Tesla is planning various improvements to FSD Beta that could drastically increase its performance
As we explore the future possibilities of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta, we enter a realm of speculation and excitement fueled by hints and ideas shared by CEO Elon Musk. From integrating neural nets in vehicle control to the unique concept of "reverse creep" and independent navigation, Tesla's FSD Beta could be on the verge of a massive transformation.
Future Expansion of Neural Nets in FSD Beta
One of the most speculated advancements in Tesla's FSD Beta is the comprehensive application of neural networks for vehicle navigation and control. This move beyond their current use for vision processing could revolutionize autonomous vehicle technology, empowering FSD Beta vehicles to make informed decisions that more closely mimic human cognitive processes.
Reverse Creep: A New Dimension to Autonomous Safety
Imminent updates to FSD Beta may also include the intriguing capability of "reverse creep." This feature would enable the vehicle to move backwards when it senses potential danger, mimicking the cautious maneuvers of a human driver in a challenging driving situation. By extending its response beyond just creeping forward for improved visibility, FSD Beta could improve autonomous safety.
Towards Map-Free Navigation
Another potential leap for Tesla's autonomous driving tech is the ability of FSD Beta to navigate without relying on map data. This would allow Tesla vehicles to tackle even the most remote or poorly mapped routes, liberating them from the confines of pre-existing cartographic information. All it might need is a set GPS point or pinned location to embark on its journey.
Dead Reckoning Navigation: Pioneering GPS-Free Movement
Speculation is rife about the development of 'dead reckoning' navigation. This advanced feature could enable FSD-equipped vehicles to navigate based on inertial measurements, wheel movement, and vision, even when GPS data is unavailable. As such, Tesla vehicles could find their way through environments like underground parking garages, relying on their last known GPS location and determining subsequent positions using a combination of compass data, wheel movement, and speed.
According to Elon Musk, these are enhancements that Tesla is working on to improve FSD. They've been expected in previous versions of FSD Beta, but have likely been delayed or are still in development.
These features help showcase the dynamic trajectory that Tesla's Full Self-Driving Beta is possibly heading towards. As we look forward to these and many more breakthroughs, the future of autonomous driving promises to be nothing short of revolutionary.
After launching puddle lights that spell out ‘Tesla’ in China several months ago, Tesla has finally added the add-on Projection Puddle Lights to the North American store. Before launching them worldwide, Tesla appears to have been using China as a testing ground for its accessories. This is an interesting move, and it's not the first product we’ve seen soft launch in China before a North American and European launch. Tesla did the same with the Caraoke Mic it launched in the U.S. back in July.
Puddle Lights
This pair of puddle lights costs $65 USD or $90 CAD at the Tesla Store right now and is available for the Model Y, as well as all versions of the Model 3. This includes the 2024 Model 3 Highland Refresh, as well as older Model 3s built before 2024. Currently, these are not available for the Model X and Model S.
The lights themselves present a high-definition Tesla wordmark – text only, no logo – of Tesla onto the ground whenever the driver and front passenger doors are opened. While these would technically be compatible with the rear two doors as well, Tesla doesn’t state this.
Third-party options that include the rear two doors often mention that they suffer from reduced brightness as the wiring harness in the rear door doesn’t bring as much power to the rear door puddle lights.
Installation is done by the customer, and isn’t covered by Tesla – but they do offer a page on their DIY service manual on how to get them installed. Installation is straightforward, but you'll need a blunt plastic tool to remove them from the door and to detach the power adapter from the original puddle lights.
We recently discussed a bunch of features that the Tesla Android App is missing in comparison to the Tesla iOS App, but we didn’t look at the other side.
If you’ve got an NFC-capable Android phone and a Tesla, you actually have a feature that’s not available on iPhones. You can tap your phone on Tesla’s NFC card reader to unlock or lock your car, just like you can with your keycard. Tap to Unlock is enabled by default on Android and cannot be turned off on NFC-capable phones unless you disable NFC in your system settings.
Tap to Unlock
Android provides Tesla with access to the API necessary for Tap to Unlock to function over Near-Field Communications (NFC). This means that the Tesla app can serve as a backup keycard if, for some reason, your Phone-as-a-Key (PAAK) doesn’t immediately unlock the car upon waking it.
You’ll need to be a bit precise with this, as most phones have a small NFC location near the center on the back of the phone. You’ll also want to place it slightly under the B-pillar camera, where the car’s NFC reader is.
When you’re successful, the car will honk twice and unlock. Of note, this will not load your pre-set profiles as if you’re unlocking using your phone key, as the car treats this as a unique key. You will not be able to set up Tap to Unlock to load a particular profile – it seems to load a “default” profile every time. This also means that if you’ve got your mirrors set to unfold or your seats to move back, this will also not happen.
However, once you hop in, you can select your profile and everything will adjust to you. Your phone will continue to work as a phone key to keep you authenticated so that you can start your car.
Unlock Car Even If Phone Battery is Drained
This feature serves as a convenient way to get your car open and unlocked if your phone won’t power on or if the car doesn’t recognize your phone key, which can sometimes happen. On newer Android phones, NFC remains on even if your phone battery has run out since NFC uses so little power.
If you disable Bluetooth on your phone or your phone battery is on empty, your phone key won’t work, so you’ll need to authenticate again inside the vehicle to start the car. You can place your phone on either the Wireless Charger (for newer vehicles) or in the NFC slot between the cup holders and the center armrest to authenticate.
Other NFC Devices
For those more adventurous, you can also use other NFC-capable devices as Tesla keycards. Personally, the author uses an NFC-capable ring, as well as a third-party app on an Android Watch as backups. They serve solely as backups in the case of a lost phone rather than my primary keys.
