Tesla Reignites FSD Beta Rollout to New Testers With Latest FSD Update

By Kevin Armstrong
Tesla has re-released FSD Beta 11.3.6 on a newer branch
Tesla has re-released FSD Beta 11.3.6 on a newer branch
Not a Tesla App

Social media lit up early this morning as a new cohort of FSD Beta testers shared their excitement. For the first time, Tesla has re-released an existing FSD Beta version but based it on a newer branch. This makes this latest FSD Beta release available to all existing Tesla owners who subscribe to FSD or have purchased the FSD package.

Earlier this year, Tesla was compelled to issue an over-the-air (OTA) recall for more than 362,000 vehicles with FSD Beta installed. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had raised concerns that under specific circumstances, the software might contravene local traffic regulations, potentially increasing collision risk if drivers failed to intervene.

Following the recall, Tesla halted the deployment of the software to new testers, putting a momentary brake on their FSD Capability option purchase or subscription. In March, Tesla resolved these issues with the release of FSD Beta 11.3.2, but new testers were still excluded from the rollout.

Tesla's FSD Beta is Back on Track

Late last night Tesla broke the ice by introducing the 2023.12.10 release, which includes FSD Beta 11.3.6. Notably, this release brings FSD Beta in line with the latest non-beta branch, a significant step forward in ensuring the continuous development of this innovative technology.

According to the release notes, this new beta update aligns with the existing 11.3.6 software version already in tester vehicles, which was version 2022.45.15. While this is excellent news for Tesla and its new testers, many were expecting to see beta 11.4.2, based on a recent tweet from CEO Elon Musk. Musk hinted that the 11.4.2 update would address "some easy-to-fix bugs" related to narrow roads and lane changes in heavy traffic.

With 11.3.6 being rolled out to new testers, it's hopeful that 11.4.2 will soon follow suit, bringing further enhancements to the FSD Beta software.

What Triggered the NHTSA Recall

Reflecting on the recall that led to the temporary rollout freeze, the NHTSA had identified several operational characteristics of the FSD Beta that could potentially infringe on local traffic laws. Issues raised included crossing intersections during a stale yellow traffic light, staying static at clear intersections for a prolonged period, adjusting vehicle speed in variable speed zones based on detected speed limit signs, and negotiating lane changes from certain turn-only lanes.

In the weeks following the recall, Tesla met with NHTSA representatives to discuss solutions. Despite initially disagreeing with the NHTSA’s analysis, Tesla has since issued a voluntary recall and promised a software update to remedy the issues.

The NHTSA's ongoing scrutiny of Tesla's Autopilot and FSD Beta software indicates the rigorous standards required for autonomous driving technologies. As Tesla rolls out its updated FSD Beta to new testers, it's clear that the company is committed to ensuring its technology's safety and continuous improvement.

Moving forward, all eyes will be on the imminent arrival of FSD Beta 11.4.2 and further developments in Tesla's pursuit of autonomous driving.

Tesla Launches Karaoke Mic (CaraokeMic) in North America

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Following on the heels of the 2024.26.3 update launch, Tesla has launched the CaraokeMic in both the United States and Canada.

These mics also come in line with the updates we previously reported on about the Recording Studio mode in the Caraoke app. The microphones – in China at least – were originally launched as the TeslaMic. These have been available in China for a while now, but are just now available in North America.

In the US, the CaroakeMic will run you $215 USD, while it’ll cost you a $300 CAD if you’re in the Great White North. These are a bit higher than the prices we originally estimated, but these also include a hardshell carrying case

Rock Out

You can rock out using the new CaraokeMic – it syncs automatically to your vehicle, and each one has a ten-hour battery life. And you’re not limited to just Caraoke – you can open any media app and get singing.

The CaraokeMic syncs with both the front and the rear touchscreens in vehicles, and comes with “anti-howling” technology, so that your opera-worthy renditions don’t shatter any ears – ahem – come through nice and clean.

There are 2 CaraokeMics per package, along with a receiver, data cable, charging cable, and hardshell storage bag. The mics themselves light up when they’re in use, and when they’re charging too. You can turn them on by simply pressing down a button on the bottom of the mic, which will also begin the sync process. Keep in mind that the receiver will need to be plugged into the a USB port in the vehicle that has data access — usually the glovebox or in the center console on older vehicles.

The data cable is USB-A to USB-C, coming from the car to the receiver, which the mics wirelessly sync to. The charging cable also seems to be the same, USB-A at the power source (which can be the car), and going to the USB-C on the CaraokeMic. Since the data and power cables appear to be the same, you should be able to use the cables interchangeably as charging cables.

The CaraokeMic requires vehicle update 2024.26 or later and the vehicle must have an Intel Atom or AMD Ryzen infotainment unit.

Tesla Is Now Offering Cybertruck Test Drives [List of Locations]

By Karan Singh
@brandonhd

Tesla has begun to reach out to customers in the United States and is offering demo drives of the Cybertruck on an invite-only basis. @brandonhd on X shared the first invite image, and it looks like it's going out quite quickly to multiple locations that have Cybertrucks on display.

Up until now, display vehicles have been for just that – looking, but no touching. Some Tesla delivery centers and showrooms have also allowed viewers to take a seat inside and open it up, but most are still locked away behind the velvet rope.

It’s exciting to see that Tesla has begun to demo them – and it can only be so long until demo drives open up to everyone.

Advisor-led Demo

This Demo Drive is led by a Tesla Advisor – while you’re driving, the advisor will be in the passenger seat, walking you through the experience. They’ll explain steer-by-wire, off-road controls, and will introduce new-to-Tesla buyers to all the features that are currently available.

Once FSD V12.5 comes to the Cybertruck, we’re sure they’ll be demoing its capabilities FSD capabilities as well.

Locations

The list of locations so far for demo drives appears to be fairly limited, but we will hopefully see demo drives roll out throughout the United States, and eventually Canada too. Here is the current list of city/state locations that have seen demo drive invites.

  • Manhasset, New York

  • West Covina, California

  • Los Angeles, California

  • Houston, Texas

  • Orlando, Florida

  • Westmont, Illinois

  • Tucson, Arizona

  • Phoenix, Arizona

  • Delaware

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