Photo: @RivianSoftware via Twitter | Edited
Rivian software team tests a new feature-packed software update. If the release is greenlighted, owners will get the ability to customize the app launcher, add up to four phone keys, and benefit from many improvements under the hood.
Rivian is on a roll lately after reporting better-than-expected sales results in the second quarter. It's also one of the EV makers that offers the best support to owners of its vehicles. Over-the-air software updates are a vital part of the ownership experience, and Rivian is known for not joking around in this department.
The EV startup rarely issues pure bug-fixing updates, most of the builds being filled with new features offered at the owners' request. Considering that this comes from a young carmaker with a lot on its plate, it's definitely impressive.
After the 2023.22.00 update, which was relatively light on new features, another software build shows that Rivian is again confident to push some new features to the fleet.
The 2023.26.00 update introduces the ability to add up to four phone keys, among other things. Rivian owners were previously limited to two phones for the Phone as a Key (PaaK) feature, which was restrictive for larger families. Not only does Rivian adds the ability to enroll two more phones, but it allows you to do it for guests without using your main account.
All you have to do is invite the new user by going to the Vehicle tab > Dashboard > Drivers and keys card > Keys, and select Invite a driver. This is helpful for people renting their Rivian on platforms like Turo. The new driver receives an email with instructions, including how to download the app and create a Rivian account.
As helpful as this feature seems, most people were excited about another improvement. With the 2023.26.00, the app launcher can now be customized for fast access to your apps. You can pin up to five of your favorite apps at the bottom center of the display, together with the last app you used.
You can customize your app launcher by starting at the app tray and then swiping up on the app tray handle. Press and hold an app from the expanded app menu and then drag it down to one of the available slots on the app tray.
The update also improves how Rivian EVs estimate range, especially after they sleep or idle for a long time. It should also reduce the battery drain overnight by limiting the maintenance interval for the 12-volt battery. Rivian has a special place for the Driver+ safety assist package, and this time it improved lane centering with better lane negotiation during Highway Assist and fixed a couple of rare issues.
Rivian also mentions an improvement to the AC charging by automatically lowering the charging power if the connector becomes too warm. This is unrelated to the AC onboard charger fails reported by some users. In that case, Rivian will replace the onboard charger free of charge. The 2023.26.00 is an internal build for now, but it should become a public release if no nasty bug is discovered.
The EV startup rarely issues pure bug-fixing updates, most of the builds being filled with new features offered at the owners' request. Considering that this comes from a young carmaker with a lot on its plate, it's definitely impressive.
After the 2023.22.00 update, which was relatively light on new features, another software build shows that Rivian is again confident to push some new features to the fleet.
The 2023.26.00 update introduces the ability to add up to four phone keys, among other things. Rivian owners were previously limited to two phones for the Phone as a Key (PaaK) feature, which was restrictive for larger families. Not only does Rivian adds the ability to enroll two more phones, but it allows you to do it for guests without using your main account.
All you have to do is invite the new user by going to the Vehicle tab > Dashboard > Drivers and keys card > Keys, and select Invite a driver. This is helpful for people renting their Rivian on platforms like Turo. The new driver receives an email with instructions, including how to download the app and create a Rivian account.
As helpful as this feature seems, most people were excited about another improvement. With the 2023.26.00, the app launcher can now be customized for fast access to your apps. You can pin up to five of your favorite apps at the bottom center of the display, together with the last app you used.
You can customize your app launcher by starting at the app tray and then swiping up on the app tray handle. Press and hold an app from the expanded app menu and then drag it down to one of the available slots on the app tray.
The update also improves how Rivian EVs estimate range, especially after they sleep or idle for a long time. It should also reduce the battery drain overnight by limiting the maintenance interval for the 12-volt battery. Rivian has a special place for the Driver+ safety assist package, and this time it improved lane centering with better lane negotiation during Highway Assist and fixed a couple of rare issues.
Rivian also mentions an improvement to the AC charging by automatically lowering the charging power if the connector becomes too warm. This is unrelated to the AC onboard charger fails reported by some users. In that case, Rivian will replace the onboard charger free of charge. The 2023.26.00 is an internal build for now, but it should become a public release if no nasty bug is discovered.
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