The connection between mobile phones and cars is becoming deeper and more demanded by consumers. Android Auto and its applications were just the beginning, in the near future our car will be an extension of the mobile phone, as models like the Xiaomi SU7 already demonstrate.
This makes sense, because modern smartphones already bring together every aspect of our lives. We use them to work, watch streaming videos anywhere or make purchases by simply holding it near an NFC reader with the cards stored. And since last year, our Android mobile can also be the key to our car.
Today, Rivian announced that it will be one of the first brands to take advantage of this technology, with its new electric models able to be unlocked and turned on using only mobile, without having to take the keys with you. For practical reasons, the cell phone will have the same necessary information as the keys and will be able to open the doors and start the electric motor.
For the moment, the first phones compatible with the Rivian platform are certain phones from the Google Pixel brand; Although the manufacturer has not detailed the specific models, the only ones that have the necessary UWB (ultra broadband) technology are the Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 8 Prowhich received support for Android 13 and Android 14 updates. Additionally, iPhones and Apple Watches are also compatible with the Rivian platform.
This new feature accompanies Rivian’s new electric models, the R1T and R1S. Both are revisions of the first models of the brand, born as an alternative to Tesla which gave off-road driving priority. The R1S is a large SUV, with a starting price of $69,900, while the R1T is a pickup truck that starts at $75,900.
Interior of the new Rivian R1
Free Android
Although at first glance they look very similar to the original models, in reality the new Rivians are so different that they can be considered a second generation instead of a revision. And Rivian focused on improving the production process, with a new battery module design that makes it easier to manufacture and replace. Battery packaging is also more efficient and the motors have been redesigned with more proprietary parts.
As a result, Rivian’s new R1s are more powerful and efficient; the four-engine R1T promises to make the 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds, something surprising given its size and the fact that it is not a sports car. And the range can reach up to 675 kilometers in the EPA cycle.
In addition to compatibility with the Google Pixel, the new R1s have a new service called Connect+, which allows use Google Cast to stream videos from the mobile phone to the touch screen, in addition to offering access to more than 3,000 applications.
