Rivian plans to launch a new AI voice assistant on its R1T and R1S models in 2025, a move aimed at improving users' in-car smart experience. The editor of Downcodes learned that the voice assistant will support text-to-speech information functions and have more powerful functions, such as understanding multiple voice commands at once, thus redefining the way users interact with cars. This marks another important attempt by Rivian in the field of smart cars, aiming to provide users with a more convenient and smarter driving experience. Previously, Rivian Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid said that the company is not satisfied with existing voice assistant solutions, so it is committed to creating an AI voice assistant that surpasses existing products on the market.
Recently, Wassym Bensaid, chief software officer of Rivian, confirmed at the showroom in Venice, California that Rivian R1T and R1S models will launch a new AI voice assistant in 2025. This assistant will support text-to-speech messaging functions and is designed to enhance users’ smart experience in the car.
Bensaid said the team began developing voice integration for text messages as early as two years ago, but the existing solution failed to meet the company's standards. He noted that while some older cars support text messaging, it's not the rich experience he wants Rivian users to have. Frequently missed text messages, difficulty supporting group chats, and inconsistent emoji compatibility were all factors he considered inconsistent with the Rivian software experience. He called on users to be patient, promising that the upcoming features would be better than anything currently on the market.
Bensaid emphasized that artificial intelligence offers huge opportunities for improving in-car voice assistants. He hopes that with this technology, car owners will be able to access all functions available on the vehicle's central touchscreen through voice commands. Users can issue multiple commands at once, and the system understands the overall intent of the command, redefining how users interact with their cars. Bensaid said his goal was to create a new technology that would help users overcome past negative experiences with other voice assistants.
In addition, Bensaid also revealed that Rivian will soon launch native YouTube functionality and Google Cast support, which will be pushed through an over-the-air upgrade at the end of the year. It is worth noting that Rivian is not the first automaker to explore such technology. Mercedes-Benz already launched the MBUX voice assistant integrated with ChatGPT last year, and models equipped with Android Auto or Google Auto integration can also use it. Google Assistant.
Rivian's new AI voice assistant is expected to bring more convenient in-car operations and further enhance the user experience.
The launch of Rivian's new AI voice assistant demonstrates its continuous exploration and innovation in the field of intelligent driving, and may become a benchmark for the development of the intelligent car industry in the future. We expect this voice assistant to bring an amazing user experience and further enhance Rivian’s competitiveness.