Infotainment center / apps

[Tempus]

Didnt see an apropriate thread, so i figured id start one.

I chatted with one of the tesla app developers after my test ride, and he had some interesting comments.

On 3g/4g. Right now its 3g. Elon wants 4g but they arent sure they can do it for launch. He also said that if they did launch with 3g, it would be unlikely they could upgrade to 4g through a software update. Apparently its more the hardware involved would be the issue. They are aware that this is a pretty significant potential issue (can being obselete in connection speed quickly) but didnt have a good answer. One option would be to use your cell phone as the source and tether the car to it, but he didnt like that option particularly....called it clunky.

Screen resolution. 1900 x 1200

He also showd a few of is the iphone app they are working on. Seemed pretty slick. Basically anything you can do from the console, you could potentially do on a phone app.

3g. Basic connectivity for diagnostic purchases would be included, but low bandwidth. There would be an option (likely for a yearly cost) for better connectivity.

Nav. Turn by turn nav would be another of those options. Btw, he said its not using google nav for that. The google maps we saw were more of an overview of where the car was, but they would be using something else for turn by turn.

console. I didnt notice any perceptible tilt from the passenger seat. Sceen was easily readable/reachable.

Thats it offhand. Im sure ill remember more later.

 

[gg_got_a_tesla]

Thanks, *Tempus*! 3G's already obsolete in a way. Given the number of 4G LTE smartphones shipping already, I don't know why Tesla shouldn't be able to put the 4G radio in there straight off the bat, 9 months from now, whether it's used rightaway or not. Yup, no s/w-only update for that; you'd need the actual radio h/w.

 

[widodh]

You will also be able to control everything in the car with that centre screen. You can open and close the panoramic roof (optional) with just a slider on the touchscreen.

Listen to internet radio, browse the web, all possible.

 

[AnOutsider]

I don't mind 3G, sprints evdo is pretty good. I asked about apps, and he said there will likely be apps professionally developed and available for download, but no public SDK for obvious reasons

 

[vfx]

Asked Franz about ACC cruise control. Probably will not be on initial release. Will come later. He said that older Model S' would not be incompatible to it.

I asked our driver if there would be adjustable regen. It appears it has not been implemented. I just watched my footage and I don't think he understood or answered my or Jim's question asking if it would be included.

 

[shark2k]

I hope they will make apps for Android also (probably should). But I also hope that they do not take longer to release the Android app because they are focusing on the iPhone.

-Shark2k

 

[JRod0802]

Below is an interview of Elon Musk. At 5:20 he says the following:

It has a 17" touch screen display, currently with 3G access, but at the start of production will have 4G access.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvNEzfiL4_0

 

[JimmWilks]

Asked Franz about ACC cruise control. Probably will not be on initial release. Will come later. He said that older Model S' would not be incompatible to it.

Great to know they're definitely thinking about it. Although it obviously isn't necessary, I think it's something that is really useful for motorway/highway/A-road driving, and seeing as the new Ford Focus has it...Why not you're 50-80k luxury sedan...

 

[NigelM]

I asked how they would manage the data package and Tesla has not yet decided. They are considering provide for free (a la Amazon Whispernet), or you buy your own data package, or tether to your phone, or maybe a.n.other option.

 

[cinergi]

I asked our driver if there would be adjustable regen. It appears it has not been implemented. I just watched my footage and I don't think he understood or answered my or Jim's question asking if it would be included.

I heard from two different engineers that it's in the engineering cars but not slated for production. It is, however, just a UI add/change should they want to put it there. They've heard this request a lot, and I'm sure have debated it a lot. We should inquire why they wouldn't want it there -- curious to understand the reasoning.

 

[NigelM]

Couple of shots of the touchscreen designs:

 

[cinergi]

Here are shots of all the transitions on the video screen.

 

[Citizen-T]

I wouldn't be surprised if we see more change from the Touchscreen software than anything else between now and production. Speaking from experience as a software engineer, 9 months is a ton of time to get a lot of new features and refinement in and still adequately test.

I'm really excited to see what all becomes of this piece.

 

[Doug_G]

He also showd a few of is the iphone app they are working on. Seemed pretty slick. Basically anything you can do from the console, you could potentially do on a phone app.

I hope they are thinking about security...

3g. Basic connectivity for diagnostic purchases would be included, but low bandwidth. There would be an option (likely for a yearly cost) for better connectivity.

Hopefully the car will have a SIM card slot.

 

[Doug_G]

I remember thinking it interesting that there is a control for daytime running lights. I guess it makes sense to offer it as an option, although I wonder how many Americans would use it? Here in Canada that control would have to be locked on.

 

[cinergi]

I hope they are thinking about security...

They specifically said they're still working on that.

 

[AnOutsider]

I wouldn't be surprised if we see more change from the Touchscreen software than anything else between now and production. Speaking from experience as a software engineer, 9 months is a ton of time to get a lot of new features and refinement in and still adequately test.

I'm really excited to see what all becomes of this piece.

Especially since its software that can easily be updated OTA

 

[cinergi]

I remember thinking it interesting that there is a control for daytime running lights. I guess it makes sense to offer it as an option, although I wonder how many Americans would use it? Here in Canada that control would have to be locked on.

I'd leave the halo lights on 'cuz they're so pretty! :smile: Does that count for DRL or do the actual HIDs need to be on, too?

 

[AnOutsider]

I remember thinking it interesting that there is a control for daytime running lights. I guess it makes sense to offer it as an option, although I wonder how many Americans would use it? Here in Canada that control would have to be locked on.

My last 4 cars have had DRLs, I'm really used to them. I know some hate them, but when they're done right (and sexy like on the S) how can you not love it?

 

[AnOutsider]

I'd leave the halo lights on 'cuz they're so pretty! :smile: Does that count for DRL or do the actual HIDs need to be on, too?

Just like audis have the led strips as DRLs, I think it'll be the same here. HIDs only on at night (or manual)