charging on a sluggish DC stall, you had very restricted multimedia choices on the built-in heart touchscreen.
Some homeowners discovered intelligent workarounds corresponding to 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 were 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 offered for each the first- and second-gen R1S and R1T.
The replace was introduced again in Might when Rivian mentioned it might come “quickly.” Nicely, it’s lastly right here, which suggests homeowners can watch YouTube movies on the automobile’s heart display screen with out having to make use of their smartphone. The identical goes for the SiriusXM app, which makes use of WiFi or mobile information to stream audio to the automobile’s audio system.
On the subject of Google Forged, you’ll be able to consider it as having a built-in Chromecast within the automobile. Should you’re unfamiliar with the tech, it mainly means you should use a smartphone as a distant to forged content material, together with video, to the automobile’s display screen. The content material is pulled from the web by the automobile, however you want a smartphone to regulate 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 supply Google Forged performance embody Netflix, Amazon, Prime, Disney+ and Max, Rivian R1S and R1T homeowners can’t presently forged content material from the Netflix app.
Issues get slightly extra difficult when 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 per thirty days 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 Dwell 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 instantly from SiriusXM, which prices between $9.99 and $24.98 per thirty days.
Rivian mentioned all clients could have “a brief preview of the Google Forged and YouTube options that may be streamed by means of Join+,” and {that a} free trial subscription to SiriusXM can be supplied.
In addition to 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.
