First look at Tesla software update 2022.12

By Nuno Cristovao
First look at update 2022.12
First look at update 2022.12
TechAU.com.au / Edited by Not a Tesla App

Tesla releases a major software update about once every four weeks. The latest public update is 2022.8. About 65% of owners are now on 2022.8, while others are still on 2022.4 or 2021.44.

However, we're now getting our first glimpse into what will be in the next major release, version 2022.12.

This update is likely an early access version or internal build, as it's not available publicly yet.

TechAU has shared some images on Twitter that show off some of the features available in 2022.12.

It appears that this vehicle is located in Australia due to the Disney+ pricing shown and the fact that it's a right-hand drive vehicle.

Additional Bottom Bar Customization

Tesla is adding additional ways to customize the bottom bar, known as the launcher. The additional customization will likely come in the form of more apps or buttons.

We'd expect to see Tesla include some buttons that were previously removed such as wipers, window defrost, and possibly seat heaters.

For more information, check out our coverage of additional launcher customization.

Disney+

Disney+ is going to be introduced into additional markets. Since first being introduced, it has been limited to the US, but with 2022.12 it will be added to additional markets.

Child Lock

Child Lock is a feature that makes it so that the rear doors can not be opened from inside the vehicle. It's useful with young kids, but it can bring its own annoyances as well.

It's not clear what the improvement to child locks will be, but it could be that Tesla will allow you to pick which door should have the child lock, instead of locking both from the inside.

Additional Mobile App Controls

We know that Tesla is adding additional climate options to the app. According to code found in 2022.8 and in a previous app release, we believe that the additional mobile app controls mentioned here are the inclusion of Dog Mode, Camp Mode, and Climate Keeper to the mobile app.

New Language Support

2022.12 will also include additional language support. Tesla recently started adding support for two languages in the past. These haven't become available yet, so we see Hindi or Turkish introduced in 2022.12.

There aren't a lot of details about this next update yet, but it looks like it'll include some of the improvements we've been hoping for.

Keep in mind that there may be additional features in 2022.12 that are not shown here.

Features are often only available in certain regions or for certain models. The release notes for a particular vehicle may not include all the features in the update.

Update: Release notes for 2022.12.1 are now available. Be sure to check out all the features in this release.

Tesla FSD in Europe: June Update

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

The road to bringing FSD to Europe has been a long and complex one and filled with regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles. Elon Musk, as well as other members of Tesla’s AI team, have previously voiced their grievances with the regulatory approval process on X.

However, it appears that there is finally some progress in getting things moving with recent changes to upcoming autonomy regulations, but the process still seems slow.

Waiting on the Dutch

Elon commented on X recently, stating that Tesla is waiting for approval from Dutch authorities and then the EU to start rolling out FSD in Europe. Tesla is focusing on acquiring approvals from the Dutch transportation authority, which will provide them with the platform they need to gain broader acceptance in Europe. Outside of the Netherlands, Tesla is also conducting testing in Norway, which provides a couple of avenues for them to obtain national-level approval.

The frustration has been ongoing, with multiple committee meetings bringing up autonomy regulation but always pulling back at the last second before approving anything. The last meeting on Regulation 157, which governs Automated Lane Keeping Systems, concluded with authorities from the UK and Spain requesting additional time to analyze the data before reaching a conclusion.

Tesla, as well as Elon, have motioned several times for owners to reach out to their elected representatives to move the process forward, as it seems that Tesla’s own efforts are being stymied. 

This can seem odd, especially since Tesla has previously demoed FSD working exceptionally smoothly on European roads - and just did it again in Rome when they shared the video below on X.

DCAS Phase 3

While the approval process has been slow, Kees Roelandschap pointed out that there may be a different regulatory step that could allow FSD to gain a foothold in Europe.

According to Kees, the European Commission is now taking a new approach to approving ADAS systems under the new DCAS Phase 3 regulations. The Commission is now seeking data from systems currently operational in the United States that can perform System-Initiated Maneuvers and don’t require hands-on intervention for every request.

This is key because those are two of the core functionalities that make FSD so usable, and it also means that there may not be a need to wait years for proper regulations to be written from scratch. Now, the Commission will be looking at real-world data based on existing, deployed technology, which could speed up the process immensely.

What This Means

This new, data-driven regulatory approach could be the path for Tesla to reach its previous target of September for European FSD. While the cogs of bureaucracy are ever slow, sometimes all it takes is a little data to have them turn a bit faster in this case.

Alongside specific countries granting approval for limited field testing with employees, there is some light at the end of the tunnel for FSD in Europe, and hopes are that a release will occur by the end of 2025. With Europe now looking to North America for how FSD is performing, Tesla’s Robotaxi results could also play a role.

Tesla Launches 'TeslaVision' Contest With Big Prizes — See Last Year’s Winner [VIDEO]

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Tesla’s marketing has always been relatively unconventional, relying on word-of-mouth rather than traditional advertising. The passion of the owner’s community is always massive, but it is especially high now with the launch of the Robotaxi network just around the corner.

Tesla is now tapping into that spring of fan creativity and announced the TeslaVision video contest, with some seriously impressive prizes up for grabs.

The Contest

The core of the contest is simple. Create a video that shows how your Tesla gives you more in life. Tesla is looking for submissions that highlight themes of freedom, safety, fun, and convenience.

Prizes

The prizes definitely make this contest worth entering if you’re good with a camera and have some basic video editing abilities.

For North America, the prizes include a brand new Model Y AWD Long Range, alongside an all-expenses-paid trip to Austin for a tour of Giga Texas. The grand prize winner will also be able to custom order their Model Y, allowing them to select their preferred wheels and color.

The two runners-up won’t get a Model Y, but they’ll also enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Giga Texas for a tour of the factory.

The travel and tour include lodging in Austin for 2 nights, as well as economy-class round-trip tickets from anywhere in North America. Tesla will also provide a vehicle for use during the trip.

Hopefully, these winners will also have the opportunity to experience the Robotaxi network while they’re in Austin, as it’s expected to be opened to the public later this month.

Project Loveday

For long-time followers of Tesla, this contest may feel familiar. The contest is a direct throwback to the 2017 Project Loveday contest, which was inspired by a letter to Tesla from a 10-year-old aspiring marketer. That contest was won by MKBHD, with his submission below:

How to Enter

If you’re ready to start filming, here are the key pieces of information you’ll need to know:

  • Video must be 90 seconds or less

  • Video must be uploaded to YouTube with a public URL

  • Make a post on X and Instagram tagging “@Tesla” and include the words “TeslaVision contest” in the post.

  • Provide links to both social media posts in your submission to Tesla’s form

  • Provide your personal details in the form

  • You have until July 17th, 2025, or until Tesla receives 10,000 entries, whichever comes first.

You can find the official submission form and all region-specific details on Tesla's website.

View All Upcoming Features

Latest Tesla Update

Confirmed by Elon

Take a look at features that Elon Musk has said will be coming soon.

More Tesla News

Tesla Videos

Latest Tesla Update

Confirmed by Elon

Take a look at features that Elon Musk has said will be coming soon.

Subscribe

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter