Connect with us

News

Rivian reveals price, release dates for the R1T and R1S production version

(Credit: Rivian)

Published

on

Rivian revealed the prices and release dates for its R1T electric pickup truck and the R1S SUV. The company also announced that its configurator would be available to preorder holders on November 16. Rivian will send preorder holders an email to unlock early access to its configurator, which will be accessible to the public by November 23. 

Launch Edition 

Rivian will kick off deliveries in the Unites States with its limited R1T and R1S Launch Edition on June 2021 and August 2021, respectively. It plans to start R1T and R1S Launch Edition deliveries in Canada by November 2021. The company encourages preorder holders who are interested in acquiring the Launch Edition vehicles to reserve one as early as possible because supplies will be limited.

The R1T and R1S Launch Edition will come with Rivian’s premium Adventure Package and special interior badging. Launch Edition vehicles will also feature a unique paint option called “Launch Green,” as well as 20” All-Terrain or 22” Sport Wheels at no additional cost. The debut vehicles will offer an estimated 300+ mile range, suggesting that the vehicles will feature Rivian’s 135 kWh battery pack. 

(Credit: Teslarati)

Rivian’s Equipment Packages 

Rivian will be offering two equipment packages in its configurator named “Adventure” and “Explore.” Both equipment packages feature the same drivetrain and quad-motor configuration, as well as independent air suspension, active damping, and electro-hydrualic roll control. 

They both also come with a panoramic all-glass roof, vegan leather seats, WiFi and 4G capabilities, and a 1000-lumen flashlight on the driver’s side door. Each package does have its own defining features. 

  • Adventure Package 

The Adventure Package is essentially the Launch Edition minus the the special Launch Green paint option, interior branding, and free wheel upgrade. It comes standard with Rivian’s Off-Road Upgrade, which features a reinforced underbody shield and an on-board air compressor. A powered tonneau cover is also included, as well as the company’s “Gear Guard” remote monitoring system. 

Inside the vehicle, the Adventure Package comes with heated and cooled perforated vegan seats, a cabin with natural-grained ash wood, and the electric truck maker’s Rivian Elevation 360° audio system featuring a removable Bluetooth speaker. Deliveries for the R1T and R1S Adventure Package that are not part of the Launch Edition will start January 2022. 

Advertisement
https://twitter.com/Rivian/status/1326663538329473026?s=20
  • Explore Package

Rivian’s Explore Package is the most affordable trim listed by the electric car maker. It features a “sport interior” with matte black finishes throughout the cabin and heated vegan leather seats. The Explore Package also comes with a standard surround sound audio system. 

Unlike the Adventure Package, the tonneau cover of the Explore Package is manual. Although, the tonneau cover’s panels are designed to lock together to double as a camp table. Rivian will start delivering its Explore Package trim will on January 2022.  

Rivian hasn’t revealed all the specs for the R1T EV pickup truck or the R1S SUV. However, the clean energy automaker did share some information about the R1T and R1S vehicles battery packs and driver-assist system, named Rivian Driver+. More details about the specs and features of the R1T and R1S might be released once the company’s configurator is live later this month.

Maria--aka "M"-- is an experienced writer and book editor. She's written about several topics including health, tech, and politics. As a book editor, she's worked with authors who write Sci-Fi, Romance, and Dark Fantasy. M loves hearing from TESLARATI readers. If you have any tips or article ideas, contact her at maria@teslarati.com or via X, @Writer_01001101.

Advertisement
Comments

News

Starlink Cellular’s T-Mobile service to grow with third-party app data

From Oct 2025, T-Satellite will enable third-party apps in dead zones! WhatsApp, X, AccuWeather + more coming soon.

Published

on

t-mobile-starlink-beta-verizon-at-&-T
(Credit: T-Mobile)

Starlink Cellular’s T-Mobile service will expand with third-party app data support starting in October, enhancing connectivity in cellular dead zones.

T-Mobile’s T-Satellite, supported by Starlink, launches officially on July 23. Following its launch, T-Mobile’s Starlink Cellular service will enable data access for third-party apps like WhatsApp, X, Google, Apple, AccuWeather, and AllTrails on October 1, 2025.

T-Mobile’s Starlink Cellular is currently in free beta. T-Satellite will add MMS support for Android phones on July 23, with iPhone support to follow. MMS support allows users to send images and audio clips alongside texts. By October, T-Mobile will extend emergency texting to all mobile users with compatible phones, beyond just T-Mobile customers, building on its existing 911 texting capability. The carrier also provides developer tools to help app makers integrate their software with T-Satellite’s data service, with plans to grow the supported app list.

T-Mobile announced these updates during an event celebrating an Ookla award naming it the best U.S. phone network, a remarkable turnaround from its last-place ranking a decade ago.

Advertisement

“We not only dream about going from worst to best, we actually do it. We’re a good two years ahead of Verizon and AT&T, and I believe that lead is going to grow,” said T-Mobile’s Chief Operating Officer Srini Gopalan.

T-Mobile unveiled two promotions for its Starlink Cellular services to attract new subscribers. A free DoorDash DashPass membership, valued at $10/month, will be included with popular plans like Experience Beyond and Experience More, offering reduced delivery and service fees. Meanwhile, the Easy Upgrade promotion targets Verizon customers by paying off their phone balances and providing flagship devices like the iPhone 16, Galaxy S25, or Pixel 9.

