So why would you prefer goggle's "control the user experience" power-tripping, to rivian's?

I'd much rather side with the company that was willing to allow the user to disable net connectivity...

I would prefer to have the choice.

Ideally, they would support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There are a few big reasons this is preferable.

- I already pay for internet on my phone, I'm not interested in paying for another cellular service just to get maps and music streaming on the screen in my car. GM ditched CarPlay specifically to push customers to their subscription service. I know some electric automakers are offering it "for free", but I do not trust that it will remain free, and that's important when spending tens of thousands of dollars on something you plan to use for a decade+.

- Third party app ecosystem means I can use the maps and music player I want, and not just what my car manufacturer decides is worth including.

- Auto manufacturers suck at software. I've yet to use an infotainment system that wasn't a stark downgrade from CarPlay.

Basically, my car shouldn't need an internet connection because my smartphone already does all the same things but better.

Your phone has an airplane mode.

My phone runs GrapheneOS and does not use any Google service. But it supports Android Auto. Allowing it would dramatically improve the experience.

Instead, Rivian adds a purely performative toggle that makes the car's navigation largely useless and doesn't provide a good alternative.