CarPlay discussion with Rivian CS: company is working with Apple and it's a priority

[jjswan33]

Yea, I think it all comes down to the fact that Rivian isn't using an Amazon UI/Infotainment in place of AA/CP. Since all 3 are third parties, I believe Amazon would have some contractual room to make stipulations, tho those would likely only apply to the EDVs they contracted for.

However, requiring those via contract to not integrate with AA/CP would likely have the same effect of trying to enforce that for all Rivian vehicles. It would at least delay investment in the integration, if not kill it off entirely.

Not saying that happened, but it's one avenue I can think of that Amazon could have put their stamp on how this all happens without risking running afoul of antitrust laws.

I can see your argument, just doubt the conversation was even had, even informally.

Also if you've watched any of the videos with the EDV in action it is clearly different software (but still familiar as a Rivian owner). The obvious differences due to the vehicle but also for example Amazon appears to have it's own mapping/delivery software integrated.

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[cohall]

What is their rationale?

I've heard them squawk about "we can do better than CarPlay" but I wouldn't call that rational.

To be clear, I'm not defending them or claiming their statements are rational. But yes, they've stated on multiple occasions that Rivian being in full control of the infotainment experience is what's best for the consumer.

We believe that to create a truly incredible digital experience, an integrated platform that is optimized for our vehicles is the better path.

 

[MaskedRacerX]

Only question I have is, if CP/AA is actually implemented will battery preconditioning still be tied to Rivian's onboard navigation? How would preconditioning work if using a navigation app within CP/AA?

In the current version of CP, any charging/battery related integration would still require the use of the native navigation. There's a promise of a more open "vehicle API" in the next major version of CP, where all sort of systems could communicate to CP apps.

 

[Tahoe Man]

If this is true, just wait until RJ finds out about this leak and who leaked this - things are really going to blow up inside Rivian!

Rivian has been outspoken about delivering a better experience by providing their own solution. But I have to wonder if they underestimated the effort required to develop and maintain their solution and are now reconsidering that position?

That's how I would see it. It's not uncommon for an entity to learn as they go and make corrections or necessary adjustments to move forward with their product.

 

[CommodoreAmiga]

In the current version of CP, any charging/battery related integration would still require the use of the native navigation. There's a promise of a more open "vehicle API" in the next major version of CP, where all sort of systems could communicate to CP apps.

I believe SoC-aware EV routing is already supported by Apple in the current production release of CarPlay. This requires the car to share some data with CarPlay, so it's up to the manufacturer whether it will work in their vehicles. At least Ford has begun supporting it.

https://9to5mac.com/2022/03/18/mach-e-ev-routing-apple-maps-carplay/

 

[godfodder0901]

Um...As long as Jeff Bezos owns 18% of Rivian, there is 0 chance AA/CP gets implemented.

I'd expect an Amazon Alexa clone to be implemented before AA/CP.

I think that if Bezos/Amazon cared about this that much, then Alexa integration wouldn't suck and at the VERY LEAST we'd have a native Amazon Music app since Amazon doesn't own Spotify, Tidal, or Tune-In.

 

[MaskedRacerX]

To be clear, I'm not defending them or claiming their statements are rational. But yes, they've stated on multiple occasions that Rivian being in full control of the infotainment experience is what's best for the consumer.

This is something that started with Tesla, the "ground up" EV companies seem to say things that suggest using any 3rd party software is almost like an admission of their inability to compete on the technology side.

See my post above - there are certainly some limits to what CP can do with vehicle integration, but that's going to change over the next year.

And as a developer, I get having a unified UX is usually better, but if your own systems are deficient, I think just having the OPTION to use a 3rd party app mechanism, is an improvement.

 

[CommodoreAmiga]

What law would they be in violation of by suggesting to Rivian that they don't use a competitors product?

What law would be violated if they'd built that into contracts with Rivian?

None that I'm aware of...

Microsoft got in trouble for simply bundling Internet Explorer with Windows... They didn't even force people to use it.

 

[MaskedRacerX]

I believe SoC-aware EV routing is already supported by Apple in the current production release of CarPlay. This requires the car to share some data with CarPlay, so it's up to the manufacturer whether it will work in their vehicles. At least Ford has begun supporting it.

https://9to5mac.com/2022/03/18/mach-e-ev-routing-apple-maps-carplay/

Oh yeah, but I don't believe there's any pre-conditioning implemented as of yet. Just SoC/range prediction (like a linked ABRP account on a Tesla).

Definitely better than it was jus a short while ago!

 

[zefram47]

Only question I have is, if CP/AA is actually implemented will battery preconditioning still be tied to Rivian's onboard navigation? How would preconditioning work if using a navigation app within CP/AA?

I think that would depend on the level of integration Rivian opted for. A couple years ago Apple implemented some APIs that allowed an EV to pass some vehicle information like %SoC into CarPlay for use by map apps and the like. But vehicle manufacturers actually have to integrate CP in a way that those data are available. My MINI EV does not, so mapping apps can't use it. Ideally, Rivian would eventually allow us to manually toggle preconditioning since their built-in maps don't contain all existing chargers as-is.

 

[CommodoreAmiga]

To be clear, I'm not defending them or claiming their statements are rational. But yes, they've stated on multiple occasions that Rivian being in full control of the infotainment experience is what's best for the consumer.

So the same (b.s.) argument that Dealers make when they say the dealer franchise model is better for consumers and we shouldn't have a choice.... hmmm....

 

[harkco]

Well I just got off the phone with Rivian support and was told that CP/AA is never coming to their vehicles, BUT.... they are working on adding a glove box and cup holders with the next OTA update!

 

[Dark-Fx]

What will these forums have to complain about now??

There will be plenty "Why does carplay work so poorly in my Rivian?" "Why do I have to leave carplay to change drive modes" "Does anyone else routing in waze not have their battery precondition before charging?" "Why don't I get that little map on the driver's display when navigating in carplay?"

 

[ironpig]

Apple CarPlay is coming eventually. They just have to make the deal. Apple doesn't make it easy on anyone.

 

[astonius]

"Why do I have to leave carplay to change drive modes"

How is this any different than any other app on the native Rivian infotainment? I can’t change drive modes from navigation or media.

"Does anyone else routing in waze not have their battery precondition before charging?" "Why don't I get that little map on the driver's display when navigating in carplay?"

Literally all of these could be supported by CarPlay if Rivian chose to implement them.

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