Issue 342 - 2024 Tesla holiday update revealed

FSD

Update 2024.39.10 brings major FSD enhancements
Tesla's Update 2024.39.10 (FSD 13.2) introduces a slew of enhancements for Full Self-Driving, including significant video input and neural network upgrades, new speed profiles, better collision avoidance predictions, and dynamic routing around road closures. It also features improvements like a camera visibility tool, updates to the Sentry Mode to reduce energy consumption, and the addition of Spotify Free for in-car entertainment. Additionally, this update includes various other features, like the Tesla App running commands over Bluetooth, a Service History log, and improved voice recognition.

FSD 13.2 aces reverse parking at GameStop 📹
Dirty Tesla and his wife didn’t expect FSD 13.2 to not only drive all the way to their destination, but it actually backed up into a parking spot once they got there. 🤯

Daytime first impressions of FSD 13.2 📹
Chuck and AJ put the Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) 13.2 through various daytime driving tests to gauge improvements on summon, auto park, and response behavior in traffic. While no radical game-changers were reported, the update appears to offer smoother operations and more decisive actions, albeit with some inconsistencies. Their tests revealed no supercharger-specific enhancements but rather more assertive and quicker decision-making, especially in hurry mode.

Community

Model 3 long range RWD surpasses 408-mile range
In a remarkable display of efficiency, a Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD owner reported achieving a staggering 408 miles on a single charge, far exceeding the EPA's estimate of 363 miles. The vehicle showed an energy consumption of 184 Wh/mi, signaling an economical use of power during the journey. This performance demonstration underscores the Model 3 Long Range RWD's standing as both Tesla's most affordable offering and its surprising potential in exceeding rated range expectations.

Software updates

2024 Tesla holiday update revealed
Tesla's forthcoming 2024 Holiday Update, rolling out next week, introduces a host of new features like the ability to use your Apple Watch as a car key, view and save Dashcam & Sentry Mode clips on your phone, and enhancements for the Cybertruck, including a larger rear camera view and the whimsical Santa Mode. Furthermore, drivers can expect convenient features like SiriusXM integration, precise arrival energy settings, along with in-route search with detour times, and improved TuneIn Radio. Notably, the update brings rear cross-traffic alerts, playful enhancements like Cybertruck wraps and Fart on Contact prank mode, plus several other minor updates aimed at improving the overall driving and navigation experience.

November at Tesla - monthly recap
November's array of Tesla updates includes the introduction of a serene Model 3 cabin experience, and FSD Supervised is keeping drives safer than ever, protecting people and animals. The Cybertruck celebrated its first anniversary alongside affirmation from fans and awards, while the Model 3 Performance gained approval from Edmunds. Charging is simplified with the visibility of trailer-compatible Supercharger stalls, and lease buyouts are now an option. A monumental production milestone is to hit in Nevada, and Tesla's referral program saw major updates. Lastly, customers were engaged with Cybertruck's 3,000-mile journey, a ride-along with Little Optimus, and other community highlights.

Tesla rolls out official Apple Watch app 📷
Tesla launches its new Apple Watch app, providing users with convenient functionalities such as car key access, frunk opening, climate control activation, and showing the battery's charge level right from their wrist. The app is part of Tesla's recent holiday update, but requires the Tesla vehicle to be updated for full functionality. Additionally, the app supports watchOS 11 and later, broadening accessibility for Apple Watch users keen on integrating their Teslas into the Apple ecosystem.

Pricing

End-of-lease buyout option for all Tesla models in the U.S.
Big news for Tesla lessees: Tesla has introduced an end-of-lease buyout option for all their vehicles, including the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck. This new policy extends to the Model S and X as well, offering U.S. customers the opportunity to purchase their vehicles after their lease terms expire.

Tesla announces third-party API pricing
After many years of folks using Tesla’s API—first undocumented and more recently for free—Tesla has announced their third-party API pricing. You can check their page to know more, but this isn’t great news for some of the apps using it.

🤓 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.

EPA: Environmental Protection Agency
FSD: Full Self-Driving
RWD: Rear-Wheel Drive

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