New Model X doors only open partially due to Tesla Vision constraints
Tesla Owner's Perspective
For recent Tesla Model X owners, there's been an ongoing issue since the removal of the ultrasonic sensors. The vehicle's front, auto-presenting doors now only open partially. These automatic doors, along with the iconic falcon-wing doors, have long been a standout feature of the Model X, often being the topic of admiration and intrigue. But, with Model X vehicles released after January 2023, something seemed amiss.
Previously, the Model X's auto-presenting doors would open completely if you walked alongside the car. This convenient feature allowed you to get in hands-free, which was especially useful if you had your hands full. Upon entering the car, you can then close the door by tapping on the brake pedal.
Auto-Presenting Doors in Action
However, newer Model Xs without the full array of ultrasonic sensors now merely prop open the front door, instead of swinging it open completely. This essentially removes the convenience of the feature since you still need to open the door the remainder of the way to have enough room to get in. Thankfully, you can still step on the brake pedal to close either of the front doors.
Customer Feedback and Tesla's Response
A Model X owner recently reached out to Tesla service to explain the situation with his car. Not only do his doors not open all the way, but if an open door remains untouched, it also doesn't close as it should, likely due to a lack of momentum. This reality contrasts sharply with the Model X's earlier promise: an elegant and full automatic door opening.
Tesla's response was interesting and hopeful. Tesla service told the customer that the issue is related to the transition to Tesla Vision and that the vehicle purposely only opens its doors ten degrees. The smaller opening is presumably to prevent the doors from hitting a nearby obstacle due to Tesla Vision's reduced accuracy compared to ultrasonic sensors.
Why am I just finding out that the Model X with no USS automatic door don’t open all the way. They are limited to just a small crack. What makes this worse is when you have to manually open the door the rest of the way, there is a few seconds where the door won’t move. The whole… pic.twitter.com/uvEXw6jIFk
Tesla service goes on to say that Tesla is working on a software update that will allow the doors to open more. It's not clear whether they'll open as wide as they do on models with ultrasonic sensors, but it's evident that Tesla is working on improving the vision system to more accurately represent the distance from objects.
The Vision Update: More than Just a Door Fix
Tesla service says a vision update will improve the Model X's auto-presenting doors
Manoli
Tesla's upcoming "Vision Update" signifies more than just a fix to the door issue. Since the doors opening relies on knowing the distance to nearby objects, these improvements are expected to improve other Tesla features that rely on accurate distance measurements. Some of these features could be Park Assist, Smart Summon and Auto Park, which are currently unavailable on vehicles without ultrasonic sensors.
Tesla has several new features that are expected soon, which could all be tied into these vision improvements. Actually Smart Summon, has been talked about since last year, with Musk suggesting that it could be available by late summer of 2023.
However, there are also other features such as smarter Autopark and Reverse Summon, or Park Seek, that will let you be dropped off at the door and have the vehicle park itself.
There are a lot of recent Tesla owners who would love to see improvements to Park Assist, but it looks like we may see more than just that in the (hopefully) near future.
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Elon Musk has always maintained that he wants a Tesla to be the most fun you can have in a car. During the holiday season, Tesla is by far the most festive automobile on the road. Tesla owners are a little more festive this time of year as well because we all know the best update of the year will soon be downloaded to all the good Teslas.
This article, the third in our series on the Holiday Update Wish List, focuses on advancements in in-car entertainment and digital connectivity.
App Store for Third-Party Apps
A significant leap in Tesla's software offering would be an official App Store. We’ve seen a few hints of this, but clearly, owners want it as this feature would open a new realm of possibilities, allowing drivers and passengers to download and use third-party apps directly on the vehicle's interface.
Integrating an App Store could bring various applications, from navigation aids to productivity tools, and more entertainment options. This move would actually help free up Tesla engineers from the continuous cycle of developing and integrating additional streaming services, such as SiriusXM, YouTube TV, Fubo, Amazon Music, and many others.
Games would also be a major attraction to Tesla’s App Store. With an App Store, Tesla could rely on game publishers and other third-party developers for porting andn developing games that could be played in the vehicle. This move would shift how we perceive car infotainment systems, turning Tesla's impressive touchscreens into hubs of personalization and utility.
