[Media Mistake - False] No FM, Bluetooth, or USB Audio either?

[vinnie97]

I suspect (hope) MSN is jumping to conclusions (again), but I did just find this eyebrow-raising article concerning a lack of audio options available standard in econoboxes today:

Tesla Model 3 Currently Leaves Drivers Without FM Radio, Bluetooth or USB Audio

Somebody please tell me the lack of audio options are due to the software being in beta.

 

[voip-ninja]

Only people who work for Tesla know.

The article implies the car does not have FM radio at all. If true, that is surprising. We knew it would not have AM radio but omission of FM radio, a must for people that live in rural areas would be quite a shock... especially since it also does not have an XM/Sirius option.

 

[DrivingRockies]

Currently Leaves

I think currently is the key word. Tune-in does a great job with most local stations. I prefer it personally. USB I doubt we'll see. Bluetooth surely is coming.

 

[flashflooder]

Why wouldn't USB audio be included? It is available on the S and X, right? So the software is already baked... would they really omit it to save the cost of a USB port?

baffling...

 

[Tam]

...eyebrow-raising...

Just like AP1, AP2, and fully self driving, when Tesla says it can, it will. The question is how soon

Tesla spec says: FM, Bluetooth for Model 3. For Model S, it says

• Two USB ports for media and power

, but I don't see that for Model 3 so if it's not mentioned, Tesla is not obligated to provide USB audio.

Press Kit | Tesla Canada

I will go nuts if I can't use my USB flash drive for media!

 

[run-the-joules]

USB audio is present and currently functioning, in the context of "Mp3 files on a USB stick". Any more than that, TBD

 

[PaulJB]

Meh, I'm pretty sure most of this will be fixed through OTA software updates by the time most non-employee customers get their cars. Its pretty clear the software is fairly beta, and Tesla is leaning, rightfully so, on using future OTA updates for finalizing the software while still getting cars out ASAP.

 

[DrivingRockies]

TBH, I've never used a USB input in my life. Nor have I put them in any (pinewood derby) cars I've built.

 

[WileyTheMan]

Meh, I'm pretty sure most of this will be fixed through OTA software updates by the time most non-employee customers get their cars. Its pretty clear the software is fairly beta, and Tesla is leaning, rightfully so, on using future OTA updates for finalizing the software while still getting cars out ASAP.

Pretty sure this is the case. I am 95% certain these features will (eventually) be in there.

 

[eSpiritIV]

I belive the new FCC filings about the bluetooth 5 connection tell us that there will be audio paring for streaming from your phone

 

[rxlawdude]

I think currently is the key word. Tune-in does a great job with most local stations. I prefer it personally. USB I doubt we'll see. Bluetooth surely is coming.

Audio sources dependent on cellular/WiFi connection, servers, and Internet congestion should not be the primary way entertainment is piped into the M3.

Contrast that to broadcasts: the only things to consider are the receiver's capabilities, the atmosphere and terrain, and the transmitter of the station. Way more likely to work when streaming doesn't (assuming one is in range of the station's transmitter).

As pointed out repeatedly, the lack of AM (and Tesla confirmed it is NOT in the M3) may be a safety issue, because at least in California there are many low-power AM stations broadcasting road/traffic/safety information. These will NEVER be on TuneIn.

Second, lack of XM (there is no evidence that it is included, even in the PUP version of the upgraded audio system) is unforgivable for those living where AT&T's cell coverage is weak or nonexistent. An option for XM is a dumb oversight.

 

[gambit48]

After watching the video the guy in Los Angeles (with the black M3) made regarding plugging in his USB drive to listen to music but that media on phones don't work, I got the impression that it's a "not yet" deal. It's not working yet. There's other software stuff that isn't fully operational yet. I'm not worrying until actual owners get their cars. I still consider all these employee vehicles to be live beta testing, which would be concerning for other companies, but not with Tesla because of the OTA update abilities.

 

[DrivingRockies]

Audio sources dependent on cellular/WiFi connection.......should not be the primary

I agree, didn't mean to imply that. Just a preference of use when good signals are there.

Way more likely to work when streaming doesn't

I drive in the mountains a lot, I couldn't agree more.

at least in California there are many low-power AM stations broadcasting road/traffic/safety information. These will NEVER be on TuneIn.

Most AM stations out here seem to be on tune-in. I don't know about their power level/other parts of the nation. Interesting point.

 

[seattlite2004]

With all this talk about streaming...I got some question regarding LTE:

• Is LTE free for the life of the car?
  • If not, what are the costs for LTE?
  • If one doesnt want to pay for LTE...what functionality does one loose.
• Anyway to tether the car to your phone and use your phones LTE connection?

 

[DrivingRockies]

Is LTE free for the life of the car?

Nope

If not, what are the costs for LTE?

Unknown. Probably AT&T rates

If one doesnt want to pay for LTE...what functionality does one loose.

Internet radio, nav updates on the road, connectivity with the app, potentially software updates (when not connected to wi-fi) etc.

Anyway to tether the car to your phone and use your phones LTE connection?

Yes, however it won't help the app connectivity while you're away.

 

[BigD0g]

Welcome to Tesla, you'll get used to the word soon, once you've taken delivery...

 

[voip-ninja]

With all this talk about streaming...I got some question regarding LTE:

• Is LTE free for the life of the car?
  • If not, what are the costs for LTE?
  • If one doesnt want to pay for LTE...what functionality does one loose.
• Anyway to tether the car to your phone and use your phones LTE connection?

Tesla has not said. They started a 4 year countdown of "included" LTE on the Model S/X but I don't know that any owner has ever been hit up to buy a plan.

It's in Tesla's interest for these cars to be on LTE all the time as it allows for collection of diagnostic data, helps with training AP and allows for seamless FW upgrades. People can't be bothered to BT pair their iPhone on their new Mercedes instead holding it up to their ear while driving around so chance they pair their Tesla to their home WiFi equally low.

My guess is that Tesla will eventually charge for it, but only if they feel that there's no risk to them of an owner foregoing a data plan and going "off grid" with their Tesla... right now that would cause Tesla headaches so they won't do it.

They also might start charging for a data plan for the car if they introduce the ability for people to hot spot the car from their mobile phone, then they are giving them an option.

 

[Mokuzai]

if they introduce the ability for people to hot spot the car from their mobile phone,

Doesn't this work now? Or do you mean using the car a wifi hotspot?

 

[seattlite2004]

Doesn't this work now? Or do you mean using the car a wifi hotspot?

I was asking about using my phone as a hotspot to get the vehicle connected. I'd rather just pay ONE fee for LTE.

 

[Mark Z]

Only Model S has AM radio.

Seems like a good aftermarket opportunity for someone. Here is a simple solution:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HZA6DKE/ref=s9_acsd_cdeal_hd_bw_bwq8_c_x_2_w

Tesla should have a slot under the touchscreen for such an installation. Who will drill a hole in their M3 for a radio antenna?