Rivian is bringing the R2’s redesigned software experience to the R1T and R1S through an over-the-air update, adding a refreshed interface, smarter navigation alerts, and improved AI assistance.

Rivian is making its latest software experience available to existing customers.

The new RivianOS 2 interface, originally introduced with the R2, is now rolling out to the R1T pickup and R1S SUV through over-the-air update 2026.31.

R1 Models Get the R2’s New Interface

The update gives R1 owners a redesigned infotainment experience without needing to move to the newer R2.

Controls can now change dynamically depending on what the driver is doing, while several control panels can be repositioned on the center display.

RivianOS 2 brings the R2’s redesigned interface to existing R1T and R1S models.

Rivian has also redesigned its settings system.

The new Settings 2 experience uses context-based controls and adds a search function, making it easier to find individual vehicle settings.

More Navigation and Connected Features

The update also adds real-time route alerts powered by Google Maps.

Drivers can receive warnings about speed cameras, police presence, and other road conditions.

RivianOS 2 adds Google Maps-based route alerts, including warnings for speed cameras and police activity.

Owners with Connect+ also receive a dedicated weather application with real-time conditions.

The Rivian mobile app can now be used to start, monitor, and update trips while they are underway.

R1 and R2 Now Share More Software

Rivian is also creating a more unified software experience across its lineup.

Future operating-system improvements are expected to apply across both R1 and R2 vehicles, although hardware differences will still limit some features.

The R2 and newer R1 models can display more advanced 3D vehicle graphics thanks to more powerful hardware.

For example, the R2 and second-generation R1 models use Unreal Engine 5 for their graphics, while the original R1T and R1S use Unreal Engine 4.

The older models also receive improved cloud-based AI voice assistance, while newer vehicles can take advantage of both connected and offline AI thanks to more powerful computers.

The R2 retains some hardware advantages, including its faster infotainment processor and Haptic Halo Wheels.

Still, RivianOS 2 gives R1 owners a much more modern software experience and helps bring the company’s older and newer vehicles closer together.

Kia’s PV5 infotainment system earned a Bronze award at the 2026 IDEA Awards, while the automaker’s Ocean Cleanup campaign was named a finalist.

Kia has received two major recognitions at the 2026 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA).

The Kia PV5 Infotainment System earned a Bronze award in the Digital Interaction category, while Kia’s global campaign with The Ocean Cleanup was selected as a finalist in Social Impact Design.

PV5 Infotainment Wins Bronze

The infotainment system was developed for Kia’s first dedicated electric Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV).

Its design focuses on creating a flexible, software-driven experience for different business and lifestyle applications.

The Kia PV5 infotainment system earned a Bronze award for its user-centered digital design.

The interface uses a 16:9 widescreen layout with multi-view functionality, allowing users to access media, camera, and HVAC functions simultaneously.

Kia also uses common typography, icons, widgets, and media elements to create a consistent experience between the vehicle’s physical and digital interfaces.

Ocean Cleanup Campaign Reaches Finalist Stage

Kia’s “Kia x The Ocean Cleanup: Creating a Wave of Movement, Together” campaign was named a finalist in the Social Impact Design category.

The campaign consists of a seven-part video series focused on plastic pollution and The Ocean Cleanup’s environmental work.

Kia’s Ocean Cleanup campaign was recognized for combining sustainability storytelling with a consistent visual identity.

Kia says The Ocean Cleanup has removed more than 42 million kilograms of marine waste to date.

The campaign connects that work with Kia’s “Movement” philosophy while using design to communicate environmental issues in a more accessible way.

Why the IDEA Awards Matter

The International Design Excellence Awards, presented by the Industrial Designers Society of America, are considered one of the leading global design competitions.

Entries are evaluated on factors including innovation, user benefit, aesthetics, societal impact, and business value.

The 2026 IDEA Awards recognized Kia’s work in both digital interaction and social impact design.

For Kia PV5 infotainment, the Bronze award highlights the company’s push toward software-defined mobility, while the Ocean Cleanup finalist recognition demonstrates how Kia is also using design to support broader sustainability initiatives.

The all-electric Escalade IQ uses customer research to shape its cameras, climate controls, personalization, and driver-assistance technology.

The Cadillac Escalade IQ is designed around a simple idea: technology should solve real problems.

General Motors says customer research helped determine which features belong in the electric luxury SUV and how they should work together.

Technology Designed Around Drivers

The Escalade IQ uses several camera systems to improve visibility and maneuverability.

Turn-signal-activated side cameras can help drivers monitor blind spots, while additional camera views assist during tight parking and other low-speed maneuvers.

The Cadillac Escalade IQ uses multiple camera views to improve visibility and driver confidence.

GM’s research also highlighted the vehicle’s climate and comfort features.

Instead of hiding climate controls inside multiple infotainment menus, the Escalade IQ uses a dedicated HVAC screen for easier access.

Personalization Makes a Difference

The SUV also uses profile-based personalization to tailor the vehicle to individual drivers.

That can be particularly useful when multiple people share the same Escalade IQ.

Profile-based personalization allows the Escalade IQ to adapt the experience to individual drivers.

Features such as the Rear Camera Mirror, power-closing doors, and Super Cruise are also designed around specific customer needs.

The goal is to make visibility easier, reduce effort, and make longer drives less stressful.

Customer Feedback Shapes Future Vehicles

GM says extensive engineering, testing, and customer feedback continue throughout the development process.

The company’s research helps identify which technologies resonate with different customer groups rather than adding features simply because they are available.

The Escalade IQ’s technology is designed to address practical needs rather than adding features for their own sake.

That approach extends beyond individual features.

GM says lessons learned from the Escalade IQ will help shape future vehicles, particularly as the company expands software-defined technologies that can be updated and improved over time.