Photo: Rivian
According to a spec sheet sent to a fleet customer, Rivian is planning to significantly upgrade the infotainment system in its vehicles. This includes support for video streaming, gaming, and even an internet browser, matching the features Tesla offers in its cars.
Rivian owners have always appreciated the infotainment features, especially as the EV startup has constantly improved them over the years. One thing that didn't change, though, was the lack of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. This has been one of the most desired features for Rivian owners and, sadly, one that Rivian made clear it would not offer. Still, things might finally move, as revealed by a recent leak.
One potential fleet customer who wanted to buy several delivery vans and R1 vehicles has received an exciting info sheet for a 2023 R1S. According to the screenshot he posted on the Rivian subreddit, the carmaker will "soon" launch new in-vehicle infotainment options. These include video streaming, gaming, an internet browser, and a FleetMode to remotely control vehicle parameters.
The video streaming feature is particularly interesting because Rivian claims it opens the gates to video casting, "including screen mirroring." Depending on how Rivian intends to implement screen mirroring, this could allow Rivian owners to watch videos from the phone on the R1's screen. Google ecosystem uses Chromecast for this function, while Apple has AirPlay, which has similar functionalities.
However, a more advanced implementation of screen mirroring might pave the way for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in Rivian vehicles. This would be a breakthrough that would make a lot of people happy, boosting the appeal of Rivian vehicles. Given that Rivian software honcho Wassym Bensaid has rejected such a possibility in the past, this might not be the case, though.
However, another addition to the infotainment system might make phone projection possible in Rivian vehicles, after all. Since the upcoming update also includes a web browser, this opens the door for third-party projects like the Tesla Android Project to offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in the browser. This has worked miracles for Tesla owners, especially after the release of a plug-and-play device called Compute Module 4 Bundle.
Tesla Android Project works by using a hardware module to create a special Wi-Fi network to which the car is connected. This turns the infotainment system into a giant Chromecast device, allowing access to many new functions via the built-in browser. When the Tesla Android Project unveiled the latest hardware upgrade last October, Rivian owners were drooling over the possibility of having this in their vehicles. If the carmaker adds a web browser, this is all but guaranteed.
The FleetMode that Rivian plans is an exciting addition that would allow fleet admins to fine-tune the Rivian R1 functionalities to suit the company policy and their needs. Among other things, this means limiting and throttling vehicle drive mods, acceleration, top speed, and other functionality. Having a leg in the fleet market will offer Rivian sales a much-needed boost.
One potential fleet customer who wanted to buy several delivery vans and R1 vehicles has received an exciting info sheet for a 2023 R1S. According to the screenshot he posted on the Rivian subreddit, the carmaker will "soon" launch new in-vehicle infotainment options. These include video streaming, gaming, an internet browser, and a FleetMode to remotely control vehicle parameters.
The video streaming feature is particularly interesting because Rivian claims it opens the gates to video casting, "including screen mirroring." Depending on how Rivian intends to implement screen mirroring, this could allow Rivian owners to watch videos from the phone on the R1's screen. Google ecosystem uses Chromecast for this function, while Apple has AirPlay, which has similar functionalities.
However, a more advanced implementation of screen mirroring might pave the way for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in Rivian vehicles. This would be a breakthrough that would make a lot of people happy, boosting the appeal of Rivian vehicles. Given that Rivian software honcho Wassym Bensaid has rejected such a possibility in the past, this might not be the case, though.
However, another addition to the infotainment system might make phone projection possible in Rivian vehicles, after all. Since the upcoming update also includes a web browser, this opens the door for third-party projects like the Tesla Android Project to offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in the browser. This has worked miracles for Tesla owners, especially after the release of a plug-and-play device called Compute Module 4 Bundle.
Tesla Android Project works by using a hardware module to create a special Wi-Fi network to which the car is connected. This turns the infotainment system into a giant Chromecast device, allowing access to many new functions via the built-in browser. When the Tesla Android Project unveiled the latest hardware upgrade last October, Rivian owners were drooling over the possibility of having this in their vehicles. If the carmaker adds a web browser, this is all but guaranteed.
The FleetMode that Rivian plans is an exciting addition that would allow fleet admins to fine-tune the Rivian R1 functionalities to suit the company policy and their needs. Among other things, this means limiting and throttling vehicle drive mods, acceleration, top speed, and other functionality. Having a leg in the fleet market will offer Rivian sales a much-needed boost.
Confirmation that in-vehicle entertainment options are imminent
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