With the “AM Radio in Every Vehicle Act” officially dead in the 118th Congress, an increasingly popular electric vehicle brand has revealed that its bringing new entertainment options to its line of cars and trucks. Could they threaten AM/FM consumption, or simply bring greater ease to audio content delivery platforms Rivian owners already use?
For one, Rivian is promoting “more entertainment while parked” — a nod to the need to charge their vehicles, perhaps at a station where 20 to 30 minutes is needed to put the fuel dial at all bars.
“With the introduction of Google Cast and a native YouTube app, entertainment is always within reach when your vehicle is parked,” says Rivian, which becomes the first automotive launch partner to offer Google Cast, along with the native YouTube on TV experience; it is the version of the app that’s optimized for large screen devices, such as TVs and streamers. “The addition of both services ensures you have the newest streaming options that are easy to use and built for enjoying your favorite media,” Rivian adds.
Google Cast brings no less than 3,000 apps to one’s vehicle while parked via Chromecast technology. But, it isn’t free: All Rivian customers will have a “temporary preview of the Google Cast and YouTube features that can be streamed through Connect+,” the automaker says.
Then, there is SiriusXM, now available through a paid subscription following a complimentary trial subscription.
Both Rivian R1S and R1T vehicles are enabled for the satellite radio service.
