Rivian plans to launch a new AI voice assistant for its R1T and R1S models in 2025, a move aimed at improving users' smart experience in the car. This voice assistant will support text-to-speech messaging capabilities and is committed to providing a superior user experience than anything currently available on the market. Rivian Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid said that the new assistant will allow users to access all functions on the vehicle’s central touch screen through voice commands and understand the user’s multiple commands, redefining the way people and vehicles interact. This is not Rivian’s first attempt at in-vehicle technology. They also plan to launch native YouTube functionality and Google Cast support through over-the-air upgrades soon.
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 felt were 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.
Highlight:
The AI voice assistant will be launched on Rivian R1T and R1S models in 2025, supporting text-to-speech messaging functions.
The new assistant is designed to access all functions on the vehicle's touchscreen through voice commands, improving the user's interaction with the car.
Rivian will also roll out native YouTube functionality and Google Cast support via an over-the-air upgrade.
The launch of Rivian's new generation of AI voice assistant heralds a new stage of development for in-vehicle intelligent systems. Its improvement in user experience and innovation in future vehicle interaction methods are worth looking forward to, let us wait and see.