VinFast Auto has announced that RIDEVU, Sony’s new online in-vehicle entertainment service, will launch first on its US-spec VF 8 EV. The service itself will be available at no additional charge within the OEM’s premium VF Connect Prime package.
Through the launch, VinFast aims to reaffirm its commitment to offering smart EVs to its customers. VF 8 owners of the VF 8 in the U.S. who register for RIDEVU will be able to access it by installing the EV’s 9.6.1.11 OTA software update.
Developed by Sony Pictures Entertainment, RIDEVU provides customers with a selection of over 2,000 movies that can be watched on the central vehicle display. For 12 months, users can watch movies from RIDEVU’s library of regularly updated titles, with unlimited replays of up to 100 movies. Customers can also access premium titles by redeeming credits, purchasing, or renting directly through the app.
As a connected, multi-platform service, RIDEVU allows for quick synchronizing and streaming content on multiple screens, including in-car displays and brought-in devices (such as smartphones or tablets). The service is compatible with Android, iOS, Android TV, Apple TV, and Linux, enabling a seamless experience across a wide range of devices. Here, the central screen’s Screen Manager feature gives users full control over playback on all connected displays – providing convenient parental controls directly from the vehicle’s dashboard.
The in-vehicle RIDEVU app only allows for movies to be watched while parked, when charging or camping for example, to support safe vehicle experiences. While driving, Screen Manager can allow for RIDEVU content to be streamed on consumer electronics devices bought into the vehicle.
Following its introduction on the VF 8, VinFast also expects to launch RIDEVU on the VF 9 upon its delivery to the U.S. market, with Canada to follow later in 2024.