- Rivian R1S and R1T homeowners now have entry to a local YouTube app inside their automobiles.
- 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 in case you have been caught charging on a gradual DC stall, you had very restricted multimedia choices on the built-in middle touchscreen.
Some homeowners discovered intelligent workarounds comparable 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 12 months.
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 Could when Rivian mentioned it will come “quickly.” Effectively, it’s lastly right here, which implies homeowners can watch YouTube movies on the automobile’s middle 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 car’s audio system.
With regards to 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 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 embrace Netflix, Amazon, Prime, Disney+ and Max, Rivian R1S and R1T homeowners can not presently forged content material from the Netflix app.
Issues get a bit of 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+ know-how package deal which prices $14.99 per 30 days or $149.99 per 12 months. Join+ additionally contains an in-vehicle hotspot, satellite tv for pc photographs 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 30 days.
Rivian mentioned all prospects can have “a brief preview of the Google Forged and YouTube options that may be streamed by way of Join+,” and {that a} free trial subscription to SiriusXM can be provided.
Apart from these new options, the newest software program model contains enhancements for the Freeway Help system on Gen 2 automobiles, new graphics for some sections of the infotainment system and a bunch of smaller fixes.
