Tesla introduced 'apps' with their WeChat integration in China
Not a Tesla App
Earlier this year Tesla integrated WeChat applets, or mini-programs, as part of their holiday update in China. This move has sparked curiosity and speculation about whether these applets are a sneak peek into Tesla's long-rumored app store. To understand the significance of this development, let's first explore what WeChat and its applets are and how they function.
What is WeChat and Applets?
WeChat is a popular messaging, social media, and mobile payment app developed by Tencent, a Chinese technology company. It offers various features, such as messaging, voice and video calls, social media sharing, mobile payments, official accounts for brands and public figures, and location-based services. Since its launch in 2011, WeChat has become an essential app for millions of users, particularly in China, where it has integrated into various aspects of daily life.
WeChat applets, also known as WeChat mini-programs, are lightweight applications that run within the WeChat platform. These applets offer various functionalities and services, similar to standalone apps, but without users needing to download or install them separately. They are designed to load quickly and integrate seamlessly with the platform, providing a smooth user experience.
Tesla's WeChat Applets in Action
Below you can view Tesla's extensive applets available through WeChat that offer video streaming, audio books, flight tracking and more. Huge thanks to one of our readers who recorded this video for us.
Tesla New Year Update
In the context of Tesla's New Year update for the Chinese market, these WeChat applets have been integrated into the Tesla OS, offering extensive features that behave like apps. The applets function like websites, but their app-like behavior comes from their seamless integration with the vehicle. For example, when users tap an audiobook within an applet, it will play the audio through the car's music player, showcasing the applets' app-like functionality.
Tesla's move towards applets is likely inspired by Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), a standard for developing websites that can be installed, made available offline, and have app icons and assets saved instead of being loaded each time. This approach could be a strategic move for Tesla as they plan to develop their app store.
Easier Developer Access
By leveraging existing PWAs like Twitter, Tesla could quickly offer a range of popular apps upon launch, making it easy for developers to add their apps to Tesla's platform. As PWAs gain popularity, the Tesla app store will continue to grow, offering more variety to Tesla users.
As we reported more than a year ago, Tesla is actively developing an app store for its vehicles, rumored to be released this year. Concept designer DeleetDesigns even offered a vision of what a Tesla app store could look like.
A Tesla app store is an exciting prospect, but it may differ from traditional app stores like Apple's or Google's. Tesla is likely to focus on apps well-suited for use in a car rather than replicating the smartphone experience.
Do Tesla Have the Computing Power?
For the Tesla app store to succeed, it must leverage the benefits of the car's larger screen and integration with the vehicle. Tesla will likely build developer tools to enable the creation of apps that integrate into their OS, such as SiriusXM, YouTube Music, and video streaming apps like YouTube TV and Amazon Prime Video.
Moreover, the Tesla app store could enable developers to port additional games to Tesla vehicles, offering owners a wider range of gaming options.
An app store would be a significant win for Tesla, allowing them to offload the development of entertainment apps to other companies while freeing up engineers' time and providing owners with the desired apps.
However, running apps like those on smartphones and tablets would require a more capable processor than most Teslas. Only MCU 3-equipped vehicles would likely support such an app store, which only became available in late 2021. Tesla's WeChat applets require the Ryzen processor in MCU 3, and if Tesla does offer more web-based apps, the requirement may remain.
Tesla's integration of WeChat Applets in China may indicate the company's progress towards an app store. Although we should adjust our expectations for what a Tesla app store will entail, it's an exciting development that could greatly enhance the Tesla experience.
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest Tesla news, upcoming features and software updates.
Today, Tesla published its 2024 Q1 report, showing revenue of $21.3 billion, 9 percent lower than the same period last year and a total GAAP gross margin of 17.4%, down 19.1% in Q1 2023.
The company teased its upcoming Robotaxi and its next-generation platform saying its “purpose-built Robotaxi product will continue to pursue a revolutionary ‘unboxed’ manufacturing strategy”.
Tesla mentioned that it suffered “numerous challenges“ during the first quarter including the Red Sea conflict and the arson attack on its GigaFactory in Berlin and the ramp-up of the updated Model 3. Earlier today Tesla officially announced its new Model 3 Performance model.
Accelerating the Launch of its Next-Gen Model
The company said it will accelerate the launch of new models including its upcoming “$25k,” next-gen vehicle. Tesla stated:
“We have updated our future vehicle line-up to accelerate the launch of new models ahead of our previously communicated start of production in the second half of 2025. These new vehicles, including more affordable models, will utilize aspects of the next generation platform as well as aspects of our current platforms, and will be able to be produced on the same manufacturing lines as our current vehicle line-up.”
When it comes to layoffs, Tesla says it undertook “a cost-cutting exercise to increase operational efficiency” adding it is “focused on profitable growth” by “leveraging existing factories and production lines to introduce new and more affordable products”.
“The future is not only electric, but also autonomous. We believe scaled autonomy is only possible with data from millions of vehicles and an immense AI training cluster. We have, and continue to expand, both. To make FSD (Supervised) 5 more accessible, we reduced the price of subscription to $99/month and the purchase price to $8,000 in the US.”
Robotaxi
Tesla also revealed that its Robotaxi will now differ from its next-gen vehicle. Although Tesla will follow more traditional processes for producing its more affordable vehicle, Tesla says the Robotaxi will still follow the new, more efficient, “unboxing” manufacturing strategy. This comes just days after Musk said the Robotaxi will essentially be its next-gen model without a steering wheel.
