Model S Software/Firmware wishlist

[MarkR]

I think that most if us who post to this thread hope that somebody at Tesla is reading them. Does anybody know about the GUI development process at Tesla and how they prioritize? This thread contains a lot of very good ideas, some of them really easy to implement, but change is slow.

I know now that our local service center monitors the Arizona posts because they want to be aware of their customer's needs and interests. Is someone in GUI development reading this?

 

[jamieb]

Firmware 6.0 - New Features?

When I picked up my new P85 at the factory last weekend, the delivery specialist told us that the 6.0 firmware update will come out in January and that it had a lot of new features (which he said he couldn't tell us about). He seemed knowledgeable, telling us that 5.8.4 would be pushed out that night (wasn't yet on our factory-fresh car).

Other than the return of lowering-at-speed for the air suspension promised by TM, any other thoughts on what surprises might be in store?

 

[Jason S]

A way to use the wireless connection to my home network for transferring music files to the onboard storage and attached drives would be nice.

 

[jcaspar]

Playlists and random on media player, favorite spots, edit recents and home for Nav, backup lines for camera are my first choices.

 

[apacheguy]

Playlists and random on media player, favorite spots, edit recents and home for Nav, backup lines for camera are my first choices.

+1 for backup guidelines. Also, a redesigned energy app that breaks down consumption of the various components. Pandora.

 

[widodh]

From what I know is that it will support "Smart Charging" properly.

In Europe this is a kind of hot topic where most homes have a 3x25A connection or 3x40A. With a kW/Amp meter in the main distribution box you can have your EVSE communicate with the kW/Amp meter. Should you (nearly) go over the maximum limit of the main breakers, the EVSE can limit the Model S to a lower Amperage and set it back again should the other load in the house drop.

This currently doesn't work properly with the Model S. It goes down, but doesn't go up to the new Amperage.

 

[Kraken]

A way to save a backup version of your current firmware such that you can restore if you don't like a future one....

 

[Chipper]

Just give me back my "Smart" air suspension and I will be happier! (And don't EVER take something away from me again without at least letting me know you are doing so and why you think it necessary.)

 

[L@urens]

I am expecting extended navigation features: traffic, alternative routes, wind speed, super chargers, etc.

 

[Mayhemm]

Other than the return of lowering-at-speed for the air suspension promised by TM, any other thoughts on what surprises might be in store?

In this same vein, I would request release notes be made available before updating the car. Firmware is already downloaded by the time the "update clock" appears, so a small separate download for the release notes should not be difficult to implement.

A way to use the wireless connection to my home network for transferring music files to the onboard storage and attached drives would be nice.

Model S has no onboard storage anymore. Tesla "re-purposed" it for offline caching of Google Maps.

Playlists and random on media player, favorite spots, edit recents and home for Nav, backup lines for camera are my first choices.

+1 You touched on all the main ones for me. Perhaps refinements to existing features (sleep mode, charging ramp-down introduced in 5.8.4, etc) and individual readings for the TPMS.

 

[MarkR]

Might be cool if Tesla allowed users to update only the features they want. Some of us might want to wait for a ruling from the 'court of public opinion' before we accept the download.

 

[GSP]

Sorry to keep repeating this, but I would very much like to see "charging based on departure time" supported by 6.0.

GSP

 

[Sunfishsolar.ca]

Also, battery temp, and a battery preheat function both in car and on the app. Ability to change the current on the app. A energy screen that shows wattage draw live in numerals. Show battery energy level in two graphs, range based on last trip/s and show percentage. Example in winter 350 Km's at 100% charge. Summer 420 Km's at 100%. Also if you cancel cruise control and you are off the go pedal it gives you a second to get on the peddle before the strong regen kicks in.

 

[SeminoleFSU]

Umm, call me old fashioned, but I would hope that they will add a setting to collapse the steering wheel towards the dash when you put the car in park and open the door, like almost every other car on the road with a motorized steering wheel... especially a car that's this hard to get in/out of and his B-Pillar point wear problems. yes, I'm aware of the "exit" profile solution, but I think we're ready for a "REAL" solution.

- - - Updated - - -

Also would love to see more radio presets... most cars have A & B sets for every mode at a minimum. This car is a giant computer and we only have one bank of presets per mode... c'mon now. We should be able to have nearly unlimited number of presets, and have the ability to autoscan/autoset them.

 

[mknox]

At TESLIVE, Elon mentioned that a Valet Mode was already in place, but not yet exposed to the users. Maybe that is coming. We've seen how they limit test drive and loaner cars, so it would probably be a simple matter to create a UI for us to access on the touchscreen.

 

[SeminoleFSU]

OOooo, that's another good one.. I've been too scared to drop my car (and keys) off at a car wash to get it detailed because they might take it for a joy ride. great suggestion.

 

[sp4rk]

At TESLIVE, Elon mentioned that a Valet Mode was already in place, but not yet exposed to the users. Maybe that is coming. We've seen how they limit test drive and loaner cars, so it would probably be a simple matter to create a UI for us to access on the touchscreen.

Speaking of valet mode, we need a PIN to disable remote capability.

 

[HFh]

Lines in the backup camera. Seriously.

Add iTunes Radio (and pandora, why not?) along with slacker
Allow Bluetooth interface to show time remaining

I would love it if the wheel would retract when I put the car in park or something.

Can a software upgrade add handles so I can hang up my jacket?

 

[SeminoleFSU]

Would love to see SPOTIFY, but I highly doubt that's gonna happen anytime soon. Why anybody would go with slacker over spotify is beyond me.

 

[roblab]

Lines in the backup camera. Seriously.

Add iTunes Radio (and pandora, why not?) along with slacker
Allow Bluetooth interface to show time remaining

I would love it if the wheel would retract when I put the car in park or something.

Can a software upgrade add handles so I can hang up my jacket?

PLUS ONE!