Rivian is still testing YouTube and Google Cast for R1 EVs

Rivian has confirmed it is testing Google Cast and YouTube feature compatibility for its R1S and R1T electric vehicles (EVs) and rollout soon for customers.

In May, Rivian announced Google Cast and YouTube integration to R1 models to enhance entertainment and connectivity from smartphones and large-screen devices.

It means R1 users can use Google Cast to stream high-definition video content with high-quality sound. This content could be shared directly from cast-enabled apps on your iPhone, Android phone, or tablet. The content will be screened on a 15-inch touchscreen for a full-view experience.

The EV maker will also install a YouTube app in the center display. R1 and R1T owners will be able to access the app from the new Video Application tab. The app has features such as browsing, searching, and playing content. You can explore the entire YouTube library through your car’s center display or stream music.

Google Cast and YouTube are optimized for Rivian vehicles and enable on-screen playback controls on the large display. You can pause skip or play the ongoing media on the display without requiring you to touch the phone.

In the meantime, the seamless integration will allow you to use your connected device for texts and calling without interrupting the connection.

YouTube for Rivian R1T and R1S vehicles (Image Source – Rivian)

Google Cast and YouTube require you to Park mode. Also, the YouTube video will pause when you shift to Drive for enhanced safety.

Rivian partnered with Google and YouTube to enable direct integration into the in-car software. Unfortunately, the two features are still unavailable after five months of the announcement. To share an update, Wassym Besaid, Software Chief said that Rivian is conducting final testing for Cast and Youtube.

“We want to get the right quality bar before launch so that all our users enjoy a seamless and immersive audio/video experience.” Wassym wrote on the social media site X.

The software head also confirmed that Rivian will rollout a free trial for these two features for all R1 owners before adding them to the Connect+ subscription package.