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Issue 140 - Coming soon: Viewing cameras directly from your phone

Software Updates

New software update 2020.48.5

Tesla is rolling out the latest software update 2020.48.5 which introduces great improvements in Sentry Mode, text messaging, and navigation improvements, amongst others. Interestingly enough, I have received the maps update that enables the navigation improvements but not the 2020.48.5 update.

Improved message for the 12V battery warning

Tesla seems to be working on improving its warning messages on the car’s UI. This one used to be a very short message without much context, but now with version 2020.40.* really provides the context needed, no need to freak out.

New eMMC failure warning message

Firmware version 2020.40.9.2 (and only this version for now), introduces a new warning message when the MCU eMMC is about to fail. You could argue Tesla should’ve done something about this earlier and I wish my MCU wouldn’t fail in the first place, but since that can’t be changed, seeing Tesla acknowledging the failure and actually doing something about it is very positive.

Remote camera viewing

According to @greentheonly, remote camera viewing should be coming soon. This would introduce the ability to check Sentry videos from a smartphone. He mentions 2020.48 but this version started rolling out and it doesn’t seem to include it (although it does introduce new features in Sentry). Maybe for the Holidays?

FSD Beta

FSD Beta going wide very soon

In reply to @dburkland on Twitter, Elon Musk shared that Tesla’s FSD Beta might be going to a wider audience in two weeks.

I know that multiple Tesla employees receive this letter, maybe you can help us to be on the list of testers, pretty please!?!?! 🙏

Making aggressive, human-like maneuvers in complex traffic situations

This is FSD Beta version 2020.44.15.3. Impressive how the car gets out of the parking lot by itself. An incredible human-like right turn (also illegal 😬) after AP realizes it’s on the incorrect lane. This update also seems to be improving the way Autopilot reacts to pedestrians, stopping at, and giving them plenty of room and time.

Range

Tesla Semi electric truck to have up to 621 miles of range

Elon Musk made new comments (here’s the interview in case you missed it last week) about Tesla’s upcoming electric semi truck, and said that the vehicle will eventually have up to 1,000 km (621 miles) of range. This new range is going to be achieved, thanks to Tesla’s new in-house battery cells and battery pack technology.

Under the hood

Tesla Model X hacked with $195 Raspberry Pi based board

Researchers from the COSIC team discovered a major security flaw in the keyless entry system of the Tesla Model S and detailed how the security measures implemented in the more recent Tesla Model X can be bypassed. They built a POC with a Raspberry Pi, a CAN shield, a modified key fob and ECU from a salvage vehicle, and a LiPo battery. Tesla received this information back in August and is planning on pushing changes that address these security flaws to the key fob as part of the 2020.48 software update.

Tesla fans

Giveaway Alert: Win a pair of premium puddle lights for your Tesla

We’ve partnered with Tesla Puddle Lights @lightmytesla to give away TWO pairs of Premium Puddle Lights (good for any Tesla model!). Check out the pinned tweet to participate. We will announce the winners on December 9th.

Taking delivery of a Tesla soon? Check out our PDF for new owners

In case you haven’t come across our PDF for new Tesla owners which comes in very handy when you first get your hands on the steering wheel and realize you’re still driving a car, but a very different one from what you’re used to, here it is again. The PDF also contains some good tips that even experienced Tesla owners may not know about. Finally, check out our must-have recommended accessories for new owners (links by model can be found at the very end of the PDF) including a Model Y bundle for new owners.

Elon Musk receives the Axel Springer Award 2020

Live streaming of the event, which took place last December 1st in Berlin, and another great interview with Elon Musk. He answers questions about going to Mars, fully autonomous cars, the role of AI in society, why Berlin to build the first Gigafactory in Europe, and even some personal questions like why techno music is important to him.

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What the acronym?

As 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.

  • FSD - Full Self-Driving
  • UI - User Interface
  • AP - Autopilot
  • COSIC - Computer Security and Industrial Cryptography
  • POC - Proof of Concept
  • ECU - Engine Control Unit

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