Issue 392 - Unsupervised FSD tested in Austin by Elon and Ashok
FSD v14.2.2.2
FSD v14.2.2.2 rolls out with noticeable improvements
This update may not be the big leap promised with v14.3, but it brings a much smoother and more confident driving experience. The build shows major polish, with less hesitation in traffic, improved speed and lane handling, and a big step up in predicting pedestrian movements. Perhaps most importantly, the driver monitoring nag is toned down, letting drivers enjoy hands-free drives like before.
Owner logs 10,000+ consecutive FSD miles without a single intervention
One owner just drove over 10,000 miles across 24 states using FSD v14.2 without touching the steering wheel even once. This trip, tracked and independently verified by the FSD Database, included everything from city traffic to parking and Supercharger stops in a new Model 3. And I thought my using it for 96% of the miles was high!
Camera visibility alerts refined in FSD v14.2.2
Driver feedback was heard and the camera visibility alerts were improved in FSD v14.2.2. The update now labels which camera is obscured, saving everyone guesswork and hassle when the system needs a clear view. This is one of those small improvements that make a big difference.
Unsupervised FSD
Unsupervised FSD tested in Austin by Elon and Ashok 📹
Elon Musk and Ashok Elluswamy both went for fully unsupervised rides in the latest Model Y powered by HW4, showing strong confidence in the new FSD version that drives with no one in the front seats. Ashok's video from Austin demonstrates the car handling city streets, stoplights, and pedestrians all on its own.
Backseat robotaxi rides without a safety monitor, plus a feline passenger 📹
AI engineers are now sharing videos of themselves riding in the back of a driverless Model Y robotaxi in Austin, with no safety monitor up front and even a cat along for the ride. This is a huge statement of confidence from the team responsible for FSD, showing that unsupervised robotaxi rides are no longer just a concept but a real, smooth experience for employees.
Engineer hints at FSD feedback without disengaging
An engineer recently acknowledged that owners may soon be able to send feedback on issues with FSD without needing to disengage the system, a long-requested feature. Currently, feedback is only collected after taking manual control, but as FSD improves and disengagements drop, reporting minor annoyances or awkward behaviors has gotten trickier. Enabling feedback on the fly, similar to the internal snapshot tool, would help keep perfecting FSD even as big issues become rarer.
Software Updates
Apple Wallet style car key support may be on the way
A recent app teardown revealed code suggesting digital car key integration is being prepped, starting in China with Huawei's Harmony Wallet. This could open the door to native Apple and Google Wallet car key support worldwide, something owners have been asking for since rivals like Rivian rolled it out. Native digital keys would be a big upgrade over the current phone key, letting you unlock and drive even if the app is closed or your phone is out of battery.
Cybertaxi
More Cybercabs spotted testing on Austin roads 📹
Real-world testing of the purpose-built robotaxi is ramping up, as at least two Cybercabs were seen cruising through downtown Austin this weekend. Unlike previous tests, these vehicles were outfitted with steering wheels, likely for regulatory reasons even though the production model has been described as skipping manual controls.
FSD shuttle service launches in Germany
The first FSD Supervised shuttle service in Europe is up and running in Germany’s Bitburg-Prüm district with official government backing. What makes this pilot stand out is its rural focus, aiming to bring flexible, AI-assisted transit to areas where public transport can be tricky, all while working closely with local authorities.
Milestones
FSD fleet nears 7 billion miles
The FSD-equipped fleet is closing in on 7 billion self-driving miles, including 2.5 billion in tricky city environments, which speaks to the tidal wave of real-world data driving rapid software improvements.
🤓 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