Photo: @teslashanghai, @DriveTeslaca via X
Tesla introduced new features in China with the 2023.44.32 software update, and among them is a cool 3D map view that baffled Americans. Many would want to see this coming to the US, but since this is based on Baidu map data, chances are it won't.
Tesla is clearly offering a lot of attention to the Chinese market, with new features tailored for local customers. This is part of a new strategy recently outlined by Tesla's chief designer, Franz von Holzhausen, during his trip to China. Tesla intends to have local R&D and design teams to fine-tune cars and software for the local market. It could go as far as giving the local teams the green light to design their own models based on Tesla's vehicle architectures.
This should be possible with the launch of the next-generation EV platform. Codenamed NV9X, the new architecture will underpin several models, including an affordable compact EV and a robotaxi. The localization will include more than the vehicle hardware, with the first software attempts already being made. This started a while back with the launch of a personal assistant in China.
Designed to replace the Tesla voice command system, the new voice assistant would allow drivers to communicate freely with the car using natural language. Tesla hasn't clarified if this will use Grok, the X.Ai's ChatGPT rival, or another AI system. The AI voice assistant is already being tested, and we know from our sources that Tesla intends to bring it to the US and European vehicles in the future.
Drive Tesla recently noticed a new software update in China with version number 2023.44.32. So far, this has no build number correspondent in the US, and some of the features it introduced are also unique to the Chinese market. According to the release notes, the Tesla owners in China got a new feature named "Zone Speed Limit Reminder." This displays the average speed of your car for the controlled segment, helping drivers not exceed the zone speed limit and get fined for speeding.
The update also brings new voice control options, including for windows and lights, and automatically lowers media volume while reversing. However, the most important change is a 3D map visualization unique to China. Chances are this feature won't ever be offered in other markets because it's based on Baidu map data. Tesla uses Google Maps data in Western countries, which is not as detailed as Baidu's.
Based on pictures and videos from China, the 3D map shows the vehicle moving through a detailed 3D environment. This includes lanes, buildings, and more, making it similar to FSD visualizations, only based on static map data. What do you think about this: would you like Tesla to offer similarly detailed map data in North America and Europe? Tell us in the Comments section below.
This should be possible with the launch of the next-generation EV platform. Codenamed NV9X, the new architecture will underpin several models, including an affordable compact EV and a robotaxi. The localization will include more than the vehicle hardware, with the first software attempts already being made. This started a while back with the launch of a personal assistant in China.
Designed to replace the Tesla voice command system, the new voice assistant would allow drivers to communicate freely with the car using natural language. Tesla hasn't clarified if this will use Grok, the X.Ai's ChatGPT rival, or another AI system. The AI voice assistant is already being tested, and we know from our sources that Tesla intends to bring it to the US and European vehicles in the future.
Drive Tesla recently noticed a new software update in China with version number 2023.44.32. So far, this has no build number correspondent in the US, and some of the features it introduced are also unique to the Chinese market. According to the release notes, the Tesla owners in China got a new feature named "Zone Speed Limit Reminder." This displays the average speed of your car for the controlled segment, helping drivers not exceed the zone speed limit and get fined for speeding.
The update also brings new voice control options, including for windows and lights, and automatically lowers media volume while reversing. However, the most important change is a 3D map visualization unique to China. Chances are this feature won't ever be offered in other markets because it's based on Baidu map data. Tesla uses Google Maps data in Western countries, which is not as detailed as Baidu's.
Based on pictures and videos from China, the 3D map shows the vehicle moving through a detailed 3D environment. This includes lanes, buildings, and more, making it similar to FSD visualizations, only based on static map data. What do you think about this: would you like Tesla to offer similarly detailed map data in North America and Europe? Tell us in the Comments section below.
— Drive Tesla (@DriveTeslaca) January 25, 2024
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