T-Mobile’s collaboration with SpaceX’s Starlink Cellular leverages orbiting satellites to deliver connectivity where traditional networks fail, particularly in remote areas. Supporting third-party apps underscores T-Mobile’s commitment to enhancing user experiences through innovative partnerships. As T-Satellite’s capabilities grow, including broader app integration and emergency access, T-Mobile is poised to strengthen its lead in the U.S. wireless market.

By combining Starlink’s satellite technology with strategic promotions, T-Mobile is redefining mobile connectivity. The upcoming third-party app data support and official T-Satellite launch mark a significant step toward seamless communication, positioning T-Mobile as a trailblazer in next-generation wireless services.

Continue Reading

News

Starlink expansion into Vietnam targets the healthcare sector

Starlink aims to deliver reliable internet to Vietnam’s remote clinics, enabling telehealth and data sharing.

Published

on

starlink-brazil-license-expansion-2025
(Credit: Starlink)

SpaceX’s Starlink expansion into Vietnam targets its healthcare sector. Through Starlink, SpaceX seeks to drive digital transformation in Vietnam.  

On June 18, a SpaceX delegation met with Vietnam’s Ministry of Health (MoH) in Hanoi. SpaceX’s delegation was led by Andrew Matlock, Director of Enterprise Sales, and the discussions focused on enhancing connectivity for hospitals and clinics in Vietnam’s remote areas.

Deputy Minister of Health (MoH) Tran Van Thuan emphasized collaboration between SpaceX and Vietnam. Tran stated: “SpaceX should cooperate with the MoH to ensure all hospitals and clinics in remote areas are connected to the StarLink satellite system and share information, plans, and the issues discussed by members of the MoH. The ministry is also ready to provide information and send staff to work with the corporation.”

The MoH assigned its Department of Science, Technology, and Training to work with SpaceX. Starlink Vietnam will also receive support from Vietnam’s Department of International Cooperation. Starlink Vietnam’s agenda includes improving internet connectivity for remote healthcare facilities, developing digital infrastructure for health examinations and remote consultations, and enhancing operational systems.

Advertisement

Vietnam’s health sector is prioritizing IT and digital transformation, focusing on electronic health records, data centers, and remote medical services. However, challenges persist in deploying IT solutions in remote regions, prompting Vietnam to seek partnerships like SpaceX’s.

SpaceX’s Starlink has a proven track record in healthcare. In Rwanda, its services supported 40 health centers, earning praise for improving operations. Similarly, Starlink enabled remote consultations at the UAE’s Emirati field hospital in Gaza, streamlining communication for complex medical cases. These successes highlight Starlink’s potential to transform Vietnam’s healthcare landscape.

On May 20, SpaceX met with Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, announcing a $1.5 billion investment to provide broadband internet, particularly in remote, border, and island areas. The first phase includes building 10-15 ground stations across the country. This infrastructure will support Starlink’s healthcare initiatives by ensuring reliable connectivity.

Starlink’s expansion in Vietnam aligns with the country’s push for digital transformation, as outlined by the MoH. By leveraging its satellite internet expertise, SpaceX aims to bridge connectivity gaps, enabling advanced healthcare services in underserved regions. This collaboration could redefine Vietnam’s healthcare infrastructure, positioning Starlink as a key player in the nation’s digital future.

Continue Reading

Elon Musk

Elon Musk commends Tesla team on successful Robotaxi launch

Tesla CEO Elon Musk commended the company on the successful launch of Robotaxi.

Published

on

NORAD and USNORTHCOM Public Affairs, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Tesla CEO Elon Musk commented on the company’s launch of the Robotaxi platform, which officially went live to a small group on Sunday in Austin, Texas.

It is the first time Tesla has offered driverless rides through the ride-hailing platform it has worked to activate for several years, and it was overwhelmingly successful based on early reviews.

The launch was coupled with the release of the first-ever looks at the Tesla Robotaxi app, which does more than allow riders to summon vehicles for transportation. It also allows the rider to adjust climate settings in the car before it arrives for a comfortable ride, and it will sync entertainment and streaming settings to keep occupants entertained.

Tesla Robotaxi riders tout ‘smooth’ experience in first reviews of driverless service launch

The first rides are being performed with a safety monitor in the passenger’s seat. These monitors have no control over the vehicle, and are there just to ensure smooth operation.

The first reviews called rides “smooth” and “comfortable,” and commended Tesla for its hard work over the past few years to make this happen. Many were impressed with the cars’ ability to keep pedestrians safe, avoid congested parking lots, and the efficiency of the rides, as the time from the ride request to the Robotaxi accepting the ride was extremely fast.

Musk has been at the forefront of this operation for a decade, as Tesla has been working to release a version of the Robotaxi through the development of Full Self-Driving. This has been an effort that included seeking top-tier engineering talent and taking incredible leaps of faith, including switching to a Vision-only approach for Full Self-Driving.

Musk commended the Tesla team for its hard work:

It’s truly an incredible accomplishment, as many considered Robotaxi a “failure” despite it not even being rolled out. In May, we reported on media outlets calling the Robotaxi rollout a total failure, despite Tesla always maintaining the launch would happen in June:

Tesla Robotaxi deemed a total failure by media — even though it hasn’t been released

Hundreds of rides have already been taken, and there have not been many complaints. It’s an incredible jump forward for Tesla.

Continue Reading

Trending