We take an early look at Tesla update 2021.32.5

August 30, 2021

By Nuno Cristovao

After going through a draught of updates, which we believe was due to getting the new Model S software ready for launch, Tesla is now catching up on release versions. We're now seeing update 2021.32.5 starting to roll out in a very limited fashion.

Tesla 2021.32.5 swaps the Camera for Child Lock in Controls

Update: Release notes for 2021.32.5 are now available.

New Language Support

Tesla has been adding a bunch of new language support for the UI and voice recognition. In 2021.12 we saw the addition of Finnish and Croatian, and in 2021.24 Tesla added Hungarian, Romanian and Russian. It's not clear yet which languages have been added in this release yet, but Tesla has started working on localizing their UI in Greek and Hindi, so it could be one or both of those.

More Improvements to Vision Based Autopark

Tesla released a vision based Autopark feature for the 2021 Model S in 2021.24. They're now improving upon that featureset. The vision based Autopark offers increased capabilities by giving the driver the ability to park in almost any post, regardless of whether there is a car parked next to it. We believe Tesla is testing this on a smaller user base such as the 2021 Model S and will be releasing it to all models with HW 3.0 and FSD in the future.

"Your vehicle can now automatically park in parallel and perpendicular spots. While driving below 15 mph (25 km/h), the instrument cluster will display a parking icon if it detects a potential parking spot. To initiate Autopark, tap-and-hold the Autopark button in the shift panel, and release the steering yoke. For more information on Autopark, please refer to the Owner's Manual."

Adaptive Suspension Damping

Most Model S and Model X vehicles include air suspensions for a smoother and more customized ride. Tesla has continued to improve and refine the experience with updated hardware and software over the years. They have now recalibrated the suspension algorithm to improve ride comfort and better handling.

"A recalibrated suspension damping algorithm allows for smoother control and improved ride comfort. A rebalanced rebound-to-compression ratio works with the all-new multilink rear suspension to enhance steering response and handling for a higher degree of road connection and more precise control during spirited driving."

Accessibility Update

The "Quick Controls" panel in options, known simply as Controls in the 2021 Model S has replaced Camera with Child Lock to better match the quick controls that are available in other vehicles. This move brings consistency and makes sense since Camera is already readily available in the bottom navigation.

"Child Lock replaces Camera under Controls. You can still access Camera via the bottom bar on your touch screen."

Updated QQ Music

QQ Music, a streaming service available in China now has support for high bit rate streaming. A high bit rate option is also available for Slacker, the default music service in the US. Spotify on Teslas does not yet support high bit rate but we hope that seeing it available in these other services is a good sign that we'll see Spotify support in the future.

We expect this release to include more features than those outlined here for Model 3 and Model Y owners in the US. We should find out more about those features soon as this release starts rolling out to additional cars.

Tesla’s Robotaxi Easter Egg: Surprise Tip

June 25, 2025

By Karan Singh

BLKMDL3

Tesla has always embraced whimsy in its software, packing it with playful Easter eggs and surprises. From transforming the on-screen car into James Bond’s submarine to the ever-entertaining Emissions Testing Mode and the fan-favorite Rainbow Road, these hidden features have become a signature part of Tesla’s software.

Of course, launching a new product like Robotaxi wouldn’t be complete without a fun little easter egg of its own. The end-of-ride screen in the Robotaxi app presents a familiar option “Leave a tip.”

For anyone pleased with their Robotaxi ride, they may be tempted to leave a tip. However, tapping the button presents our favorite hedgehog instead of a payment screen.

The app displays a message, alongside the familiar Tesla hedgehog, that simply states “Just kidding.”

While it's a fun prank, it’s also a nod to what Tesla really wants to do. They want to reinforce the economic advantage of an autonomous Robotaxi Network. Without a driver, there is simply no need to tip. The gesture is playful, but it’s a reminder of what Tesla’s real aim is here.

