Issue 390 - 2025 holiday update
Optimus
Optimus locomotion progress in 2.5 years 📹
It’s been just 2.5 years since Tesla started showing Optimus, and while the walking gait gets teased a lot, what really makes a difference is that the robot comes with actual hands, unlike other projects that stick to simple grippers. While many are debating the practicality and usefulness of humanoids in the home, you can’t help but appreciate the fun and skepticism from the community. I do agree though, seeing Optimus fold laundry or pour a drink would be even cooler than just watching it walk.
Optimus pilot production line running at the Fremont factory 📹
Optimus robots are already being built at Fremont on a pilot line, and they are being tested in real HQ and factory settings, not just the lab. A much larger Generation 3 production line is announced for 2026 with a goal to hit a $20,000 production cost per bot.
FSD
One-month FSD gift cards launch
A new in-app feature lets you buy a one-month FSD (Supervised) gift card for someone in the U.S. The card, priced at $112 with tax, lets recipients try out FSD or spend the credit on other Tesla services. Roses are nice. FSD is nicer.
FSD v14 ride-alongs expand to two new European countries
The FSD v14 ride-along program is expanding to Denmark and Switzerland, giving more Europeans the chance to experience supervised FSD with a trained employee driving. These demo rides have proven super popular as people want to see how the self-driving system tackles real city traffic. While regulatory approval is still taking its time, the bet is that more hands-on demos will both win over the public and push regulators to allow broader access, starting in the Netherlands in 2026.
Early eyes off feature allows texting while driving in certain conditions
With FSD v14.2.1, drivers are now allowed to briefly use their phones or even send a quick text when the system detects it is safe to do so, like during slow, stop-and-go traffic. However, drivers still carry all the risk, since Tesla has not gone through official Level 3 self-driving certification or taken on liability. The fact that this exists still does not make it legal, so be careful out there.
AI Hardware
AI5 project begins to move forward
Samsung is moving fast to help bring Tesla’s next-gen AI5 chip to life, hiring veteran engineers and prepping a US production line. AI5 promises a massive leap in performance, with 40 times the speed and triple the efficiency over current Tesla hardware, set to arrive in limited numbers as soon as next year but not widespread until 2027.
Software Updates
2025 holiday update 📷
The 2025 Holiday Update brings a bunch of fun and practical new features. Highlights include Grok now able to add navigation destinations as your in-car assistant, a photobooth with filters for snapping selfies in your Tesla, and updated Dog Mode with live iPhone updates. Other additions are the ability to personalize your car’s avatar, a new ISS Docking Simulator game, updated Santa Mode visuals, improvements to navigation and Supercharger info, plus plenty of extras for Spotify and interior light vibes.
New vehicle locator arrives in the app 📷
The latest app update introduces a handy vehicle locator feature. Instead of using a static map, you now get a directional arrow and distance indicator that acts like a digital compass, making it much easier to find your car in a crowded parking lot by simply following the arrow on your phone.
First look at navigation commands with Grok in the holiday update 📹
Grok can now act as your co-pilot, letting you request directions conversationally, not just by memorizing addresses or business names. Just describe your destination, like the coffee place with the blue awning, and Grok figures it out, plus you can ask for certain route types, such as fun, twisty roads or the simplest, low-stress drive. For now, this feature is only available in the US and Canada with Ryzen-powered Teslas.
🤓 What the acronym
As a 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
Nice roundup. The hands vs grippers distinction for Optimus is whats gonna matter longterm for real household tasks. Simple grippers work fine for repetitive industrial applications but dunno how you fold laundry or handle fragile objects without some level of tactile feedback and articulation. The $20k target cost is ambitious tho, curious whether theyre factoring in just manufacturing or also the control systems that make those hands useful.