Rivian has announced Pet Cam for the R2, and circulated notes for software version 2026.36 describe it alongside Rivian Assistant, programmable liftgate height and other changes. Rivian says Pet Cam offers an in-app live cabin view or snapshots on a phone’s lock screen while Pet Comfort Mode is active. The notes are secondary reporting, however, and do not establish that the update has reached all R2s.
What Pet Cam does—and the safety requirement
Rivian’s announcement describes two ways to check the R2 cabin: view it live in the Rivian app or receive snapshots every minute on the phone’s lock screen. Both are tied to Pet Comfort Mode. Rivian’s instruction is explicit: “Always activate Pet Comfort Mode before stepping away from your vehicle when pets are inside; this helps maintain optimal cabin temperature and is required to power Pet Cam.” See Rivian’s announcement.
Pet Cam is a way to check the cabin view, not proof that an animal is safe or a substitute for setting Pet Comfort Mode. A camera view cannot guarantee cabin conditions. RivianTrackr reports that Pet Comfort Mode was introduced on R2 in software 2026.24, maintains the cabin at a set temperature and displays climate information on the center screen. It says the mode can be activated from quick controls or the Climate panel; without it, Pet Cam has no feed. RivianTrackr’s feature report also says R1 lacks the hardware required for Pet Cam, so the announced feature should not be assumed to work on R1.
Remote controls, subscription and privacy
According to the circulated R2 2026.36 notes transcribed by RivianTrackr and reproduced in a Rivian owner-forum post, the Rivian app must be version 3.17 or later to switch Pet Comfort Mode on or off remotely. The notes also report that Pet Cam requires an active Connect+ subscription and that the center display has an option to turn off live streaming when someone is in the cabin. These requirements and controls come from secondary release-note reporting, not an official Rivian release-note page.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- UPSCALED 4K FRONT + 1080P REAR DUAL DASH CAM: The ROVE R2-4K DUAL records the road ahead and behind at the same time. The front camera captures at 2.5K (QHD) and intelligently upscales to 4K (2160P) for higher-detail playback, while the rear camera records at Full HD 1080P. This is upscaled 4K, not native 4K, engineered to show sharper everyday detail than standard 1080P dash cams, so you can read license plates, signs, and surroundings in front and rear footage.
- SONY STARVIS 2 IMX675 SENSOR + SUPER NIGHT VISION: The front camera uses a Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675 5MP image sensor with a wide F1.5 aperture (F1.8 rear) and HDR to pull in more light for clearer low-light footage. This advanced sensor enhances nighttime clarity, helping capture license plates, road signs, and surrounding vehicles with greater reliability when driving after dark, through tunnels, or in dusk and dawn conditions.
- ULTRA FAST 5.8GHz WIFI/ UP TO 20MB/s DOWNLOAD SPEED: With its built-in dual-band 5.8GHz and 2.4GHz WiFi, you can use the ROVE dash cam app to view and manage dash cam recordings instantly on your iPhone and Android smartphone. Using the ROVE app, download your recorded videos directly to your smartphone at up to 20 MB/sec, then easily share them on social media with friends and family. Additionally, manage camera settings and update the latest firmware over-the-air via the ROVE App.
- CAR CAMERA WITH GPS: The new front and rear dashcam comes with built-in GPS, which enables you to view real-time live speed and compass on the 3” IPS wide camera screen. It records precise driving routes, locations, and speed stamps directly on the video so you can watch dashcam videos with GPS data using ROVE's free GPS Player on your PC or Mac & get additional evidence when you need it.
- FEATURES WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY INCLUDED: Experience peace of mind with this front and rear car dash cam. It comes with a free 128GB microSD card and offers advanced features such as an f1.5 aperture, motion detection, G-sensor, seamless loop recording, emergency video lock, screen saver, live speed and compass direction, voice guidance, ring of threads for optional CPL filter, a built-in supercapacitor for extended product life, support for up to 1TB microSD cards, and many more.
Rivian Assistant: what the reported notes describe
The R2 2026.36 notes report Rivian Assistant for vehicle controls and questions. They say it can adjust settings and climate, handle navigation, media, messaging and calls, consult the Owner’s Guide, answer general-knowledge questions and follow-ups, and explain alerts or troubleshooting steps. Reported ways to access it include the steering-wheel Haptic Halo Wheel, the center display and the wake phrases “Okay, Rivian” or “Hey, Rivian.” The notes list English as the available language and Connect+ or an active trial as a requirement. These details are reported features, not confirmation of broad availability.
Rivian’s June 26, 2026 technology article says R2 has 200 sparse TOPS of edge AI compute dedicated to the in-cabin experience and describes Assistant as able to run tasks locally when the vehicle is offline. That figure is Rivian’s hardware specification, not an independent benchmark or a measured speed claim. Read Rivian’s technology article.
