"The Rivian Assistant rolled out in its latest software update, 2026.15, to all owners with a subscription or trial for Connect+, Rivian's connectivity services. You activate it like most digital assistants, either with a button on the steering wheel, an icon on the infotainment display, or with a trigger phrase-in this case "Hey Rivian" or "OK, Rivian.""
"Because the assistant runs within Rivian's private cloud, it has a deep integration into the EV's subsystems similar to BMW's and Mercedes-Benz's offerings, rather than the more pared-back abilities of the in-car AI assistant provided by Google to OEMs that use Android Automotive and Google Automotive Services."
"Rivian says that the AI can "control vehicle settings, climate control, navigation, media, messaging, and calling," it can reference the owner's manual, will reply to questions, search for information, and even explain in-car alerts and help you troubleshoot problems."
Rivian built a reputation for vehicle software through a clean-sheet electronic architecture and an in-house infotainment system. The latest software update, 2026.15, introduces Rivian Assistant for both Gen1 and Gen2 vehicles. The assistant rolls out to owners with a subscription or trial for Connect+. Activation is available via steering-wheel button, infotainment icon, or voice triggers such as “Hey Rivian” or “OK, Rivian.” The assistant runs in Rivian’s private cloud and integrates deeply with vehicle subsystems. It can control vehicle settings, climate control, navigation, media, messaging, and calling. It can reference the owner’s manual, answer questions, search for information, explain in-car alerts, and help troubleshoot problems.
Read at Ars Technica
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