Today Tesla updated its app to version 4.6 for iOS. This update contains additional features such as actionable notifications, which allow you to perform certain actions by interacting with the notification.
Tesla to offer annual subscriptions
Tesla_app_iOS/Twitter
For example, when preheating your vehicle, you'll be given the option to turn off the climate system directly from the notification.
In addition to actionable notifications, Tesla also made some underlying changes that set them up for two upcoming features.
Annual Subscriptions
Tesla currently offers monthly subscription plans for their Premium Connectivity service and for Full Self-Driving. However, there is currently no way to subscribe for a longer period of time.
However, it looks like Tesla will soon offer annual subscriptions that are cheaper than their monthly counterparts. Tesla currently offers monthly subscription plans for FSD and Premium Connectivity, but it looks like Tesla will soon offer you a discount if you choose to pay annually instead.
In late December Elon was asked on Twitter whether Tesla could introduce a cheaper yearly plan for Premium Connectivity instead of having to pay $10/month. Elon replied to Zack saying it was a 'Good idea.'
Twitter user Tesla_App_iOS uncovered these additional details in Tesla's latest app update.
The additional language doesn't specify whether Tesla would only offer annual plans for their Premium Connectivity plan or on FSD, but it's likely that Tesla would offer an annual plan on all their plans.
There's no indication on the amount of the discount for annual plans but annual plans are usually about 10-15% cheaper than their monthly counterparts.
Climate Keeper
In app update 4.6, Tesla also made some changes that suggest they will soon offer the ability to turn on Climate Keeper directly from the app.
Climate Keeper allows you to keep the car at a certain temperature for an extended period of time. Climate Keeper currently can only be turned on from within the vehicle.
You can view all the release notes for Tesla app 4.6 on our app updates section.
Update: Tesla has now launched the annual plan for Premium Connectivity in the US. The annual plan costs $99/year, a savings of about 20% compared to paying monthly.
You can sign up for the annual plan, or switch from the monthly plan to the annual plan by navigiating to Upgrades > Manage in the Tesla mobile app.
There's no word yet whether Tesla will expand the annual plan to FSD.
Tesla appears to be planning an ambitious project to build a private 5G network. This initiative would revolutionize connectivity for its vehicles and the robot, Optimus, as well as any other plans the company is likely to develop in the future.
Innovative Job Posting Reveals Big Plans
Although now removed, a recently spotted job posting for a Cellular Systems Integration Engineer on Tesla's career page shed light on the company's intentions. The role demands expertise to elevate Tesla's vehicle and Optimus robot connectivity, promising to push the boundaries of low latency and high data rates.
Tesla's journey from 3G to the anticipated 5G upgrade will bring about ultra-reliable communication and high-speed data transfer, crucial for over-the-air software updates, autonomous driving features, and real-time data analytics.
The Strategic Role of Private 5G Networks
Deploying its private 5G network, Tesla aims to create a seamlessly connected environment in its manufacturing facilities, research labs, and outdoor spaces. This infrastructure is not just about enhancing vehicle connectivity; it's also pivotal for the operational efficiency of the Optimus robot in various scenarios, including warehouse operations.
Tesla's foray into private 5G networking places it in an advantageous position in the automotive and tech industries. This strategic move aligns with the global trend towards adopting private 5G networks, which promise to revolutionize industries with their reliability and speed. Tesla's efforts to develop a private 5G protocol stack that integrates with any cellular infrastructure globally will set new industry standards.
With 5G, Tesla vehicles and Optimus robots will benefit from significantly reduced latency, offering under 5 milliseconds compared to the 60-98 milliseconds of 4G networks. This technological advancement is expected to enhance the functionality and responsiveness of Tesla's products, paving the way for advanced autonomous driving capabilities and efficient robot operations.
Conclusion
Tesla's interest in developing a private 5G network is a logical step. By building an infrastructure that supports the fastest connectivity standards, Tesla is preparing for its vehicles and laying the groundwork for sophisticated robotics applications. This endeavor reflects Tesla's ongoing commitment to innovation and its role in shaping the future of transportation and automation.
Italy has been discussing with Tesla about potentially establishing a factory producing electric trucks and vans. This information came to light in an Italian media outlet, Il Sole 24 Ore, which reported that the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy (Mimit) spearheaded talks to secure Tesla's investment.
Tesla and Italy: A Strategic Dialogue
Since last summer, Italy has broadened its industrial horizons by engaging in talks with Tesla, alongside negotiations with prominent Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, Great Wall Motors, and Chery Automobile. Notably, the discussions with Tesla have centered around producing electric commercial vehicles, highlighting a departure from conventional car manufacturing and reflecting the evolving demands of the global market.
Under the leadership of Minister Adolfo Urso, Italy aims to invigorate its automotive sector by encouraging the presence of multiple manufacturers. This approach is designed to stabilize the national components sector, which faces challenges due to the shift towards electric vehicles. Italy aims to produce 1.3 million vehicles annually, including a significant contribution from a new yet-to-be-determined manufacturer.
A Geopolitical and Industrial Balancing Act
Italy's engagement with Tesla occurs amidst a delicate phase of negotiations with Stellantis for increased vehicle production within the country. This strategic dialogue with Tesla, alongside discussions with Chinese competitors, is a pivotal element in Italy's industrial and geopolitical maneuvering.
A multipurpose van is the next logical step for Tesla to produce once the less expensive next-gen platform is released (code name Redwood). However, engineers seem to be busy perfecting the next-gen Roadster, and the van has had little discussion. Given the company's leaks, if a van were in the works, you would think we would’ve heard about it. Perhaps this is the nudge Tesla needs to get the van into production.
As Italy endeavors to become a key player in the electric vehicle industry, its negotiations with Tesla signify a promising development. The possibility of Tesla establishing a facility for electric trucks and vans in Italy underscores the country's commitment to sustainable transportation and positions Italy as an attractive destination for automotive innovation.
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