Recently, Wassym Bensaid, the Chief Software Officer of Rivian, confirmed in the showroom in Venice, California, that the Rivian R1T and R1S models will launch a brand new AI voice assistant in 2025. This assistant will support text-to-speech messaging functionality, aiming to enhance the smart experience for users inside the vehicle.
Bensaid stated that the team started developing the voice integration for text messaging two years ago, but the existing solutions did not meet the company's standards. He pointed out that while some older cars do support text messaging, this is not the rich experience he wants for Rivian users. Frequent missed messages, difficulty supporting group chats, and inconsistent emoji compatibility are factors he believes do not align with the Rivian software experience. He urged users to be patient, promising that the upcoming features will surpass any products currently available on the market.
Bensaid emphasized that artificial intelligence presents a significant opportunity to improve the in-car voice assistant. He hopes to enable vehicle owners to access all functions available on the central touchscreen through voice commands. Users will be able to issue multiple commands at once, and the system will understand the overall intent of the commands, thereby redefining the interaction between users and their cars. Bensaid stated that his goal is to create new technology that helps users overcome the negative experiences they have had with other voice assistants.
Additionally, Bensaid revealed that Rivian will soon launch native YouTube functionality and Google Cast support, which will be delivered through an over-the-air update by the end of the year. Notably, Rivian is not the first automaker to explore such technology; Mercedes-Benz launched its MBUX voice assistant integrated with ChatGPT last year, and models equipped with Android Auto or Google Automotive Integration can also use Google Assistant.
The new AI voice assistant from Rivian is expected to provide a more convenient in-car operation method, further enhancing the user experience.
Key Points:
🌟 The AI voice assistant will be launched in 2025 on Rivian R1T and R1S models, supporting text-to-speech messaging functionality.
🗣️ The new assistant aims to improve user interaction with the vehicle by allowing access to all functions on the touchscreen through voice commands.
📺 Rivian will also introduce native YouTube functionality and Google Cast support through an over-the-air update.