Rank #2
- 4K ULTRA HD RECORDING with 8MP SONY Sensor - The ROVE R2-4K dash camera records video up to 2160P Ultra HD. MEMORY CARD IS NOT INCLUDED and must be purchased separately (supports up to 512GB Class 10 / U3 speed microSD card; we recommend ROVE PRO, ROVE Ultimate, or ROVE Industrial cards). Revolutionary Super Night Vision Technology (6 Glass Lens + F1.5 Aperture + SONY IMX415) helps capture clearer footage and images in low light conditions.
- BUILT-IN WiFi 6 — Use the ROVE App to view and manage dash cam recordings instantly on your iPhone (iOS) or Android smartphone. Download your recorded 4K videos directly to your smartphone at a speed of up to 6MB/s, and easily share them on social media with friends and family.
- DASH CAM WITH GPS – Built-in GPS accurately records your driving location and speed. You can view your driving route and tracker on Google Maps via Wi-Fi using the app or with our GPS Player. We provide FREE firmware upgrades for this car camera, allowing you to enjoy hassle-free over-the-air updates via the ROVE App.
- FEATURES WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY INCLUDED – The car dashboard camera comes with a built-in Supercapacitor, f1.5 apertures (the largest in the industry), parking mode, motion detection, 150° A+ wide angle lens, G-sensor, loop cycle recording, emergency video lock, time-lapse video, supports up to 512GB class 10 - U3 speed micro SD card (NOTE: MEMORY CARD NOT INCLUDED - We recommend ROVE Ultimate Micro SD Cards)
- 100% USA-CHICAGO BASED CUSTOMER-CENTRIC COMPANY & CUSTOMER CARE – This dash camera for cars is backed by a full 1-YEAR WARRANTY. You can text us for (Faster Response) or Email our customer care and we will answer any of your questions and resolve arising issues fast.
Other changes listed for R2 software 2026.36
The following items appear in the circulated R2 notes. Treat them as reported 2026.36 content rather than proof that every vehicle has received the changes.
Programmable liftgate height
The notes describe a custom powered-liftgate opening height, useful when a garage ceiling or bike rack limits clearance. To set it, open the liftgate to the desired height, pause it, then hold the interior liftgate button for three seconds. To reset the setting, hold the button for three seconds after the liftgate reaches its programmed height. This procedure is from the reported notes; consult the vehicle’s current instructions if the controls differ.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- CRYSTAL-CLEAR 4K + 2K DUAL DASH CAM – The ROVE R2-4K DUAL PRO dash cam features 3840x2160P 4K front @30fps and 2560x1440P 2K rear @30fps recording. With Sony’s latest STARVIS 2 sensors for both front and rear, HDR imaging, F1.7 (front) and F1.55 (rear) wide-aperture lenses, and a sweeping 150° front + 140° rear ultra-wide angle, you’ll capture every drive in crisp detail—even the smallest objects, license plates, or road signs. Whether it’s daylight or dusk, every frame is crystal clear.
- DUAL STARVIS 2 SENSORS IMX678 + IMX675 – Equipped with Sony’s two most advanced STARVIS 2 CMOS sensors— IMX678 (8MP) for the front and IMX675 (5MP) for the rear—this dash cam delivers higher light sensitivity, reduced noise, and minimized motion blur. Clearer night-time recordings, smoother footage in tunnels or during sudden light shifts, and reliable visibility through rain or headlights glare. Whether you're driving in the city or on the highway, your footage stays sharp when it matters most.
- LIGHTNING-FAST DUAL BAND WIFI 6 / 30MB/s TRANSFER SPEED – Comes with advanced dual-band WiFi 6 with 5GHz and 2.4GHz, the R2-4K DUAL PRO lets you wirelessly connect to the ROVE Dash Cam App on your iPhone or Android smartphone. Instantly access, manage, and download ultra-clear 4K videos at speeds up to 30MB/s—then easily share these on social media with friends and family. You can also manage camera settings and update firmware seamlessly over-the-air via the ROVE App.
- BUILT-IN QUAD-MODE GPS – The R2-4K DUAL PRO features powerful Quad-Mode GPS with seamless compatibility across four satellite systems—GPS, BEIDOU, GALILEO, and GLONASS. It displays live speed, compass, and timestamp on the dash cam screen while recording your precise route, location, and speed to the video files. Use the FREE ROVE Dash Cam GPS Player to replay trips with full GPS overlay for reviewing routes or validating claims.
- FREE 128GB ROVE PRO microSD CARD & CPL FILTER – Included in the box is a high-performance 128GB ROVE PRO microSD card, tested and optimized for reliable 4K recording without frame drops. Also comes with a ROVE Ultimate CPL filter to reduce windshield glare and reflections for clearer footage. Supports up to 1TB microSD cards for long, uninterrupted recordings—so you're always ready to capture the road ahead.
