Issue 412 - New web-based Dashcam Viewer launches
FSD
FSD v14.3.3 driver monitoring gets smarter depending on speed profile 📹
The latest Full Self-Driving v14.3.3 software update introduces improved driver monitoring, with the system's strictness scaling up based on the chosen Speed Profile. Testing showed that the "Mad Max" mode delivers warnings quickly if your attention strays, while "Standard" is far more lenient, even allowing phone use for extended periods.
Driver monitoring improves with better eye tracking
The latest software update, 2026.14.6.7, now formally includes improved driver monitoring with better eye-gaze tracking, enhanced handling of eyewear, and higher accuracy in challenging lighting. These changes, already present in the previous update but not highlighted until now, aim to reduce false warnings by more accurately determining driver attention while making the system less intrusive. Future updates are expected to address pothole avoidance and expand the car’s neural network reasoning.
FSD completes an intervention-free 7,241-mile journey across all 48 states
A Model Y equipped with FSD v14.3.2 recently completed an impressive 7,241-mile journey through all 48 contiguous U.S. states and Washington, DC without a single steering input. Joe Anderson, an airline pilot, supervised the nearly 10-day drive while prioritizing safety, taking nightly rests and avoiding aggressive driving. Not only does this set a possible record for FSD-driven cross-country EV travel, but it also highlights the current maturity of the autonomous software and the widespread availability of the Supercharger network, with the trip costing $901 in charging, significantly less than gas for a traditional SUV.
Robotaxi
Unsupervised Robotaxi service expands across the entire Austin geofence
The unsupervised Robotaxi ride-hailing service has significantly expanded to the entire geofenced area in Austin, now operating 28 fully unsupervised vehicles there. While this broadens local coverage, overall growth remains measured, with just 39 unsupervised Robotaxis in Texas and future rollouts to other cities still lacking concrete timelines. Austin remains the main testing ground, and scaling beyond pilot status will be a key challenge in the year ahead.
Software Updates
New Service Mode tool added for camera cleaning
The latest 2026.20 software update now includes a dedicated camera cleaning workflow in Service Mode for vehicles with AI4 hardware. The new tool guides technicians through checking, cleaning, verifying, and resetting the forward cameras to address issues like haziness that can degrade Autopilot and FSD performance.
New web-based Dashcam Viewer launches 📹
The new browser-based Dashcam Clip Viewer makes it much easier to securely access, view, and download dashcam footage from your vehicle directly on any computer or mobile device. The tool supports both encrypted and unencrypted videos, keeps all processing local for privacy, and neatly combines multiple camera angles in a familiar grid layout. It is a practical and overdue upgrade that should make managing dashcam recordings far less of a hassle for owners, though access may still be limited in some regions.
Update 2026.20 adds dashcam encryption and expanded parental controls
The 2026.20 software update introduces automatic encryption for Dashcam and Sentry Mode footage, meaning recorded clips on your USB drive cannot be accessed elsewhere without decryption, adding welcome privacy protection. The update also expands parental controls, letting owners block access to apps like Tesla Theater, Arcade, and the web browser.
Model 3 & Y
Service bulletins issued for Model Y suspension creaks
Front suspension creaks in refreshed 2026+ Model Y vehicles have now been officially acknowledged, with two service bulletins requiring replacement of affected upper control arm mounts, front dampers for Premium and Performance trims, and removal of problematic wiper bracket braces. Repairs are now covered under warranty, meaning owners should no longer face resistance from Service Centers, and fixes should be faster since the procedure and required parts are clearly specified. Owners dealing with suspension noises should schedule service to have these issues resolved.
Plaid mode is teased for the Model 3
The VP of Vehicle Engineering, Lars Moravy, says a Model 3 Plaid edition has been discussed internally but faces engineering challenges, mainly around packaging the high-performance components from the now-retired Model S Plaid. While there is no official production plan, offering a Plaid Model 3 could fill the performance gap left by the Model S and X Plaid models, appealing to those wanting more than the current Model 3 Performance.
🤓 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.
EV: Electric Vehicle
FSD: Full Self-Driving