Rivian R1S and R1T EV get native support for YouTube, Google Cast and SiriusXM: there's no boring wait for the battery to finish charging
One of the downsides of electric cars is that they still take longer to charge than petrol or diesel cars do. It's nice to be able to switch charging on overnight, but if you still have to wait for the process to complete inside the car, watching videos on the big screen is a good way to pass the time. Rivian promised over a year ago to add native support for streaming apps to its cars and has finally done so.
Here's What We Know
YouTube apps, SiriusXM, and Google Cast features are being rolled out as part of software version 2024.47, which is available for the first and second-generation R1S and R1T models. This means drivers and passengers can watch YouTube videos on the car's centre screen without having to use their smartphone. Same with the SiriusXM app, which uses WiFi or mobile internet.
The SiriusXM app on the Rivian car's screen. Photo: Rivian
As for Google Cast, just like with your home TV, you can use your smartphone as a remote control to stream content, including video, to your car's screen. The content is downloaded from the internet by the car, and the smartphone is needed to control things like subtitles or selecting episodes from a show. The exception is Netflix, which is still not available.
An important clarification: videos can only be played when the car is in Park mode. This is done on purpose so that the driver is not distracted from the road while driving.
How much does it cost?
The YouTube app and Google Cast functionality are part of the Connect+ package, which costs $14.99 per month or $149.99 per year. Connect+ also includes an in-car hotspot, satellite imagery for the navigation system, Amazon Alexa, Apple Music, Audible, Spotify, Tidal, TuneIn, Gear Guard Live Cam and priority software updates.
SiriusXM radio, meanwhile, is not included in the Connect+ package and requires a separate subscription directly from that service. It costs between $9.99 and $24.98 per month.
Rivian said all customers will get "a temporary preview of Google Cast and YouTube features that can be streamed via Connect+" as well as a free trial subscription to SiriusXM.
Source: InsideEVs