Had to been done lol https://t.co/SnZ3afXXzB
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 22, 2025

Even Elon is in on the joke. It is a small detail, but it’s all about those small details with Tesla.

First Recorded Tesla Robotaxi Intervention: UPS Truck Encounter [VIDEO]

June 25, 2025

By Karan Singh

@BLKMDL3 on X

Over the last few days, we’ve seen some exceptionally smooth performance from the latest version of FSD on Tesla’s Robotaxi Network pilot. However, the entire purpose of an early access program with Safety Monitors is to identify and learn from edge cases.

This week, the public saw the first recorded instance of a Safety Monitor intervention, providing a first look at how they’re expected to stop the vehicle.

The event involved a complex, low-speed interaction with a reversing UPS truck. The Safety Monitor intervened to stop the Robotaxi immediately, potentially avoiding a collision with the delivery truck. Let’s break down this textbook case of real-world unpredictability.

The Intervention [VIDEO]

In a video from a ride in Austin, a Robotaxi is preparing to pull over to its destination on the right side of the road, with its turn signal active. Ahead, a UPS truck comes to a stop. As the Model Y begins turning into the spot, the UPS truck, seemingly without signaling, starts to reverse. At this point, the Safety Monitor stepped in and pressed the In Lane Stop button on the main display, bringing the Robotaxi to an immediate halt.

This is precisely why Tesla has employed Safety Monitors in this initial pilot. They are there to proactively manage ambiguous situations where the intentions of other drivers are unclear. The system worked as designed, but it raises a key question: What would FSD have done on its own? It’s not clear whether the vehicle saw the truck backing up, or what it would do when it finally detected it. It’s also unclear whether the UPS driver recognized that the Robotaxi was pulling into the same spot at the exact same time.

It’s possible this wouldn’t result in a collision at all, but the Safety Monitor did the right thing by stepping in to prevent a potential collision, even one at low speed. Any collision just a few days after the Robotaxi Network launch could result in complications for Tesla.

Who Would Be At Fault?

This scenario is a classic edge case. It involves unclear right-of-way and unpredictable human behavior. Even for human drivers, the right-of-way here is complicated. While a reversing vehicle often bears responsibility, a forward-moving vehicle must also take precautions to avoid a collision. This legal and practical gray area is what makes these scenarios so challenging for AI to navigate.

Would the Robotaxi have continued, assuming the reversing truck would stop?

Or would it have identified the potential conflict and used its own ability to stop and reverse?

Without the intervention, it’s impossible to say for sure. However, crucial context comes from a different clip involving, surprisingly, another UPS delivery truck.

A Tale of Two Trucks

In a separate video posted on X, another Robotaxi encounters a remarkably similar situation. In that instance, as another UPS delivery truck obstructs the path forward, the Robotaxi comes to a stop to let its two passengers out just a few feet from their destination.

Once they depart, the Robotaxi successfully reverses and performs a three-point turn to extricate itself from a tight spot. That was all done without human intervention, by correctly identifying the situation.

This second clip is vital because it proves that the Robotaxi's FSD build has the underlying logic and capability to handle these scenarios. It can, and does, use reverse to safely navigate complex situations.

RUN THE CLIP!

UPS Truck vs Tesla Robotaxi https://t.co/GLc86BS5bc pic.twitter.com/O2c8c2KRB2
— Bradford Ferguson (@bradsferguson) June 25, 2025

A Valuable Data Point

Far from being a failure, this first intervention should be seen as a success for Tesla’s safety methodology. It shows the safety system is working, allowing monitors to mitigate ambiguous events proactively.

More importantly, this incident provides Tesla’s FSD team with an invaluable real-world data point.

By comparing the intervened ride with the successful autonomous one, Tesla’s engineers can fine-tune FSD’s decision-making, which will likely have a positive impact on its edge case handling in the near future.

This is the purpose of a public pilot — to find the final edge cases and build a more robust system, one unpredictable reversing truck at a time.