Elevating the Music Experience with Spotify
The Tesla community has long requested improved Spotify integration, particularly regarding streaming quality. With the potential increase in Spotify's streaming bitrate to 320 kbps, Tesla could offer an audiophile-grade listening experience, leveraging the vehicle's premium sound system to deliver rich, high-fidelity audio. Such an upgrade would not only please music enthusiasts but also reinforce Tesla's commitment to offering premium, cutting-edge vehicle features.
A realistic possibility is the inclusion of Apple Music podcasts which has been hinted at by Greentheonly after finding some references to them in one of Tesla’s recent software updates.
Advanced Bluetooth Audio Support
In line with enhancing audio experiences, Tesla owners are asking Santa Musk to support higher-quality Bluetooth audio. This improvement would cater to an increasingly discerning customer base that values superior sound quality for their media consumption. Musk previously hinted at lossless audio and AirPlay integration in Tesla vehicles, but its not clear whether Tesla ever started development on these features.
By introducing an App Store, enhancing streaming quality, and upgrading Bluetooth audio support, Tesla would build upon its already good set of entertainment offerings. These features are not just about providing entertainment though; they're about creating an immersive experience that resonates with the lifestyles and preferences of Tesla drivers, who are often at the forefront of technology. Are these items on Santa’s shopping list? We will have to wait until the holiday update is released.
Tesla is offering the Cybertruck Foundation Series to its first customers
Paul / niccruzpatane/X
The first Cybertrucks will be part of a limited edition called the Cybertruck Foundation Series. Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane), unearthed source code showing that this limited edition, fully optioned series will offer a suite of premium accessories and features.
According to some early Cybertruck reservation holders, they’re now being invited to configure their Cybertruck Foundation Series at a price of $119,990.
Lifetime Premium Connectivity and Accessories
One of the most notable inclusions in the Foundation Series is the lifetime premium connectivity. This feature currently costs $99 a year. The only other vehicles that include free premium connectivity for the life of the vehicle are vehicles ordered before June 2018. After this date Tesla introduced the premium connectivity package for $10/month or $99/year. By reintroducing it as a lifetime offering, Tesla is enhancing the value proposition of the Cybertruck, possibly saving owners $1,000 or more over the vehicle’s life.
PowerShare: The Next Level in EV Technology
In addition to this, the series comes with an updated universal wall connector with “PowerShare” capabilities. It also includes a new PowerShare mobile connector, which Tesla has yet to unveil.
The new universal wall connector with PowerShare capabilities is a standout feature. This innovative technology allows the Cybertruck to receive power and send it back to the home. It transforms the vehicle into a mobile power source, a concept that blurs the lines between automotive and home energy solutions.
Similarly, the new PowerShare mobile connector is a step forward in bi-directional charging technology. There’s little that’s known about this new mobile connector, but some text on Tesla’s site reveals that there will be outlets on the connector itself. This will allow owners can hook up devices directly, using the Cybertruck as an alternative to traditional generators. This feature particularly appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and professionals requiring portable power solutions.
Although details are scarce, the PowerShare home backup seems to be the final piece in Tesla's puzzle to enable the Cybertruck to power a home. This feature would control and limit when the Cybertruck could feed energy back into the house. These new features could position the Cybertruck as a critical component in home energy management, especially in emergencies or off-grid living.
The exclusive badging on the Cybertruck Foundation Series and Cyberbeast
Also, there is a mention of Exclusive badges, which seems a little off-brand considering there are no logos or badging on the vehicle, as the Cybertruck doesn’t need it. Foundation Series trucks will have the words Foundation Series in a Cybertruck-typical font displayed on the vehicle’s fender. There will also be a special “badge” for Cyberbeast on the bottom right of the tailgate, which will three wolf-like heads joined together.
Community Response
The announcements has many enthusiasts expressing eagerness to configure their truck; however, others are understandably shocked at the price and are ready to wait for prices to fall in the future.
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!
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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!
TeslaBox delivers real-time video notifications for every Sentry and Dashcam event, continuously backs up all footage without hitting record, and enables remote file browsing. No wiring. Installs alongside your standard USB stick.
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