The Rivian R2 will feature a pet camera, but it won't let you monitor humans.
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Rivian R2 has introduced a new feature called Pet Cam, which employs an RGB camera to keep an eye on pets and maintains privacy by activating only when a pet is detected.
Designed with privacy in mind, Pet Cam will not turn on if a human is present, effectively addressing privacy issues and preventing potential misuse.
The feature integrates with Pet Mode, enabling users to monitor their pets through a smartphone app without draining the battery continuously.
It utilizes advanced sensor technology, employing image recognition and weight sensors to ensure precise pet detection and adherence to privacy standards.
In conclusion, Rivian R2's Pet Cam provides a pet-friendly monitoring option with robust privacy protections, enhancing the vehicle's existing Pet Mode.
The AI-assisted content has been editor reviewed.
Currently, several EVs, including Rivians, offer Pet Mode, which allows the climate control system to be maintained while the vehicle is locked, so pets can remain comfortable in varying weather conditions. The next feature? Pet Cam, as its name suggests.
The newly launched 2027 Rivian R2, which is now making its way to customers’ driveways, comes equipped with the necessary hardware for this functionality. The software to enable Pet Mode, as seen in the R1 model, will be available in about a month. As for Pet Cam, Rivian’s Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid indicated that the related software would be released "this year."
Bensaid acknowledged that getting the R2 on the road was a priority.
Pet Cam will utilize a new RGB camera embedded in the rearview mirror, focusing on the cabin. This camera also serves to monitor driver attention while driving with Rivian’s Universal Hands-Free driver-assist system.
Interestingly, the more expensive R1 models, which are already on the market, will not include Pet Cam for now. R1s are equipped with an infrared camera, not an RGB camera, as the driver attention monitoring device, preventing it from serving the dual purpose of Pet Cam.
According to Bensaid, users will be able to monitor their pets via the Rivian app on either iOS or Android devices.
He emphasized, “There are numerous controls involved because we must adhere closely to privacy standards. The feature will only engage if a pet is detected. If a human is present, it will remain inactive.”
Bensaid added, “We offer our customers configurability regarding privacy data. By default, the interior camera is off, so it requires opt-in consent. If you choose to use it for Pet Cam, there are further controls, ensuring it activates only upon detecting a pet. If a human is present, it will not function.”
Pet Cam operates in addition to Pet Mode; turning on Pet Mode does not automatically engage Pet Cam. Instead, Pet Cam becomes available as an option once Pet Mode is activated. Both features can function semi-independently, allowing users who wish to conserve battery life to toggle Pet Cam on and off via the smartphone app while using Pet Mode.
Bensaid took a serious tone, stating, “It’s crucial for us to avoid scenarios like domestic violence. We don’t want to provide a tool that could facilitate spying on someone if relations are strained. That’s why it’s vital for us to ensure the feature only activates when a pet is present.”
This capability will involve various sensors, including image recognition, weight sensors, and a detailed opt-in and acceptance process, along with an indicator on the screen whenever the camera is recording inside the car.
In a time when we can check on our children and pets from many different places, our Rivians will now be added to that list. You won’t have to go long without checking in on Fluffy again.
If you have any tips about future products or features, please reach out at tips@thedrive.com.
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The Rivian R2 will feature a pet camera, but it won't let you monitor humans.
The updated in-cabin camera allows you to monitor your pet through your phone while the car is parked. It is designed to remain inactive if it senses a person rather than an animal, serving as a conscious precaution against domestic violence, as explained by Rivian's Chief Software Officer to The Drive.