Tesla's Ultimate FSD Update: No More Steering Wheel Nags and Unbelievable New Features
Tesla has outdone itself with the introduction of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta version 12.4.1. This latest update has been eagerly awaited, and for good reason. It eliminates the nagging steering-wheel alerts, introduces a host of new features, and brings a more user-friendly driving experience. This isn’t just a tiny tweak; it’s a full-on overhaul that points toward Tesla's vision of autonomous driving.
Say Goodbye to Steering Wheel Nags
One of the standout features in Tesla’s FSD V12.4.1 is the elimination of steering wheel nags, which is a game-changer for drivers. As long as you’re paying attention to the road, the system won’t require you to touch the steering wheel. This feature is facilitated by an enhanced driver monitoring system (DMS) and Vision-Based Attention Monitoring (VBAM). The green dot you’ll see on your screen is your assurance that everything is working smoothly and your eyes are on the road.
On the Model S and X, this green dot is visible on the instrument cluster screen, situated next to the blue FSD/AP wheel icon. For the Model 3, Model Y, and future Cybertruck owners, the green dot will be at the top left of the main display. It’s small, non-intrusive, but a huge step forward in driver assistance.
The Catch: No Sunglasses Allowed
Despite the exciting advancements, there are some limitations. For instance, the cabin camera has trouble seeing through polarized sunglasses. When it encounters this issue, the car will display “Attention monitoring unavailable, sunglasses use detected.” Regular eyeglasses? No problem—they work just fine. And if you are one of those privacy-conscious folks, rest assured that your cabin camera imagery won’t leave your vehicle unless you enable data sharing.
Autopilot Strikes and Consequences
If you think you can cheat the system by diverting your attention from the road, think again. The VBAM and DMS are designed to detect when you’re not paying attention. Initially, you’ll get a screen warning, which disappears once you focus back on the road. Persist in inattention, and you will receive an Autopilot Strikeout, which means FSD will disengage after multiple warnings.
Notably, the “strike” system is quite stringent. Five strikes within a period can suspend your FSD for a week. Each strikeout will fade after a 7-day period of good behavior. If you rack up strikes too quickly, you could be facing a longer suspension, giving you a solid reason to stay alert and engaged.
Smooth Sailing with New Comfort Features
Elon Musk has emphasized that V12.4 aims to improve user comfort by smoothing out harsh accelerations and braking. According to early reports from users, these changes are noticeable. The new version is more assertive yet less hesitant when navigating intersections, stop signs, and parking lots. The “lane dancing” behavior—where the car would sway between lanes for too long during a change—has also seen improvements.
Vision Autopark is another feature that received a boost, now operating faster than before. If you’ve ever been frustrated with the snail-paced parking maneuvers, you’ll welcome this update. According to Tesla’s latest Spring Update, Vision Autopark can now park in tighter spots, ensuring that it adapts to real-world parking scenarios more effectively.
Some Promises Unkept
Though this update is jam-packed with new features, it’s missing a few anticipated ones. Notably, the Banish Autopark and Park Seek features are absent. These were expected to allow FSD to automatically find and park in a spot without any user intervention. Unfortunately, these functionalities are not part of the initial V12.4.1 rollout but could appear in future updates.
Hand Gesture Recognition was another eagerly awaited feature that hasn’t made the cut. Initially thought to arrive in May, this improvement will likely roll out in V12.5 alongside vehicle-to-fleet communication capabilities, making it easier for Tesla vehicles to coordinate among themselves.
General Release Timeline
Given that this update just hit the vehicles of a select group of early users, it’s expected that the general release isn’t far behind. If everything goes well, most Tesla owners with software versions under 2024.15.5 could see this update rolling out next week.
Tesla’s latest FSD version is a giant leap forward in the world of autonomous driving. With improved user comfort, quicker and more intuitive features, and the elimination of the infamous steering-wheel nags, it’s setting a new standard. While some promised features are missing, this update still delivers a robust package that pushes the envelope of what’s possible in automotive technology.