Rivian R2 Gets Pet Cam Live Stream and Rivian Assistant in New OTA Update

Rivian has released an over-the-air software update for its R2 vehicle that introduces a new Pet Cam feature, allowing owners to monitor their pets via live video stream. The update also extends Rivian Assistant to the R2 lineup and adds remote control capabilities for Pet Mode across R1 vehicles.

What Happened

The new Pet Cam mode is exclusive to the R2 and utilizes the interior camera located behind the rearview mirror glass to provide a high-definition view of the cabin. Owners can initiate a live stream through the Gear Guard feature, which also displays the current cabin temperature. Additionally, the Rivian app will push snapshots to the user's lock screen for quick checks. Rivian noted that the system is designed to detect if a person is in the vehicle rather than a pet, in which case it will deny monitoring to ensure privacy. The update also brings Rivian Assistant to the R2, enabling voice control for climate, media, and navigation via the 'Hey, Rivian' wake word or the Halo Wheel.

Why It Matters

This update highlights Rivian's strategy of using software to enhance vehicle utility over time, rather than waiting for next-generation hardware. The company cites internal data stating that more than 60% of its owners travel with pets, making this a significant feature for a large portion of its customer base. However, access to the live streaming functionality is not free; it requires a subscription to Rivian's Connect+ plan, which costs $14.99 per month. The live stream is limited to one hour per day, and occupants can deactivate the camera from the touch screen if they are present in the car.

The Bottom Line

Rivian's latest OTA update adds significant pet-monitoring capabilities to the R2 and brings AI voice assistance to the model, though full access to live video requires a paid subscription. The update also improves Pet Mode usability for R1 owners by allowing remote activation and deactivation through the Rivian app.