Rivian’s 2026.36 software update has added a pet camera to the R2. The feature is an exclusive upgrade to Pet Mode, which has been available for years on older models.
Pet-loving Rivian R2 owners can now literally keep an eye on their favourite animals while away from their vehicle. The latest software update adds Pet Cam, a feature that puts four-legged companions on the lockscreen.
Rivian says Pet Cam is powered by the R2’s high-definition RGB cabin camera. Owners can activate the Live Stream mode, which sends real-time footage to their phone via the Rivian app. The update also reports the cabin temperature.
The other mode lets Pet Cam take snapshots of the cabin at intervals and update the owner’s lockscreen with fresh pictures of their beloved pet chilling in the car. Timestamps will include the latest temperature measurement in the car’s interior.
Anyone inside the car can end the live stream from the central display. This could help prevent people from using Pet Cam to spy on a car’s occupants.
Pet Cam isn’t Rivian’s first pet-focused feature. Older models have had Pet Mode, which lets drivers remotely regulate the cabin environment to keep pets comfortable. The 2026.36 brings enhancements to Pet Mode, including the ability to turn it on remotely instead of having to do so before walking away from the car.
Tesla offers a similar feature. Dog Mode, available since 2019, can transmit a live cabin feed and photos through the Tesla app. Lucid also has Creature Comfort Mode.
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