I was just recently educated about this stuff on another Thread (
FSD Beta vehicle trying to install 2021.40.6). What I think I now know:
- See handy source Update Information for details about recent software downloads.
- There currently appear to be two general software download tracks or branches: Production Build (no FSD Beta testing) and FSD Beta Testers (my name). (Other sub-branches needn't concern us for this discussion.)
- The split originated around the September 2021 Software Version 2021.32.22 (containing the request to be a FSD Beta tester).
- Roughly, software versions 40 and higher (Production Build) are for non-FSD Beta testers. Software versions 36 and higher are for FSD Beta testers. (There are some numerical exceptions to these guidelines.)
- As peej mentioned, the latest Production Build track software is 40.6 (11/19/21).
- The latest FSD Beta Test branch software is 36.8.8 (about a week ago).
- I'm told that people can voluntarily leave the FSD Beta testing track and be put back into the Production Build branch.
- They should lose FSD Beta testing but gain certain features (like Navigation Waypoints, and added CCS and cellular network information in the Additional Vehicle Information popup).
- Other knowledgeable TMC members didn't think Tesla should or would normally push 40.6 on FSD Beta testers. But at least one car had this happen accidentally apparently due to a software glitch during a five-day service period. And as mentioned, people can voluntarily opt out of the FSD Beta testing program.
- EVRider-FL already correctly informed us that the Sentry Mode Live Camera Access feature is currently only available in selected areas, and for refreshed Models S & X, and now Models 3 & Y.
- It is also not yet available for Production Build cars, as Huskyf alluded to.
- And as GeneralPlatty said, I assume that those selected FSD Beta testers who do have this feature and chose to re-enter the Production Build branch would lose it.
- As others have mentioned, at some point the two branches may rejoin, or perhaps before that the FSD Beta testing branch may gain missing Production Build features in a future download. No telling if or when.
Fascinating, but a little confusing.