Sony’s car tech is set to debut in the VinFast VF 8’s infotainment system.Sony first announced its streaming-focused RIDEVU tech at CES 2023; it promises access to 2,000 movies from the Hollywood studio’s vast content library. Sony plans to put the technology in its own Afeela EV through a partnership with Honda launching in 2026. In the meantime, the infotainment system is now available in the VinFast VF 8, a compact SUV made by the Vietnamese company that just started selling its vehicles in the US last year. VinFast will also offer it on future vehicles, including the upcoming VF 9. “We are confident that RIDEVU will redefine video entertainment for the automotive industry, beginning with a best-in-class experience for VinFast drivers and passengers,” says Pete Wood, SVP of digital sales and distribution at Sony Pictures Entertainment.
VinFast VF 8 (Credit: VinFast)
Will other EV makers go for it? Mercedes-Benz signed a deal with Sony in January 2024 to offer RIDEVU in luxury vehicles, but it has not launched yet. Most premium EVs already offer streaming services through a paid connectivity plan, including the ability to watch YouTube or the news, and the in-vehicle streaming trend is likely to continue. (Some speculate the rumored Apple-Rivian partnership could be related to Apple TV.) Sony’s RIDEVU could stand out with its unique selection of Sony-owned titles, including mega-hits like Spider-Man, Jumanji, and Ghostbusters. The in-vehicle selection will change as titles become available, similar to how streaming services like Netflix operate.
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The VinFast VF 8 features a 15.6-inch dash screen. (Credit: Emily Dreibelbis)
VinFast offers a free 12-month trial to RIDEVU with “unlimited replays” of up to 100 movies, a fraction of the 2,000 total, with the ability to purchase or rent more through the app. The announcement did not say how much it costs after the trial period or how much individual titles go for.The content plays throughout the car, synchronized across in-car displays and personal devices. Passengers could watch it on rear screens, if the vehicle has them, or on their own Android or iOS devices. The driver can also control the playback from the Screen Manager, which also offers parental controls.For safety, the films will not play on the main dash screen while the vehicle is in motion. EV drivers will likely welcome the option to watch movies on the dash while the vehicle is charging, and any other times they find themselves waiting in the car.
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