Tesla hints at Boombox v2 in their latest app update
Tesla
In the tech-driven landscape of the automobile industry, Tesla remains a key player, consistently introducing features that shape the future of mobility. This trend continues, as seen in the most recent update to the Tesla app, thanks to the in-depth analysis by @Tesla_App_iOS.
This Twitter account specializes in reviewing and interpreting updates from the Tesla app on the Apple AppStore. Its latest findings include references to promising features such as Boombox v2 and Self Park Standby Mode, providing clues to the possible roadmap of Tesla's development.
A nod to "MOBILE_APP_FEATURE_BOOMBOX_V2" within the decompiled code piques curiosity. It indicates that Tesla's unique Boombox feature, which allows drivers to personalize their vehicle's horn and driving sounds, may be in line for an upgrade. Furthermore, this hint within the app suggests that Tesla plans to allow users to control this feature directly from their mobile devices.
Self Park Standby Mode: Taking Autonomy to New Heights
Also among the uncovered codes is a reference to "Self Park Standby Mode." This term aligns with the previously hinted Park Seek feature, indicating a future where Tesla vehicles could drop passengers off at the door and then autonomously find a parking spot. This highly anticipated feature, expected to be activated through the app, will further enhance the autonomous capabilities of Tesla vehicles.
Tesla Stories: A New Frontier for Engagement?
Within the decompiled code, there were intriguing entries related to Tesla Stories. The details remain unclear, but the name hints at the possibility of a feature allowing owners to share their Tesla experiences or adventures. This could even evolve into a platform within the Tesla app for owners to connect and engage with each other.
Delving Deeper into the Code
Among the various updates unearthed in the decompiled code, several others stand out:
This term suggests an app-based view into the Full Self-Driving suspension state, potentially offering users more information on their suspension status.
GUI_ADAPTIVE_RIDE_REQUEST and GUI_LANE_ASSIST_LEVEL: These intriguing entries hint at adaptive ride request capabilities and enhanced lane assist controls, potentially signaling further enhancements to Tesla's user interface and autonomous driving features.
MCU_BOARD_NAME and FEATURE_EGG_WOT_ENABLED
Although these terms remain cryptic, they hint at hidden features ("Easter Eggs") and possible hardware updates, reinforcing Tesla's reputation for continual innovation.
With each app update, Tesla showcases its focus on advancing the automotive user experience. The anticipated upgrades, such as Boombox v2 and Self Park Standby Mode, speak to this commitment. However, the transition from code reference to implemented feature often involves future development, QA, and refinement. Therefore, it remains to be seen how these potential updates will translate into the day-to-day use of Tesla vehicles.
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Last night, Tesla released software update 2024.45.25.15, which includes FSD V12.6.1. This update adds support for all HW3 vehicles, including the Model 3 and Model Y. We’re excited to see the continued support for HW3 owners.
FSD V12.6.1
V12.6.1 is now going wide, according to Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla’s VP of AI. This update is going to the Model 3 and Model Y for the first time - as only the Model S and Model X were included in FSD V12.6.
V12.6 is a big step forward for HW3 - it includes End-to-End on Highway, Improved City Streets Behavior, and Smoother and More Accurate Tracking - all contributing towards a better, smoother, and more comfortable build of FSD. You can read our comparison between FSD V12.6 and V13.2.2 here.
In short, FSD V12.6 performs considerably closer to V13 than V12.5.4.2 - which is a massive improvement. It performs as well as the Cybertruck version of FSD V13, which is still missing a few features when compared to other HW4 vehicles, but it’s a great sign for HW3. A lot of the improvements can be pointed to in the improvements to lane selection and decision-making - the vehicle tends to hesitate far less on V12.6, meaning the ride is a lot smoother. Many early V12.6 testers mentioned that it felt more like V13-mini than anything else.
Legacy Model S & X
We haven’t seen this update hit any legacy Model S and Model X vehicles just yet. We’re not sure whether Ashok’s statement of “generally” applies here - but it should. If you do get the update, please let us know.
Legacy Model S and Model X vehicles are still on an older FSD build and potentially won’t see another FSD update for a little while longer. While they do have the same FSD hardware as other vehicles, there are enough hardware differences that require a build specifically for these vehicles.
FSD V12.6.1 is going out now to the redesigned Model S and X with HW3 and all Model 3 and Model Y vehicles with HW3. The initial wave went out last night, and we expect to see more later today or tomorrow. If this release ends up going “wide,” we should see much larger waves go out next week.
Tesla has issued a recall for some vehicles due to issues linked to a revision of the Hardware 4 (HW4) computer that was introduced this past November. This recall affects all vehicles with the revised hardware except for the Cybertruck, as it uses a slightly modified version of the HW4 system.
Many vehicle owners have reported a complete failure of their Autopilot computer, which not only leaves the vehicle without FSD and Autopilot but also disables many of the active safety features that make a Tesla what it is.
Let’s take a look at this recall - because the recall is partially physical and partially a software recall.
HW4 Failure
Tesla has identified the failure and flagged it to the U.S. NHTSA (but not Transport Canada or Euro NCAP at the time of publishing) as a recall.
Tesla mentions that the vehicle’s FSD computer circuit board may short circuit, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. The recall itself is focused on the rearview camera - as not having a functional rearview camera breaks a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. However, it does impact more than just the rearview camera.
As previously mentioned, users have experienced the full loss of Autopilot and FSD on these vehicles, as well as reduced traction control and removal of safety features such as automatic emergency braking, collision avoidance assist, and forward collision warnings.
While the vehicle remains driveable, it is not necessarily a good idea to drive the vehicle with many of these features, especially with the reduced traction control noted by many people. We’ve already noted that while Tesla has been sending tow trucks to pick up some vehicles, it is also prompting owners to drive the vehicle to their service center in some cases.
Remedy
Unlike most of Tesla’s recalls, this one isn’t entirely an OTA recall, owing to the fact that people have already experienced circuit board shorts and are already waiting for replacements.
The software portion of the recall has already been mostly completed for any vehicles with Tesla software update 2024.45.25.3 or greater. However, a significant portion of the tracked fleet remains on update 2024.44.25.2 (approximately 20%), so we recommend updating your HW4 vehicle whenever you receive the notification.
On the hardware side, Tesla is immediately identifying and replacing hardware that has had circuit board failure. Tesla is also reaching out to customers who have expressed intermittent issues with Autopilot features, active safety features, or vehicle cameras that don't display correctly. If you have experienced any of these issues in a late 2024 vehicle, we recommend submitting a service ticket with Tesla to ensure that your vehicle isn’t affected by this recall.
