- Rivian has announced that its infotainment system will soon offer the YouTube app and Google Cast.
- Both features are coming to existing and new Rivian R1T and R1S models via a free over-the air update.
- While most people are familiar with YouTube, casting with Google allows users to project videos from their mobile devices to the Rivians’ 15.0-inch center screen.
The Rivian R1T and R1S are an alternative take on the pickup truck and mid-size SUV. Not only do they offer powerful electric powertrains, but they have a distinct aesthetic and interesting features, such as the R1T’s gear tunnel and the R1S’s split tailgate. One thing neither of them currently have is the YouTube app or Google Cast, but both of those will soon be available through their infotainment systems.
In the coming months, Rivian will let you watch YouTube through a downloadable application as well as cast videos using Google’s software. Almost everyone with an internet connection knows how YouTube works, but casting is arguably a lesser known experience. Basically, it lets you project videos from your mobile device to the 15.0-inch touchscreen that’s affixed to the dashboards of the R1T and R1S.
It doesn’t matter if you already own either Rivian model or if you’re about to buy or lease one later this week. Rivian says existing and new versions of the R1T and R1S will be able to access the new infotainment features via a free over-the-air update. Once that becomes available, users can get to the YouTube app through the new Video Application menu. For Google Cast, first connect to the Wi-Fi and then press the cast icon to see it appear on the screen. Of course, both video functions are only accessible when either EV is parked, meaning shifting into drive will pause what that episode of “Is It Cake?” season 3.
Since we currently have a 2023 Rivian R1T in our long-term fleet, we’ll keep an eye out for when the YouTube app and Google Cast become accessible. Then we can try them out for ourselves, likely during the downtime that accompanies being plugged into a DC fast-charger.
Eric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si.