Tesla’s quarter-end cash, cash equivalents and investments were $26.9 billion.
Earlier today, Tesla launched officially the highly expected Model 3 Performance with deliveries starting in May. The new version starts at $45,490 (after applying the $7,500 Federal EV tax credit).
In recent weeks, the company has been reducing prices in its primary markets, including China and the United States. The initiative followed the recent introduction of lower and even 0% interest financing programs in certain markets.
At the time of this writing, Tesla stock is currently trading 7 percent higher at $145 per share.
Today, a few hours before releasing their first quarter financial results, Tesla launched the highly anticipated Model 3 Performance. The new version starts at $45,490 (after applying the $7,500 Federal EV tax credit) and deliveries are scheduled to start in May.
With 510 horsepower and a top speed of 163 mph, the new Performance variant brings an improved sound system, a re-designed interior featuring more comfortable rear seats with some features coming directly from the recently revamped Model 3. Tesla also says that the new Performance model has “significantly less” road and wind noise thanks to the rear spoiler and changes to the front bumper.
“The front and rear fascias, rear diffuser and carbon fiber spoiler work together to help reduce drag and improve lift balance at high speeds”
Tesla’s most powerful Model 3 ever is now cheaper than the Model 3 Long Range after the federal tax credit. The Model 3 Performance model is the only Model 3 variant that is eligible for the government incentive.
Performance
The new Performance model comes with 20
While the new Performance model is largely based on the recently revamped Model 3, while including design changes to the front and rear diffuser, as well as the addition of a rear spoiler. In terms of performance, the model announced today offers a 22% increase in continuous power, a 32% increase in peak power, and an additional 16% of peak torque. The Performance model now has 500 hp and includes a “performance” motor that’s unique to the Performance model.
0-60 mph in 2.9 510 hp / 741 Nm 163 mph top speed — Performance-tuned chassis Same quiet & comfortable cabin plus bespoke chassis hardware for improved stiffness and higher performance baseline.
The new Model 3 Performance is capable of going 0 to 60 in 2.9 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the previous incarnation. It didn’t take long for Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk to comment on X stating that the Model 3 Performance is “quicker than a Porsche 911.”
Specs of the new Tesla Model 3 Performance
Track Mode V3
The new Model 3 Performance is equipped with an updated Track Mode, v3, that features an all-new calibration for the powertrain and adaptive suspension.
Tesla's Track Mode V3
Range
The Model 3 Performance has an EPA range of 296 miles (476km) on a single charge, an increase of 10 miles (16km) when compared to the previous version while being slightly lower than the Long Range variant.
Rear Display
As seen in the revamped version of the Model 3, Tesla is also bringing the rear 8” touchscreen with climate controls, Bluetooth connectivity and entertainment for the rear passengers. With Tesla update 2024.14, Tesla is improving the rear screen by adding trip information, time and temperature information to the top of the display.
Exterior view of the new Tesla Model 3 Performance
All-new Adaptive Suspension
According to Tesla, the new adaptive dampening system adjusts to driver and road input in real-time. While the new Model 3 already included suspension improvements over the previous generation, the Performance model takes it one step further.
New Seats
The new model includes the new Sport Seats that we’ve seen in spy shots before. Although the new model is officially named “Performance,” the sport seats feature the Ludicrous badge. The seats include improved side and cushion bolsters to help keep you in an ideal driving position
The new Sport seats feature the Ludicrous badge
Deliveries
The model just went up for sale a few hours ago, but orders placed minutes after the launch show an estimated delivery of May/June 2024 in the United States. In Canada, where the Model 3 Performance starts at CA $69,990, the estimated delivery is currently slated for June/July.
TeslaFi logs your drives and charging sessions, letting you keep a log of your vehice's activity. We highly recommend checking them out if you use your car for business trips and would like to keep track of reimbursements, if you like to see how much you spend on charging or if you just love statistics. Visit their site and see everything they have to offer!
Tesla Android Project enables you to run Android apps in your Tesla. The platform is Open Source and you can deploy it on your own Raspberry Pi 4. Consider supporting the initiative by donating or purchasing the Compute Module 4 Bundle that delivers the best experience. Get $20 off by using the code: NotATeslaApp
The official Tesla app only notifies you if your car is broken into. By installing Sentry Pro on your phone, you will be notified for all Sentry Mode events. Stay connected and avoid potential surprises by receiving notifications. Stop constantly checking the cameras to ensure safety. Check only when necessary, save battery and get peace of mind. Get a 7 day free trial here!
Stay organized, connected, and stylish with Cyberbackpack — the #1 backpack, luggage & travel accessories for Tesla owners. We highly recommend checking them out if you commute or travel and would like a backpack or luggage that is sleek, secure and durable. View their products page and see everything they have to offer!
![First Look at Tesla's V12 User Interface, Full Screen Visualizations and New Media Player [Updated: Photos and Video]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/img/containers/article_images/tesla-screen/tesla-ui-v12.jpg/783c9a19cfdf9e07cb8084b283328be0.jpg)
![Cybertruck Deliveries Halted Due to Accelerator Pedal Issue [Update: Deliveries Resumed]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/img/containers/article_images/cybertruck/cybertruck_66.jpg/6455088cd620bebf117dc98050b3860f.jpg)
_300w.png)
