Musk Tweets About the Arrival of Tesla's FSD Beta 11.4.4: What Can We Expect?

Version 11.4.4 will be the next version of Tesla's FSD Beta

Not a Tesla App

Elon Musk announced on Twitter the imminent release of Tesla's FSD Beta version 11.4.4, saying it'll go out later this week. Musk's declarations, however, should be understood within context; it's well-known among Tesla followers that Musk's release forecasts tend to be somewhat optimistic, and actual releases often occur later.

Tesla's software update rollout typically involves a multi-stage process. The initial step consists of a stringent evaluation of the update by Tesla's Quality Assurance department. Following their green signal, the update is released internally among Tesla's workforce. If no substantial issues arise during this preliminary testing phase, a select group of owners with FSD Beta, will receive the update.

Potential Enhancements in FSD Beta 11.4.4

Musk's announcement leaves room for speculation regarding the improvements the FSD Beta 11.4.4 update might bring. With Musk not providing explicit details, we're left to infer from past versions. Significant FSD enhancements characterized the updates in Beta 11.4 and 11.4.1. However, Beta 11.4.2 and 11.4.3 were predominantly concentrated on bug fixes and refinements.

This history leaves the path of Beta 11.4.4 unclear. It could focus on rectifying the previous version's bugs or introducing new, significant FSD upgrades. The latter could imply improved capabilities like better recognition of objects, improved navigation through more complex roads, or more nuanced interaction with pedestrians and cyclists.

Will FSD Beta 11.4.4 Be Based On a Newer Update?

As we delve into the technicalities, the question arises whether the new 11.4.4 update will be based on a new production branch, such as 2023.12 or 2023.20, or if it'll remain on 2023.7, which maintains consistency with Tesla's 2023.6 code versions.

FSD Beta 11.3 was based on the 2022.45 update, and the 11.4.X series, including 11.4.1, 11.4.2, and 11.4.3, was based on 2023.7. It wouldn't be too far-fetched to speculate that 11.4.4 might follow suit.

Reflecting on the Present Distribution of FSD Beta

Tesla has been methodically and incrementally expanding the reach of its FSD Beta program. Approximately 50% of testers were granted access to the latest major update, FSD Beta 11.4.3. However, several users are still operating on version 11.4.2 or older. Tesla's controlled approach indicates its dedication to refining the software and maintaining safety standards.

Rivian to Add Google Cast and Native YouTube App, Will Tesla Respond?

Coming to Rivian vehicles over a software update is Google Cast and YouTube support, which will allow for seamless, high-quality content streaming to Rivian vehicles.

This is a big step forward for Rivian’s software integration, especially compared to Tesla, which has yet to integrate native apps or release the long-rumored Tesla native app store.

Google Cast

Google Cast is Google’s version of Apple AirPlay which is supported in a variety of audio and video streaming apps such as Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and more. By using a supported app, a user will be able to cast content directly to Rivian’s main 15.6” center screen.

Like Casting to a TV or Smart Device at home, this will allow you to play, pause, or skip back and forth using the vehicle’s touchscreen. Google Casting automatically pauses when the vehicle shifts into Drive.

Native YouTube App

Alongside Google Cast, Rivian is also bringing a native YouTube app to vehicles, enabling users to access YouTube’s video and music library from anywhere with a data connection. These features will be integrated right into Rivian’s vehicle operating system, which means they will receive regular software updates, and not be reliant on browser-based capabilities.

Similar to casting content, YouTube content will also automatically pause when the vehicle is shifted into Drive.

Tesla Equivalents

For the time being, there is no way to AirPlay or Cast video from a phone or tablet to Tesla’s front or rear screens. However, for some apps such as YouTube, you can send the video URL to the vehicle and have it open the YouTube app to that video.

To do this, open the YouTube app and find a video. Once you’d like to share it with the vehicle you can tap on share. You’ll then need to share it with the Tesla app which will then send it to your vehicle. On iPhones this requires you to scroll to the right and tap on More, which brings up the native sharing screen and has the Tesla app.

However, this is far more limited than including AirPlay or Google Cast support which will work for practically and video, even personal videos in your photo library.

Elon Musk mentioned back in 2016 that Tesla would add mirroring of phone apps to the center screen, but that has yet to materialize. More recently Musk mentioned a native X App coming to Tesla vehicles.

Tesla Theater

Tesla Theater allows users to stream videos from various platforms, including YouTube, but these are web-based applications, with no native applications available. This leaves some marked limitations on usability.

Tesla most recently announced in their 2024.14 update that the browser will be able to be expanded to full-screen mode when parked, enabling more access to streaming services on the web. Meanwhile, Google Cast and Apple Airplay continue to remain highly requested features.

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Tesla FSD V12.4 - Features and Release Date

The greatly anticipated FSD v12.4 is around the corner, with Elon Musk mentioning that it will be going to employees this weekend, with limited external testers next week.

Several significant improvements are coming with V12.4, which is being compared to the leap in performance that was previously seen between V12 and V11.

Improved Comfort and Reduced Interventions

There are quite a few improvements expected with V12.4, which Musk has said will be focused on user comfort by reducing hard accelerations and sudden braking. According to Musk, FSD v12.4 is also expected to have a 5-10x improvement in time between user interventions, which means that Tesla is rapidly approaching its goal for the Robotaxi announcement on August 8, 2024.

Steering Wheel Nag Removal

FSD V12.4 is expected to eliminate the steering wheel nag, as Musk confirmed its removal last week. The camera-based driver monitoring system will be taking over, providing a hands-free experience. These improvements will most likely benefit owners who have cabin cameras with infrared lights the most, while Tesla may continue to use steering wheel nag as a fallback mechanism.

Driverless Autopark

The second key feature that may be included in v12.4 will be Banish Autopark, previously known as Reverse Summon, allowing you to choose a parking spot, exit the vehicle and have the car park itself. Whether this feature makes it in v12.4 is yet to be seen, but Musk has mentioned that parking without a driver is coming soon.

Automatically Seek Parking Spot at Destination

Finally, your Tesla will now traverse a parking lot and automatically enter Autopark mode when arriving at a destination, according to a post from Musk.

Eligibility and Branch

Tesla recently added FSD v12.3.6 to the 2024.14 branch with updates 2024.14.5 and 2024.14.6. This makes it very likely that Tesla’s next FSD version will also be based on 2024.14, meaning that it will be available to any vehicle on 2024.14.x.

For users on update 2024.3.25, this means that they’ll receive all of the features included in updates 2024.8 and 2024.14, which should make it a massive update.

Release Date

Musk has mentioned that FSD V12.4 is going out to employee vehicles for internal testing this weekend, with external testing starting next week. The rollouts typically go slower than predicted but looks like we may see this begin shipping to customers by the end of the month.

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