Navigation and driver assistance
- Saved locations can be named and reordered. Charger-category searches are described as aligning with map filters and pins, while charging-site scores may account for sites that require multiple plug-ins and, where possible, the vehicle’s charge-port type. Electric Era is added as a listed fast-charging network.
- Driver-assistance notes describe adjusting attention-warning timing and escalation based on road and traffic complexity, plus improved driver-attention detection when the driver wears sunglasses.
Access, charging, climate and media
- Access changes include improved closure warnings and passive entry for some Google Pixel phones.
- Charging-related refinements include an updated Energy app design and notifications, clearer outlet-power messaging and a fix for a charging-graph display issue.
- Climate notes mention cold-weather behavior and seat-climate indicators. Media notes describe improved Apple Music loading and playback, along with changes to Spotify album-page behavior.
Gear Guard, towing and display refinements
The circulated notes also describe support for additional portable SSDs and Gear Guard fixes, refined trailer-weight estimation, and fixes for settings responsiveness and display issues. They do not specify every compatible drive or quantify the changes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Has the update reached your R2?
RivianTrackr reported Pet Cam as coming in an October update on September 30, and reported Rivian Assistant as confirmed for that update on October 2. R2-specific 2026.36 notes surfaced through RivianTrackr and an owner-forum post on October 6. Those reports establish announced and circulated content, not the date broad public distribution began or whether a particular R2 is eligible or updated.
Rank #4
- 4-Channel Dash Cam for Complete Vehicle Coverage: This dash cam is equipped with four Full HD 1080P cameras, capturing footage of the front, rear, left, and right sides of your vehicle simultaneously. The adjustable front cameras enhance visibility and offer flexible recording angles, including interior footage.
- Time-Lapse Recording & Parking Mode: With time-lapse recording, 60 minutes of footage is compressed into 1 minute, saving memory card space. Activate parking mode with the optional ACC hardwire kit (sold separately) for security when your vehicle is parked.
- Enhanced Night Vision & WDR Technology: The dash cam features advanced night vision and Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology for clear, balanced footage, even in low-light conditions. Eight infrared lights ensure optimal visibility, and WDR adjusts exposure to capture detailed images in varying lighting.
- Optional GPS for Real-Time Vehicle Tracking: Purchase the GPS logger (sold separately) to add location, speed, and time tracking, providing a visual representation of your vehicle's route. This feature is perfect for documenting travel details in case of incidents.
- 5GHz Wi-Fi & App Integration: Share videos easily via Wi-Fi using the mobile app for both iOS and Android devices. This feature allows for quick video downloads and sharing on your preferred platforms.
Check the software-update screen in your R2 or the Rivian app for the status of your vehicle. Availability can vary by vehicle and rollout timing; the reported notes alone do not confirm delivery to every owner.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [4K+1080P Front & Rear Recording] REDTIGER F7NP dash cam captures every detail with stunning 4K front and 1080P rear video. Featuring the advanced STARVIS 2 sensor plus the 170° front and 140° rear wide-angle lens, this dash camera delivers sharper images, balanced lighting, and reliable evidence day or night. Ideal for commuting, road trips, rideshare drivers, and new drivers.
- [STARVIS 2 Sensor & WDR Night Vision] Equipped with the advanced STARVIS 2 sensor, F1.5 large aperture, and 6-layer optical lens, F7NP 4K dual dash cam delivers clear, high-contrast footage in any lighting. WDR and HDR technology balance highlights and shadows, ensuring sharp night vision and crisp details day or night, providing reliable evidence and enhanced safety for every drive.
- [Built-in 5.8GHz WiFi & Smart App] Connect your smartphone to the dashcam’s built-in 5.8GHz WiFi to enjoy ultra-fast downloads up to 20MB/s. Using Redtiger Cam app, you can preview, download, and replay videos in real time, check GPS ata (route, speed, and location), and manage settings effortlessly, making it simple to review footage and share important moments.
- [Loop Recording & Free Memory Card] This car camera supports seamless loop recording to ensure continuous coverage without interruption. Older files are automatically overwritten when storage is full, while important events are safely locked. A free memory card is included, giving you ample space for 4K recordings and allowing you to use the camera right out of the box.
- [24/7 Parking Mode* & G-Sensor] Enjoy round-the-clock protection with two parking modes: time-lapse recording for continuous low-bitrate monitoring and G-sensor mode that records when collision is detected. The car security camera with G-sensor automatically locks important clips, ensuring crucial evidence is safely preserved even while your vehicle is parked.(*Hardwire kit needed.)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
