Rivian Added an AI Assistant to Its Cars
Rivian released a new software update that introduces an onboard AI assistant for its newer vehicles, adding conversational controls and more natural voice interactions inside the car. The assistant is designed to handle navigation, vehicle settings, climate controls, and general questions through a more flexible chat-style system instead of rigid command phrases.
The company says the assistant was built with a focus on privacy and responsiveness, with a lot of processing happening directly on the vehicle rather than constantly relying on cloud connections. Rivian also tied the feature into its broader software-focused approach, where updates regularly add new functionality long after customers buy the vehicle.
The move fits into a larger trend where automakers increasingly treat cars like evolving software platforms instead of static machines. Voice assistants used to mostly mean “play this song” or “call someone,” but companies now want them to feel more like embedded digital companions that manage the entire driving experience.
My Thoughts: Every tech company seems convinced people want full conversations with their devices now. Meanwhile most drivers probably just want the car to understand them the first time when they ask for directions in a parking garage.
