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

[hilld]

I just have the camera icon pinned to the bar, hit that once and use 360 camera view. Works great for me.

Call me old school, I don't trust the camera when it comes to adding curb rash to my wheels. I want to actually see how close I am.

EDIT: I am saying this after I read all the reports that Tesla's self parking (auto parking) causes all sort of curb rash damage on the wheel. So cameras are not perfect. In particular I am worried about the back right wheel, furthest away from the camera.

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[Rividiculous]

Call me old school, I don't trust the camera when it comes to adding curb rash to my wheels. I want to actually see how close I am.

You’re old school.

 

[sphereobject]

There is 0.00000% chance there will be a retrofit.

Normally I would agree. But Rivian makes some weird business decisions.

 

[cohall]

I just want some sort of text message integration. Read me my text, let me speak a reply. Nothing crazy.

I'm pretty happy with just about everything else in the software right now.

 

[defcon888]

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

I hope it is only active when plugged in and charging. I can just imagine people putting on the Driver+ and streaming a Netflix show and getting in a wreck.

 

[R1Thor]

I hope it is only active when plugged in and charging. I can just imagine people putting on the Driver+ and streaming a Netflix show and getting in a wreck.

State-by-state laws cover this, so I would assume to eliminate the cumbersome nature of trying to discern by regional requirements, they'll have a blanket 'rule' that covers all of them. Similar to Tesla: no streaming services are available to the front screens while the vehicle is in any condition other than 'park.'

There may be a federal law, but I couldn't find it. I do know that both my state and the state I work in have such laws (and verily specific laws and requirements regarding cell phone use--or really NOT using your cell phone except for talking hands free--while driving).

 

[swhme]

I hope it is only active when plugged in and charging. I can just imagine people putting on the Driver+ and streaming a Netflix show and getting in a wreck.

I hope you can stream to the rear screen while driving… that’d be pretty cool

 

[djsider2]

I hope you can stream to the rear screen while driving… that’d be pretty cool

The rear panel position is incredibly bad for ergonomics to be continuously watching something.

 

[hekhl00]

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

I’m prepared to get absolutely flamed for this, but I really don’t care what Wassym is promising. What I do care about is content in the stack. And Rivian is way behind other manufacturers due to their control freak mentality. A pretty and integrated UI means nothing to me if the content is lacking. You want to control the stack with custom built apps? Great! Have at it! But hurry the hell up. Otherwise, give up and allow phone mirroring. When a 2017 Subaru Impreza has better phone connectivity and by default access to MANY more apps than a Rivian, maybe, just maybe, it’s time to reassess the strategy?

 

[JWreck]

I’m prepared to get absolutely flamed for this, but I really don’t care what Wassym is promising. What I do care about is content in the stack. And Rivian is way behind other manufacturers due to their control freak mentality. A pretty and integrated UI means nothing to me if the content is lacking. You want to control the stack with custom built apps? Great! Have at it! But hurry the hell up. Otherwise, give up and allow phone mirroring. When a 2017 Subaru Impreza has better phone connectivity and by default access to MANY more apps than a Rivian, maybe, just maybe, it’s time to reassess the strategy?

I generally agree. For example, 6-8 months ago RJ was telling MKBHD they want to control the systems thereby controlling the experience (with an obvious intent to make it a positive experience). However, they only JUST introduced the ability to send feedback about navigation mistakes in the latest update. We had so many issues with Nav that it was almost comical - and a slap in the face from them.

Also, pretty sure there are several documented examples of Wassym “promising” features that either were WAY delayed or still haven’t come. Don’t believe anything they say until it actually comes (good rule in general for all types of products really).

 

[Derkaramma]

I would 100% pay for a retrofit to the new sensors/compute if the new stuff is compatible with existing R1s. Feels like the best of both worlds. Make it cover costs + profit using the same parts that are already being built for the line. Gives early adopters that paved the way for growth an upgrade path while still maintaining a cost profile that drives closer to achieving profit as a company.

Same! I’ll pay whatever it is. My car is so new I can’t imagine trading it in.

 

[Zoidz]

Normally I would agree. But Rivian makes some weird business decisions.

This shutdown is to change from over 35 discrete control modules and spaghetti wiring harneses to a distributed network architecture. They would have to tear the entire vehicle apart. Not gonna happen.

 

[bdwalters]

This shutdown is to change from over 35 discrete control modules and spaghetti wiring harneses to a distributed network architecture. They would have to tear the entire vehicle apart. Not gonna happen.

This. It wouldn’t be an upgrade. It would be a rebuild.

 

[djsider2]

I’m prepared to get absolutely flamed for this, but I really don’t care what Wassym is promising. What I do care about is content in the stack. And Rivian is way behind other manufacturers due to their control freak mentality. A pretty and integrated UI means nothing to me if the content is lacking. You want to control the stack with custom built apps? Great! Have at it! But hurry the hell up. Otherwise, give up and allow phone mirroring. When a 2017 Subaru Impreza has better phone connectivity and by default access to MANY more apps than a Rivian, maybe, just maybe, it’s time to reassess the strategy?

I agree, the pace of development with their stack is painfully slow. They don't even have to think of new features... just need to reinvent features on their stack (to me, this is wasted work). It's like a minimum crew. There's probably more people working at Carplay or AA and even they take years to update and add features. I can't imagine how long it'll take Rivian to catch up if they don't commit the resources.

 

[DoubleTake]

They could stop upgrading features right not and I would be satisfied. Why can’t some of you just learn to be grateful ?‍. This community can be so ??

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