You will now be able to switch settings from the steering wheel
Drill/TFF Forum (Edited by NATA)
Tesla's 2023.12 software update introduces a range of exciting new features designed to improve the driving experience for Tesla owners. In this overview, we delve into the details of some key updates, focusing on the Text Size feature, steering wheel customization, and more.
Text Size: Normal and Large
The new Text Size feature allows drivers to choose between Normal and Large text sizes for the touchscreen display. This user-friendly update makes it easier for drivers to read and navigate the interface. The comparison photos showcase the difference between Normal and Large text sizes, demonstrating the improved readability offered by the larger option.
The text size will not only affect menus but most text across the entire UI. For example, the labels on the visualization screen that let you lock the vehicle or open the trunk will also be made larger, as well as the climate temperature in the vehicle's launcher.
With Tesla update 2023.12 you can adjust the text size
Drill/TFF Forum (Edited by NATA)
Steering Wheel Customization: A Game Changer
Tesla's steering wheel customization now offers even more functionality, making it simpler than ever for drivers to access popular settings. By long pressing the left scroll wheel, a menu opens in the bottom left corner of the screen. Drivers can then scroll the wheel up and down buttons to move through the available options. Tilting the wheel left will exit or go back, and tilting it to the right will select the desired option.
The available options include glovebox, defrost, dome lights, climate temperature, HVAC fan speed, display brightness, save Dashcam video, acceleration mode (i.e., chill, normal), steering wheel heat, and the backup camera. Unfortunately, windshield wipers are not included in the list of customizable options. However, drivers can customize the list of options from the available choices by going to Controls > Display, ensuring a personalized and streamlined driving experience.
Answer Phone from Steering Wheel
Phone Call Controls are now integrated with the steering wheel, allowing drivers to answer or decline calls, mute/unmute themselves, or hang up with the left scroll button.
Charging Menu
Finally, the charging menu has been updated. The car visualization has been removed, which allowed Tesla to enlarge the slider, making it easier to set your charging threshold.
Passenger Seat Controls and Manual App
In the Model S and Model X, you can now move the passenger seat via the rear touchscreen. This allows passengers in the back to move the passenger seat forward or back while the vehicle is in park, making it easier for them to get in or out of the vehicle.
The new Manual app we saw Tesla testing in update 2023.6 is now widely available in this update. The app not only gives you quick access to the owner's manual but also offers visual guides and relevant links to topics like creating Driver Profiles and using regenerative braking.
British English Voice Recognition
British English is now available as a voice-recognition language option, which should improve voice recognition for a large part of English-speaking users.
Tesla's 2023.12 software update continues the company's commitment to enhancing the user experience by introducing innovative and practical features. With improvements like the Text Size feature and steering wheel customization, Tesla owners can enjoy a more convenient and efficient driving experience. As we receive more information about the remaining features in the update, we'll inform you about the latest features, and which vehicles they apply to. We expect that most of these features will be available for the Model S and Mode X as well, although some may be specific to the Model 3 and Y. For now, be sure to check out the release notes for update 2023.12.
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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.
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