Possible updates / upgrades coming s00n! R2 software? -- Q&A with head of software Wassym Bensaid

[Eruantien]

Had a group chat with Wassym (SVP Software at Rivian) today! I can’t recall and didn’t hear everything that was discussed, so others please chime in for things I’m missing or misstating.

Wassym confirmed several things today, either directly or indirectly in a wink-wink kind of way.

Directly confirmed:
- R2 software/UI will be coming to R1 vehicles “soon,” seemingly this year or at least prior to R2 release.
- Streaming services coming soon
- Apple Watch app for locking/unlocking and other special things they’re innovating
- Subscriptions (perhaps tiers) for internet/other services
- More customization for items in driver’s display behind steering wheel

Wink-wink (can safely assume):
- Apple Music integration
- Map data changing to Google

Idea suggested that Wassym liked/acknowledged:
- Bluetooth setup for wireless headphones for passengers watching TV on rear screen
- Better Android support
- Hot button for 360 camera when parking/other hot buttons

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[mikehmb]

Had a group chat with Wassym (SVP Software at Rivian) today! I can’t recall and didn’t hear everything that was discussed, so others please chime in for things I’m missing or misstating.

Wassym confirmed several things today, either directly or indirectly in a wink-wink kind of way.

Directly confirmed:
- R2 software/UI will be coming to R1 vehicles “soon,” seemingly this year or at least prior to R2 release.
- Streaming services coming soon
- Apple Watch app for locking/unlocking and other special things they’re innovating
- Subscriptions (perhaps tiers) for internet/other services
- More customization for items in driver’s display behind steering wheel

Wink-wink (can safely assume):
- Apple Music integration
- Map data changing to Google

Idea suggested that Wassym liked/acknowledged:
- Bluetooth setup for wireless headphones for passengers watching TV on rear screen
- Better Android support
- Hot button for 360 camera when parking/other hot buttons

 

[Eruantien]

Video of this for people who want everything said:

This is perfect! Thank you!
Some of these things (like the Google maps wink) were off-camera.

 

[Gen(R3)Xer]

S-0—0-n

 

[Eruantien]

Wassym is the nicest and most down-to-earth guy. He spent a lot of time just visiting with people and answering questions/listening.

I just love that a company is this dialed into their customers. I got the sense they truly care about and want our feedback, and they genuinely use it to improve the products and experience.

 

[ssbmx90]

Getting shafted on new hardware features sucks for recent adopters. Maybe they will have a program for trade ins

 

[swhme]

Some interesting stuff.

 

[swhme]

“We’re in the final steps of video streaming integration… Should be within the next quarter”

 

[Ahmadifier]

Thanks for sharing. Excited to see some additional audio and video streaming coming s00n.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

PIN to Drive also coming soon ..at least that's what he told me. Wassym is a great guy. The Rivian software team is doing some great stuff.

Folks let's remember these trucks have only been out and about for about 2 and a half years. What Rivian software team has accomplished in that time has been amazing.

 

[COdogman]

I can’t wait to watch Squidbillies reruns while I charge up?

 

[Eruantien]

Wassym did say at least that more than 80% of the software roadmap will be compatible with existing R1s.

 

[Zoidz]

Wassym also said on video almost a year ago that he personally tested lane change video camera (screen displays blind spot next to vehicle) and it was coming s00n. We still don’t have this feature……. s00n?

 

[SeaGeo]

- Map data changing to Google

It already is, at least partially. They still can switch the actual base maps over, but the POI and ETA are google.

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