While legacy carmakers have struggled to develop new and user-friendly software for their vehicles, a new generation of car companies like Tesla and Rivian are redefining how car software should be approached. These companies prioritize software as much as their vehicles, prompting traditional carmakers to take notice. Rivian and Volkswagen recently struck a major deal to create next-generation software platforms, a move that is expected to benefit Volkswagen significantly.
When asked about adding CarPlay to their vehicles, Rivian executives have made it clear that their focus is on their proprietary software. Despite customer requests for CarPlay integration, Rivian remains committed to its own software development. After testing a second-generation Rivian R1S for a week, it is apparent that Rivian’s software experience is so impressive that the absence of CarPlay is not a significant concern.
Rivian’s software stands out for its exceptional quality, especially when compared to other automakers. The map interface, which is central to the Rivian experience, allows for easy navigation and access to other controls and settings. Additionally, the software offers dedicated interfaces for media control, car information, and camera functions, all seamlessly integrated for a driver-centric experience.
Rivian’s software also boasts personalization features that enhance the driving experience, such as saving preset preferences for seat and fan positions. While not flawless, the software’s emphasis on driver comfort and convenience sets a high standard for the industry.
iPhone Integration
The integration of Rivian’s software with iPhones is seamless and intuitive. The Rivian app simplifies remote control of the vehicle, allowing users to access key functions like location tracking, climate control, and trunk operation. The iPhone can also serve as a key to the vehicle, streamlining the driving experience by eliminating the need for physical keys.
Rivian’s use of widgets further enhances the iPhone integration, offering quick access to essential functions like climate settings and charging status. Sharing destinations from Apple Maps to the Rivian vehicle is effortless, ensuring a smooth transition from phone to car interface.
What Will You Miss?
While Rivian’s software excels in many areas, there are certain features that users accustomed to CarPlay may miss. Notifications and message handling, for example, are not as robust on Rivian vehicles due to Bluetooth connectivity limitations. Similarly, voice command functionality with Siri over Bluetooth may not be as responsive as in a CarPlay environment.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Rivian’s software sets a new standard for car software, emphasizing user experience and seamless integration with smartphones. As the automotive industry evolves, the focus on developing proprietary software solutions like Rivian’s could lead to a new era of innovation and competition.
