Owners of the Rivian R1T or R1S typically have one complaint that they are very vocal about and constantly shout to anyone who will listen. They want Apple Carplay or Android Auto because they aren’t quite satisfied with Rivian’s infotainment system (which is actually built on Android Automotive OS). Today, Google and Rivian made a big announcement together, but it unfortunately isn’t for the plug-in Android Auto experience. Instead, Google is bringing Google Cast and YouTube to Rivian’s two vehicles.
Through a software update that is coming “soon,” owners of Rivian vehicles will be able to Cast media from an iPhone or Android device to the main 15″ touchscreen in their R1 SUV or truck. This means that almost any app with Cast controls can be sent to a Rivian for media consumption. Since that’s most media streaming apps, this seems like a pretty big introduction. Once the Cast is sent, you’ll even be able to interact with the media through the vehicle’s display. You’ll find play, pause, or skip controls right on the touchscreen.
For YouTube, Google is giving Rivian a native application dedicated just to YouTube. Through this native app, you will be able to browse, search, and play your favorite content.
Again, this isn’t an announcement for Android Auto or Carplay, but it is a couple of big features for Rivian owners. Once we get a date that isn’t “soon,” we’ll try to let you know.
// Google | Rivian
Just picked up my R1S last Friday, already done a 1000+ mile road trip, didn’t find myself missing Android Auto at any point all the updates done since launch have really made a nice interface, the biggest concern I was waiting to be addressed was access to the Supercharger network and I am happy to report that works amazing now.
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Congrats, what a great vehicle! Aiming to get R1T myself in the near future too.
but is this while vehicle is in motion on automated driving?
No Android Auto at this point is a complete deal breaker in a new vehicle. I can’t consider Tesla for the same reason, as I’m not doing to be forced into a subscription just for navigation and traffic data. But Tesla’s interiors are impractical and a complete turn-off for me as well.
Having a Rivian I can tell you its not that bad. The maps app is Google Maps, they have added the ability to report errors, traffic routing is just as good as google maps and route planning is OK. Although planning the route on the phone then sending it to the car does give more granular controls. The only thing really missing is the ability to download offline maps, but it does cache the route. Just came back from a long weekend trip to upstate NY spent half the trip in no service areas and did not have any issues. That being said Android Auto with proper ability to read battery states would be a welcome addition, as the biggest problem I have with the infotainment is they really only have Spotify and Tidal, would love to be able to play my local audio sources, through poweramp.
Well that sounds better than Tesla then if they’re not charging a sub to use Google Maps with traffic data or anything.
Still, I don’t like the idea of being beholden to the vehicle manufacture, and their much slower support and less versatile proprietary software, over using my existing phone and apps that are constantly updated with additional functionality.
Also, if I had a truck that I wanted to do off-road trips with, offline maps are a must. Preferable with something like OnX Off-road maps, that also supports Android Auto.
It’s free now they plan to charge for LTE data at a later point, more thank likely for the R2 and R3 , but have not announced pricing. I’m hoping it just the LTE connection, because I hate that with Tesla even if you use your own hotspot you don’t get traffic data. I am fingers crossed hoping that Rivian only charges for LTE, that I can deal with. If they go down the Tesla route I will hop on the this sucks give me Android Auto Bandwagon.
What does Android auto have that Tesla system doesn’t? Just curious. Maps its pulling traffic and nav from Google. Got all music apps too or you can stream via Bluetooth.
Free Google Maps with traffic data. Or Waze if you prefer that for better speed trap reporting. And every other AA app that Tesla doesn’t have. BT streaming isn’t any consolation given you can’t navigate an app (change playlists, thumbs up/down songs, etc.) while BT streaming.