In a significant joint announcement today, Google and Rivian unveiled a collaboration. Rivian, the U.S. automaker, is enhancing the entertainment experience for existing and prospective owners of its primary R1 electric vehicle lineup. Through this partnership, Rivian is introducing Google Cast and YouTube to its two vehicle models.

Rivian to Equip R1T, R1S SUV with Google Cast, YouTube App

Rivian R1 owners can now celebrate as their streaming needs are fulfilled! Rivian has incorporated YouTube and Google Cast, providing drivers and passengers with two excellent options for entertainment while parked in their electric truck.

According to droidlife's report, a forthcoming software update will enable Rivian vehicle owners to wirelessly stream media from an iPhone or Android device to the primary 15-inch touchscreen in their R1 SUV or truck. This update allows nearly any app with Cast functionality to be transmitted to a Rivian for media viewing, encompassing most media streaming applications, marking a significant enhancement.

Google is providing Rivian with a unique, standalone YouTube application tailored specifically for Rivian vehicles. This dedicated app allows users to explore, search, and enjoy their preferred content seamlessly. While this update doesn't relate to Android Auto or Carplay, it offers significant enhancements for Rivian owners.

Electrek elaborated on the recent progress involving Rivian, Google, and YouTube. Rivian is incorporating Google Cast functionality, enabling users to mirror Cast-enabled applications from their Apple or Android mobile devices directly onto the center display of the R1 soon.

To begin, the EV must be parked for safety. Then, connect any phone or tablet to the vehicle's WiFi hotspot and tap the Google Cast icon on the device's screen. From there, simply tap "Rivian" on the screen to begin the casting session, which will play the selected app's video on the vehicle's screen and across its sound system.

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One will be able to control playback directly through the R1's display while still being able to access other apps from the phone. However, if the vehicle is shifted into Drive mode, the video will pause automatically to ensure driver and passenger safety.

Rivian says the native YouTube App and Google Cast capabilities will come via an over-the-air (OTA) update that is "coming soon," but there's no confirmed date yet.

What Google Says

As per PCMag's report, Google Cast is set to be introduced to vehicles, commencing with Rivian through an upcoming "straightforward over-the-air update expected soon." This functionality is designed to operate exclusively when the vehicle is parked, ensuring no distractions for the driver, like during EV charging or while waiting in the vehicle.

Additionally, as indicated in the report, the forthcoming software update will introduce the Google-owned YouTube app to the Rivian dashboard screen, expanding the range of video streaming choices available.

This marks a unique partnership for Rivian, a company known for its comprehensive control over its technology stack. Rivian's vehicles have not supported Apple CarPlay or Android Auto due to this approach, but the collaboration with Google suggests a potential shift in strategy for Rivian, possibly hinting at another speculated partnership with Apple.

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