Rivian adds YouTube app and Google Cast to R1 infotainment

American automaker Rivian is increasing the entertainment factor for current and future owners of its flagship R1 range of electric vehicles. Today, Rivian announced the integration of YouTube into its infotainment system, available to stream to your vehicle’s central screen. Additionally, the automaker is adding Google Cast capabilities, giving drivers and passengers the ability to mirror their favorite content into the electric vehicle from a smartphone or tablet.

As you probably know by now, Rivian ($RIVN) is a relatively young and exciting electric vehicle automaker focused on sustainability and comfort for American customers, whether on public roads or exploring Mother Nature.

The automaker’s journey to evolve its two flagship models, the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV, has had its fair share of pitfalls, but it appears to have reached cruising speed at its sole production plant in Normal, in Illinois, as he prepares for not a single one. but three additional all-electric models in its pipeline.

If Rivian’s customers are among the most satisfied in the segment, the infotainment of its current models leaves a little to be desired. Sure, you can download wellness apps like Headspace and Sleepio or manage your business with Workday, but in terms of entertainment, second half and ultra-popular word in the center screen portmanteau, Rivian could do better.

Rejoice, R1 owners, for your streaming desires have been satisfied! Rivian has added YouTube and Google Cast, giving drivers (when parked of course) and their passengers two solid options for getting their dopamine fix from the comfort of their electric truck.

Rivian adds YouTube app and streaming from devices

This morning, Rivian announced that its current R1 infotainment system, consisting of a 15-inch touchscreen and an “immersive audio system,” will soon support the YouTube app, allowing owners to stream their videos favorite chats or montages of some of the best Vines (man, I miss this app).

Additionally, Rivian is adding Google Cast capabilities, meaning you’ll soon be able to project Cast-enabled apps directly from your Apple or Android smartphone or tablet directly onto the R1’s center screen.

To begin with, the electric vehicle must be parked for safety reasons. Next, connect any phone or tablet to the vehicle’s WiFi hotspot and tap the Google Cast icon (seen in the image above) on your device’s screen. From there, simply tap “Rivian” on the screen to begin the streaming session, which will stream video from your selected app to the vehicle’s screen and audio system.

You will then be able to control playback directly via the R1 screen while being able to access other applications from your phone. However, if the vehicle enters Drive mode, the video will automatically pause to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers.

Rivian says native YouTube app and Google Cast features will be available via an over-the-air (OTA) update that is “coming soon,” but we don’t have a confirmed date yet. Stay tuned.