Tesla in introduce Waze-like features and warnings
Fortune
One of Tesla’s latest software updates, FSD Beta 11.4.8.1, which is update 2023.27.12, includes code pointing to several new, unexpected features. According to our favorite Tesla hacker, Green, also known as @greentheonly on X, there will be new Waze-like features, new routing options and a driver “liveliness” system.
Speed Cam and Red Light Awareness
A key highlight of this update is the integration of speed camera and red light cam awareness, functionalities that seem to be inspired by popular navigation apps like Waze. Waze has provided real-time traffic updates, including alerts about speed cameras, traffic congestion, and road hazards. By integrating a similar system, Tesla keeps up with some of the most wanted navigation features. This new feature includes the ability to detect fixed and mobile speed and red light cameras.
The importance of this feature cannot be overstated. Speed and red light cameras are critical in regulating traffic and ensuring safety. However, they can also be a source of anxiety for drivers. Tesla's approach not only assists in compliance with traffic laws but also adds a layer of security and peace of mind.
Tesla is also set to introduce several additional navigation features. One such feature is the "avoid construction on route" option, designed to enhance route efficiency and reduce unexpected delays. Another notable addition is the control over U-turns, allowing drivers to enable or disable U-turn maneuvers in routing options. One much-wanted routing option that owners have been asking for is the ability to use or disable highways. Unfortunately, and somewhat surprising, it doesn’t look like this option is included in this update.
Driver Monitoring Improvements
The update also includes an intriguing development in driver monitoring. The cabin camera now assesses "driver liveliness," a move to ensure the driver's attention is on the road. This feature appears to be aimed at owners who may have tried to trick the system by taping a static photo in front of the camera. It appears that the updated system will check whether the the driver is not only attentive, but also exhibits signs of a human driver.
Release Date
There is significant interest in the availability of these features outside North America, particularly in Europe and Asia. Green has indicated that while these features are currently not user-accessible in this update, its clear Tesla is continuing to develop them and they’ll likely be rolled out in a future update.
While the new routing options may become available worldwide, speed camera locations and red light camera awareness will likely depend on local laws and these features will only be released appropriate.
It’s possible that we’ll see these new features in Tesla’s upcoming holiday update later this month.
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After a post on X, Tesla has confirmed that it recently exported its 1 millionth car from Giga Shanghai. That’s a massive number of vehicles from a factory that only opened in December 2019.
Since Q3 2021, Giga Shanghai has been responsible for producing over 50% of global EV production – with the single exception of Q2 2022 – where production fell to about 40% while the factory was retooling. That’s a jaw-dropping figure for a single factory.
1 Million Exports
Giga Shanghai produces Teslas for practically the entire world, including the European, Australian, Chinese, and other Southeast Asian markets. For now, it also produces cars for Canada; however, an upcoming tariff could change this.
Giga Shanghai also celebrated the shipping of 100,000 vehicles to Australia with the 1 million vehicles exported mark. While the majority of vehicles end up in Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia are still massive markets for Tesla.
Going forward, Giga Shanghai, with its continued expansions, will be at or above 1 million vehicles produced per year. A good chunk of these vehicles stay within China, while the rest are exported. Tesla sells on average 40 to 80,000 cars per month in China, depending on the season, with an average of 90,000 cars produced per month in 2024 so far.
Automated Production
This is all thanks to Giga Shanghai’s 95% automated production line. Giga Shanghai is likely one of the most automated and advanced factories in the world, a testament to Tesla’s manufacturing and engineering expertise. Giga Shanghai produces one vehicle every 40 seconds.
We’re looking forward to seeing how Tesla’s expansions and factory innovations continue in the coming months and years.
Giga Shanghai operates a 95% automated production line, enabling a cycle time of less than 40 seconds! From taking 2.5 years for the first million cars to be produced, the second million was done in just 12 months 🚘🪄 pic.twitter.com/IF1w27AFPr
Tesla’s last app update, version 4.37.1, introduces support for critical alerts on the iPhone. These alerts are designed for emergency situations and will override standard notification settings, including the mute switch, Focus modes, and Do Not Disturb. This ensures that owners are notified when immediate action is required, even if their phone is set to silent.
How to Enable Critical Alerts
Activate Dog Mode: Open the Tesla app and turn on Dog Mode.
Main App Screen: After activating Dog Mode, go back to the main section of the app.
Enable Critical Alerts: A new option called Critical Alerts will appear under Live Camera and the quick action icons (Tip: You can add up to 5 quick actions). It’ll state, “Grant permissions to receive critical notifications.” Tap it, and you’ll see a system dialog asking for permission to allow critical alerts for the Tesla app.
Confirm Permission: Choose to allow the Tesla app to send critical notifications, which will grant the app special privileges for sending urgent alerts.
This new feature is likely intended for situations where Dog Mode needs to be turned off unexpectedly. For example, if the vehicle’s battery drops below 20% or if the temperature inside the cabin rises or falls drastically outside of your set temperature, the Tesla app is expected to send a critical alert to the owner, ensuring they are informed right away.
What Are Critical Alerts?
Critical Alerts are a type of iOS notification available only to approved apps, which must meet specific criteria set by Apple. These alerts are designed to be used in emergencies and bypass all standard notification restrictions. This means that regardless of whether your phone is silenced or in Do Not Disturb mode, the alert will play a sound and appear prominently.
By adding support for Critical Alerts, Tesla is prioritizing the safety of pets who may be left inside the vehicle with the expectation that Dog Mode will keep conditions safe. This change makes the app more reliable for alerting owners when immediate attention is needed, ensuring they are always kept informed—even when their phone’s settings would typically prevent other notifications from coming through.
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