v7.1 beta testing begins (Driver Mode, Self Parking, AP restrictions)

[R²B]

Looks like v7.1 beta testing has begun.

Source

We recently reported on Tesla starting to push new Autopilot restrictions to some Model S owners last Sunday – about a month after Tesla CEO Elon Musk warned of upcoming constraints to limit some potentially dangerous use of the Autopilot as seen in videos posted online.


The Model S owners reporting on forums having received the update with new Autopilot restrictions have quickly removed their posts. We now learn through sources with knowledge of matter that Tesla started testing the new version 7.1 of its software with a select group of Model S owners this week.


The new update includes UI improvements, a new self-parking feature, ‘Driver Mode’ and Autopilot restrictions.The v7.1 user interface allows the driver to visualize on the dashboard the vehicles detected by the Autopilot on each lane and not only on the one the Model S is driving. The vehicle animations now include trucks and motorcycles instead of just cars.


Tesla introduced ‘Autopark’ in its v7.0 update in October, but the wide release of the feature currently requires the driver to be in the car and only works for parallel parking. In the beta v7.1, the company added the ability to use Autopark in parking spaces perpendicular to the curb, but under the current version being tested, the driver still need to be in the front seat.


No Model S driving itself in the garage … yet.

Update: v7.1 beta also includes a new feature to open your garage door automatically via HomeLink, which could be a precursor to summoning the car/Autopark from outside the vehicle feature.

In beta v7.1, Tesla is also introducing a new ‘Driver Mode’ to be activated when only a driver is using the vehicle, which lets only the driver side door handle to automatically extend when approaching the vehicle.
We don’t know when Tesla plans to release v7.1, but the previous beta update was first released to early testers in mid-August and the wide release happened in mid-October. The wait should presumably be shorter for v7.1 since the new update features significantly fewer changes than v7.0.

Hoping for release in mid January.

 

[Max*]

UI overhaul, que 1,000 posts describing time and temp changes.

I kid, I kid. It'll be only 500

 

[Cyclone]

But hallelujah I will look forward to "Driver Mode" until some users let us know that it doesn't apply to Classics like my car!

 

[R²B]

I wonder if the "Driver Mode" will have a seamless and elegant way of engaging and disengaging. I hope so.

 

[msnow]

You mean like controls/settings/driver assistance/driver mode/on/off? [emoji1]

 

[tomas]

Let the wild speculation and savaging in advance of facts begin!!!!

 

[jeffro01]

Interesting stuff... I hope the additions to auto park include pulling in forward AND backing in reverse...

Jeff

 

[R²B]

You mean like controls/settings/driver assistance/driver mode/on/off? [emoji1]

No I mean something like using the Ultrasonic sensors to determine how many people are approaching the car and from which doors and open only the appropriate doors automatically.

 

[msnow]

^^ this. Also didn't Elon "promise" garage parking and summoning in 7.1?

 

[jgs]

I'm curious, what's the requirement for "driver mode"? Is it a personal safety thing or something? As you might guess, I couldn't care less whether all four of my handles extend or not.

 

[gsxdsm]

Can't wait until we see screenshots of the new UI changes.

 

[msnow]

I'm curious, what's the requirement for "driver mode"? Is it a personal safety thing or something? As you might guess, I couldn't care less whether all four of my handles extend or not.

Probably but not on my "top 20" which starts with fixing nav.

 

[Cyclone]

I'm curious, what's the requirement for "driver mode"? Is it a personal safety thing or something? As you might guess, I couldn't care less whether all four of my handles extend or not.

It might cut back on moments like these depending on timing...

I'm used to having Tesla moments: my MC Red P85D is my third Tesla and it still turns heads, particularly since there aren't that many on the road here in Colorado. Yesterday, I was waiting on the sidewalk for my wife to pick me up in the S, so when I saw the familiar red Tesla pull up to the curb in front of me I stepped forward, opened the passenger door and started to get in. A disembodied voice floated up from the driver's seat...a man's voice: "Can I help you?" Confused, I bent down to peer into the cabin and was met by a quizzical look on the face of a perfect stranger.

It wasn't my car. :biggrin:

I explained my mistake, we had a good laugh and I held the door for his wife, who walked up while we were talking. Turns out they're on their third Tesla, too, and awaiting a fourth.

 

[spottyq]

I'm curious, what's the requirement for "driver mode"? Is it a personal safety thing or something? As you might guess, I couldn't care less whether all four of my handles extend or not.

It is personal safety. It is an old request from a few users.
Tesla (sometimes) listens to its user's request.

 

[brianman]

I'm curious, what's the requirement for "driver mode"? Is it a personal safety thing or something? As you might guess, I couldn't care less whether all four of my handles extend or not.

You don't mind if homeless people enter your car from the other side when you're travelling and have to make a stop somewhere?

 

[apacheguy]

I'm liking the sound of UI improvements. Any idea what those entail?

 

[Max*]

You don't mind if homeless people enter your car from the other side when you're travelling and have to make a stop somewhere?

I try not to travel places where a homeless person would try to enter my car while I'm stopped.

 

[Kim.T]

I don't think there will be any UI improvements in the early beta. It sounds more like they are testing changes/restrictions to AP

 

[R²B]

I don't think there will be any UI improvements in the early beta. It sounds more like they are testing changes/restrictions to AP

Sources are already reporting UI changes such as trucks and motorcycles rendering on the IC.....

 

[jgs]

I try not to travel places where a homeless person would try to enter my car while I'm stopped.

Exactly! If the environment is really that menacing, it's still menacing even with three out of four door handles retracted.