Future Rivian Features Coming (i.e. Dash Cam in Fall) - According to VP of SW Engineering

[zefram47]

I just don't get the crazy OBSESSION with Andriod Auto. I'm a tech-guru and never use it. Then again, Tesla navigation is great.

And everyone will have their own opinions. I'm a software engineer and love the convenience of Apple CarPlay, especially along with the iDrive style controller in my MINI. I get all the convenience of my some of my apps/maps/music without having to use the touchscreen if I don't want to between the Siri interface and the hardware controller.

And I'll keep repeating that music and maps need to be usable without a cell connection. All the trails I'll wind up on here in Colorado are way beyond the reach of the cell network. Gaia GPS is fantastic for loading up GPX files of trails...things that won't be in the built-in maps.

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[pc500]

Rivian's VP of Software Engineering, Wassym Bensaid, is on Reddit responding to questions from folks regarding future software/vehicle updates. We've heard rumors on some of this stuff before, but nice to get a high level confirmation. Here are some of the highlights of the things that he states are already being worked on:

• Dash cam utilizing the existing Gear guard cameras - coming this fall
• Air vents constantly going to the wrong position is a known bug and they're working on it
• Ability to switch between miles remaining and SoC coming this summer
• Lots of changes to suspension auto-adjusting are in the works, including auto-leveling for camping etc
• Web-browser and video apps for center screen are on the way
• Camp mode coming this summer...will prevent the truck from reacting with lights etc. as you move around it
• Several options being explored to take better advantage of the driver display real estate
• Additional music apps are coming...but which specific apps aren't mentioned
• ***He did not respond to any of the many people asking about CarPlay/AA

Lots of other things I didn't put above. Here's the link if you want to read through it: Reddit Link

Apparently, some of these are well published internally. Venice confirmed the leveling for RTT camping and some of the others. Web browsers/video aren't unexpected but I haven't heard that yet. Dash cam was promised by RJ but now we have a time! More certain, great.

 

[FutureTruck]

I just don't get the crazy OBSESSION with Andriod Auto. I'm a tech-guru and never use it. Then again, Tesla navigation is great.

You're not allowed to say anything positive about Tesla on this forum. Haters incoming....

 

[timesinks]

Im surprised no one asked about driver+. I wonder what the future plans of that are. Would love to get the hands-free support that is advertised on the rivian website, as well as lane changes if possible with current hardware.

Also some of the basics from autopilot, like automatically setting cruise to speed limit + x threshold and remembering follow distance based on user profile

In the service / ride menu, there is a metric analyzing driver gaze. It ranges from 0 (looking down at the screen) to 5 (having been watching the road for several seconds).

This is to say the hands-free is very likely intended to be delivered as soon as they can do so with a reasonable safety margin. As @SeaGeo points out, I would personally not be comfortable with hands off the wheel for any significant period of time, especially if there are any other vehicles on the road or substandard shoulders. It's just not there yet.

 

[Taco]

I just don't get the crazy OBSESSION with Andriod Auto. I'm a tech-guru and never use it. Then again, Tesla navigation is great.

Totally agree, i was so worried about not having AA when i got my Tesla, now when I'm in a rental car for work I'm like "ugh fine"

Generally i think the Tesla mapping system is great with the integration of charging and SOC on car.

 

[AdamUCF]

Since there seems to be significant evidence that Rivian is running on Android and making calls to Google Play Services, I'd personally be fine with adding a few apps in lieu of the entire AA experience. I'd like to have Google Maps/Waze as an option instead of the native maps and maybe a few media apps like Audible and Google Podcast.

I doubt we'll see those. Maybe the rules are different for in-car infotainment but on mobile devices those require the Google Mobile Services which I don't think Rivian is using.

 

[Mike Hunt]

I wish I could activate the external buttons to unlock, open stuff with only the drivers side door unlocked.

 

[Max]

Love the list of updates. I am not sure fixing the idle power leak (that is high on my list) is not on their list at all or they are unable or unwilling to address it.

 

[Tbrou16]

Was there any mention of V2H like the F150 Lightning or no?

 

[frostbit3]

He mentioned that playing music via USB was not considered internally and that they’ve been getting a lot of feedback requesting that feature and are looking into it. So at least that’s not a “no we won’t do it” and glad to see that the feedback we’ve been giving is at least being heard.

 

[godfodder0901]

Love the list of updates. I am not sure fixing the idle power leak (that is high on my list) is not on their list at all or they are unable or unwilling to address it.

He mentions that specifically and that it is a top priority for them.

 

[Sgt Beavis]

That was some great information and those are some very useful updates. The camping improvements are going to be a big deal for me.

It’s very disappointing that they are ignoring AA and Carplay. Tesla makes a damn good navigation app, but Rivian does not. It’s very much lacking from everything I’ve seen. I still want Waze and Gaia for navigation. The ability to upload trail maps into Gaia and other offroad apps is a big use case for me.

Beyond that, having USB for music will make me much happier.

 

[BoltEVowner]

That was some great information and those are some very useful updates. The camping improvements are going to be a big deal for me.

It’s very disappointing that they are ignoring AA and Carplay. Tesla makes a damn good navigation app, but Rivian does not. It’s very much lacking from everything I’ve seen. I still want Waze and Gaia for navigation. The ability to upload trail maps into Gaia and other offroad apps is a big use case for me.

Beyond that, having USB for music will make me much happier.

Have had to use Google maps on 3 separate occasions to navigate to my destination due to inaccuracy of the Rivian navigation app...just my experience. AA would be a GREAT improvement.

 

[LoneStar]

DRIVER+ upgrades ....... ?

 

[BoltEVowner]

Would really love to see some improvement in Driver+.

For comparison, am getting a new 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV Premier soon, and Chevy sales agent said he took a recent 30 mile trip, and never touched the steering wheel once. It changes lanes to go around slow moving vehicles in your lane, then moves back to right lane again, all by itself. Just cannot understand why, with all the cameras and sensors in my new Rivian R1T, why it cannot do this too. Maybe they need to hire some software engineers from Ford or GM?

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