Rivian has released a new software update for all its electric vehicles, offering a special version of Google Maps to all Rivian drivers. As some of you might know already, the Rivian car brand is widely known for its focus on providing unique Rivian cars and software, assets that can easily be considered a differentiator in the EV market.
It seems that the collaboration between Rivian and Google isn’t exactly a traditional one, with Android Auto integration similar to other car brands. This partnership is special because the Rivian driving system is indeed based on Google Maps technology, but it is significantly improved using certain Rivian aspects, such as user interface, design, and the trip planner.
“We closely watch customer feedback, and I think one of the areas where we had some level of criticism was navigation. Google wanted to embrace a new model of collaboration with a more open integration down to the API levels for Google Maps, and that required working with a tech partner on that journey to integrate both solutions, and I think we’re super happy with the result of this collaboration,”, the Rivian chief of software, Wassym Bensaid stated for TechCrunch.
According to the company’s blog post, the new Google Maps Rivian technology will offer users different things, such as traffic updates, the estimated time of arrival, and even a satellite image directly from Google Maps. Even more so, this Rivian navigation will also feature the option to tap on different points of interest directly on the map.
Up until now, Google Maps was widely available only for those cars that feature Android Auto technology. And using this technology, drivers were only able to use Google Maps almost exactly as they used it on their phones, but of course, implemented on a bigger car screen.
But now Rivian is changing the way Rivian cars integrate navigation systems. Usually, drivers are complaining about other integrated navigation systems from different car brands, because they don’t have a complete system that can fulfill everyone’s needs.
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With Rivian's things are completely different, because now all its electric vehicles have an advanced navigation system based on Google Maps, but wrapped in the Rivian interface that matches the overall car aesthetic.
Even more so, it appears that Rivian will also integrate this system into its mobile app. The improved Rivian app will feature several interesting features for trip planning, including a satellite view, photo sharing, and place descriptions, but only for users who pay for a Connect+ subscription.
According to the company’s blog post, the new Google Maps Rivian technology will offer users different things, such as traffic updates, the estimated time of arrival, and even a satellite image directly from Google Maps. Even more so, this Rivian navigation will also feature the option to tap on different points of interest directly on the map.
Up until now, Google Maps was widely available only for those cars that feature Android Auto technology. And using this technology, drivers were only able to use Google Maps almost exactly as they used it on their phones, but of course, implemented on a bigger car screen.
But now Rivian is changing the way Rivian cars integrate navigation systems. Usually, drivers are complaining about other integrated navigation systems from different car brands, because they don’t have a complete system that can fulfill everyone’s needs.
Subscribe to our newsletter
With Rivian's things are completely different, because now all its electric vehicles have an advanced navigation system based on Google Maps, but wrapped in the Rivian interface that matches the overall car aesthetic.
Even more so, it appears that Rivian will also integrate this system into its mobile app. The improved Rivian app will feature several interesting features for trip planning, including a satellite view, photo sharing, and place descriptions, but only for users who pay for a Connect+ subscription.
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