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 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.
Elon Musk announced that Tesla will finally reintroduce Smart Summon and Autopark to its vehicles. According to the CEO, these features are scheduled for release in April. Tesla removed ultrasonic sensors (USS) from their vehicles in 2022, and with it removed several features, including Autopark, Smart Summon and Park Assist. However, since then, they’ve added High Fidelity Park Assist, a feature that recreates the surrounding environment in 3D. Although, it’s currently only available to vehicles without USS, that’s expected to change in the near future, and could also come bundled in with the new Autopark feature.
This update in April is not only expected bring these features back to vehicles without ultrasonic sensors, but Tesla is also expected to release drastically improved versions of these features, known as Actually Smart Summon and Tap to Park.
Major improvements coming for Summon & Banish (Autopark) next month - Elon Musk
Improved Autopark
Greentheonly, who regularly decompiles Tesla firmware, has indicated that Tesla's latest software, version 2024.8, already contains the code necessary for these new features, but they need to be remotely activated by Tesla. Additionally, Green says the new Autopark system will offer users the choice between parallel and perpendicular parking options. The new Autopark is expected to let drivers visually select a parking spot, exit the vehicle, and let it park itself.
New ‘Tap to Park’ Feature
With the introduction of High Fidelity Park Assist, Tesla laid the groundwork for more sophisticated features like "Tap to Park."
Tap to Park builds on the original concept of Park Seek, a feature discussed by Tesla in October 2022 that aimed to automate the parking spot search process. While the initial vision for Park Seek suggested a vehicle could autonomously search for parking, "Tap to Park" simplifies this idea.
With the deployment of FSD Beta v12.3 going to more users this weekend, the company continues to leverage AI to reduce code in favor of neural networks trained with real-world driving data.
Just last week, Musk posted on X: "Really cool stuff coming both this month and next." Since that post, FSD beta version 12.3 has started going to more users, and now it seems two other long overdue and highly anticipated updates are coming with Actually Smart Summon and Tap to Park. Still no word on auto wiper improvements.
Tesla's latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta v12 is reaching users after an extended rollout over the weekend. This update is not just another iteration; it represents a leap in self-driving technology, primarily due to its integration of end-to-end neural networks for vehicle control. So far, it seems to be living up to the hype.
A Neural Network Driven Approach
At the core of FSD v12 is a shift from traditional programming to neural network-based decision-making. This allows the vehicle to process raw camera footage and vehicle kinematics directly into driving actions, mimicking human cognitive processes more closely than ever before. Ashok Elluswamy, Director of Autopilot Software at Tesla, highlighted the monumental effort to surpass the capabilities of the previous v11, setting a new standard for FSD's future.
Ability to Reverse Is Coming
The release has garnered widespread acclaim, with tech leaders like Michael Dell praising its capabilities and likening the car to human-like driving proficiency. Many in the Tesla community have been posting their weekend drivers, including Chuck Cook, who was amazed during one point of his drive, referring to a move as “Robo-taxi navigation.” Cook believed he was in too tight of a spot to pull a U-turn, but his Tesla pulled it off. Elluswamy commented: “Reverse coming soon when the Actually Smart Summon and the FSD models merge together over the next few releases.”
This clip blew my mind, next level for FSDBeta v12.3 in finding its way out of a bad situation. Nice work @Tesla_AIpic.twitter.com/9cDccpr2uO
There were numerous examples of v12.3 navigating complex driving scenarios easily, showcasing significant improvements over earlier versions.
“Reverse coming soon when the Actually Smart Summon and the FSD models merge together over the next few releases.” - Ashok Elluswamy
Next-Level Capabilities on the Horizon
Elon Musk has teased that v12.4 will introduce even more advanced features, emphasizing the continuous improvement in training compute constraints. In fact, he was so thrilled with the next update that he said it could be called version 13. He posted that “V12.4 is another big jump in capabilities. Our constraint in training compute is much improved.”
Tesla’s FSD trajectory seems to be hitting a new level, as it appears to be headed toward approval of use on roadways in Europe. While it is taking longer than initially believed, the dream of autonomous driving seems to be getting closer to reality.
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