Issue 267 - Tesla is planning a big boost to driver monitoring

Project Highland

Refresh Model 3 steering wheel 📹
Check out this new video of the alleged Project Highland. In it, we can see a Model 3 with a steering wheel that bears a striking resemblance to one from the Semi. At exactly 2:00, we get a clear view of the steering wheel, and at 3:22, we see the driver using the screen to select reverse, much like in the Model S and X. So, it's safe to assume that this version will likely not have stalks either.

Tesla to demolish the existing Model 3 production line
Tesla has filed paperwork to demolish a production line at its Fremont Factory, possibly in preparation for the mass production of the updated Highland Model 3. The new Model 3 is expected to have a revised front-end design and several other changes.

Software Updates

Tesla mobile app gets passive authentication feature 📷
Tesla has introduced a new feature to its mobile app, allowing users to deactivate passive authentication. This is effectively the same as disabling Bluetooth, but without losing connectivity for the rest of your apps. I suspect this is a response to relay attacks, where thieves could deceive the car into thinking the phone was nearby when it wasn't. If you park outdoors overnight and are concerned about this happening to you, you might want to utilize this feature before heading to bed.

Tesla is planning a big boost to driver monitoring
In a Twitter thread by @greentheonly, he explains how Tesla is now tracking additional information such as the number of recent yawns and blinks by the driver and the duration of each blink. This data is all used to calculate the driver's level of drowsiness or fatigue. It remains unclear how the car will utilize this information, but according to what Green has discovered, Tesla plans to apply this feature even when the car is not operating on Autopilot.

FSD Beta v11.4.1 release notes
Tesla has rolled out a new version of its Full Self-Driving (Beta) software, v11.4.1. This update brings a host of improvements to driving visualization, including enhanced lane detection and more precise object recognition. Some of the notable enhancements include:

An 8% improvement in motorcycle recognition and increased vehicle detection precision to reduce false-positive detections.
A 43% reduction in interventions caused by other vehicles cutting into the vehicle's lane.
Enhanced control through turns and overall smoother driving experience through improvements in the geometry, curvature, position, type, and topology of lanes, lines, road edges, and restricted spaces.

Charging and Testing

Tesla Supercharging curring prices in Europe
With Spain leading the way with a substantial 25% reduction, most European countries have seen a decrease in Supercharging costs, making them highly competitive!

Tesla testing their cars for extreme heat 📹
The Tesla quality engineers head to Dubai at the hottest time of the year to test the cars for extreme heat and durability. Temperatures in Dubai can reach over 50 C (122 F).

Right-hand drive countries

Tesla offering LHD Model S and Model X in RHD countries 📷
Tesla has announced that they will only be delivering left-hand drive Model S and Model X cars in right-hand drive countries like Japan and the UK. This is bad news for our friends there.

Referral Program

Referral program live for Tesla cars in the US 📷
Tesla has revived its referral program in the United States. Now, Tesla owners can earn up to 2,500 points for each referral resulting in a Tesla purchase by a friend or family member. These points can then be redeemed for upgrades or accessories in the Tesla store.

Tesla launches Cybertruck raffle 📷
As we just mentioned above, the Tesla referral program has made a comeback in the US. One exciting way you can use your referral credits is to enter a Cybertruck raffle, with each entry costing 500 points.

🤓 What the acronym
As a Tesla fan, I find myself sometimes having to remember what are all those acronyms, here is a list of the ones you can find in this issue.

FSD - Full Self-Driving
LHD - Left-Hand Drive
RHD - Right-Hand Drive

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Issue 267 - Tesla is planning a big boost to driver monitoring

Issue 267 - Tesla is planning a big boost to driver monitoring

Older messages

Issue 266 - Model S Plaid track pack

Issue 265 - Tesla update improves AEB

Issue 264 - Scroll wheel customization

Issue 263 - Model 3 Refresh

Issue 262 - Customizable scroll wheel

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