Tesla continues to enhance Service Mode in their vehicles
Niner
Tesla's 2023.26 update, which is now available on most vehicles, arrived with several exciting features, including a Spotify player refresh, support for Bluetooth controllers on the Model 3/Y and the rumored Charge on Solar feature for Tesla Solar and Powerwall owners.
The update also included smaller enhancements, such as the multi-cam view in the Tesla app, the ability to automatic turn on the headlights when the wipers are in use (available in select regions) and more.
For the new Model S and Model X, the update also added some features that were previously available on the Model 3 and Model Y, such as the customizable scroll wheel and the ability to reposition the Blind Spot Camera on the center display.
However, most Tesla updates also include smaller improvements not mentioned in the release notes. Owners slowly discover these changes over time, and we've outlined them here.
Improved Phone Calls
Update 2023.26 automatically adjusts the fan speed while you're on a call
Not a Tesla App
When you have your climate system set to 'Auto,' the HVAC fan speed may be lowered automatically to reduce cabin noise while you're on a phone call.
Service Mode Improvements
More Service Mode improvements were included in this update
Niner
Several new diagnostic screens have been added to Service Mode. They include the ability to test your steering wheel stalks, scroll wheels, horn and parking brake. You can now view the status and details of your airbags, low-voltage battery and the pitch of your vehicle's cameras.Service Mode is a mode that's typically reserved for service technicians, although it can be accessed by anyone. It is used to view information and test various aspects of a vehicle.
Supercharging Details
More details are now displayed on the Charging screen
Zer
When charging your vehicle at a Tesla Supercharger, your vehicle will now display more details about the Supercharging session.On the Charging screen (Controls > Charging), your Tesla will now display the price per kWh you're being charged, as well as the total energy charged.This is in addition to the Supercharger location and the total cost for the Supercharger session, both of which were added in prior updates.
Automatic Navigation Improvements
The vehicle will now show you if an automatic destination was chosen
BabyTesla/X
If you have Automatic Navigation enabled in your Tesla, you'll now be presented with your suggested destination when you enter your vehicle.The popup on the screen will display your destination, your ETA, battery upon arrival, as well as a photo of your destination if available.You can begin driving to automatically start the route, or you can cancel the suggested destination.Note: You can turn on Automatic Navigation by going to Controls > Navigation and enabling Automatic Navigation.
Updated Apps Badge
Updated apps will now include a blue dot
Not a Tesla App
Similar to the "New" badges that Tesla added in update 2023.12 that signify which features are new in menus, Tesla will now display a blue dot underneath each app that is new or has been updated.
Daily Charge Limit
The recommended charge level has been updated for some vehicles
The recommended daily charge level has been updated for some vehicles. Depending on your vehicle, the types of batteries it uses and where it was manufactured, Tesla may have lowered the recommended daily charge limit.
Updated Manual App
The recently added Manual app also received an update
Software Release Notes are now part of the Manual App, which already houses the owner's manual and tutorials. The app's icon has also been updated slightly.You can tab between the three sections of the app by tapping on the names near the top.The Release Notes' left column has been simplified and now only lists the name of the new feature, instead of the category such as "Climate Control Improvements."
Almost every update comes with a handful of undocumented changes that may not be big to make it into the release notes. Have you noticed any other changes in update 2023.26 or 2023.32 that we're not aware of? Let us know.
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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.
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.
Actually Smart Summon, the successor to Tesla’s Smart Summon feature, has been confirmed to be coming as soon as next month as per Elon Musk. Colloquially known as “ASS”, Actually Smart Summon is supposed to improve on the regular Smart Summon capabilities, which have historically used ultrasonic sensors (USS) to navigate parking lots.
We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon, and we’re quite excited about what other features will be unlocked once it finally shows up at our doorstep.
Vision-based Improvements
ASS is supposed to bring Smart Summon to vehicles that don’t have USS – using Tesla Vision. Most recently, Tesla has brought Autopark to vehicles without USS, and Vision-based Autopark has been a huge success. It is faster, more reliable, and smoother than the older USS-based solution. It can also park and maneuver in tighter locations.
Today, Smart Summon is sometimes useful at best, usually a party trick, or downright dangerous at worst. It’s excellent and best used in straight lines, where you have a clear line of sight of the vehicle, and can stop it if doesn’t see an obstacle.
I used Smart Summon today, just before writing this article – my 2022 Model Y (with USS) – did manage to show up just fine – in a straight-line location from where I was parked, after exiting the parking spot fairly cleanly. However, I’ve previously used Smart Summon and have had the vehicle turn towards obstacles, such as cart returns or curbs. Overall, it’s a sometimes-useful feature that has a lot of drawbacks right now.
Smart Summon is also restricted to a certain distance – and it's pretty small. The max distance is shorter than most parking lots, being only about 215 ft (65m). If you’re lucky enough to park close, it's very useful to bring your car right to you.
Actually Smart Summon
ASS will bring FSD V12-like capabilities to Smart Summon – the vehicle will primarily use Vision to drive toward you (or the location you’ve indicated). ASS has been supposed to be coming since about September 2022 and has seen many delays – we’re almost at the 2-year point today.
We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon being able to bring the vehicle – safely – right to you. ASS is also one of the key steps towards bringing some other cool features that Elon Musk has previously mentioned – Park Seek and Banish Autopark.
We’re also hopeful that Actually Smart Summon will increase the maximum range a vehicle can be summoned, because the current range is fairly small. Alongside Park Seek and Banish Autopark, we’re closing in on a Robotaxi-based future.
Park Seek and Banish Autopark
When the FSD v12.4 showed up, Elon also mentioned that going forward, vehicles would automatically park themselves when arriving in a parking lot – Park Seek – and that if you got out of the car at the entrance to a business, you could get it to automatically park itself in the parking lot – Banish Autopark. These are two features that are needed for Robotaxi to work – which itself is delayed to October 10th of this year. We’re looking quite forward to them – as in combination with Actually Smart Summon, Tesla has reached the cusp of vehicle autonomy.
A vehicle that arrives, driverless, at the location you’re at, then drives somewhere, parks itself there, and waits for you – is the definition of a Robotaxi.
While we’re likely to have to wait for Banish Autopark and Park Seek just a bit longer, Actually Smart Summon being around the corner is exciting! Gone will be the days of having to run out to your car when you forgot your umbrella – your car will just come right to you instead.
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!
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Although we share official Tesla release notes, we are not affiliated with Tesla Motors. We are Tesla fans and supporters.