After two-year delay Tesla's S.3.X.Y finally gets A.S.S.

04 September 2024

Like him or not, you gotta give it to Elon Musk - somehow, he manages to turn sheer cringe into marketing gold. What started with Tesla's portfolio being called S.3.X.Y (Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y) came to a culminating point with a long-awaited release of the "Actual Smart Summon" - A.S.S. for short.

After numerous missed deadlines, Tesla has finally rolled out its Actually Smart Summon. This automated driver-assist system allows Tesla vehicles to navigate parking lots and driveways autonomously without a driver behind the wheel.

The feature was initially promised back in 2022, but its release was repeatedly delayed. Tesla CEO Elon Musk even joked about the delays, renaming the feature "Actually Smart Summon" to acknowledge the wait.

With the latest software update, Tesla owners can now access ASS (this will never get old) through the Tesla app. By pressing and holding the "Come to Me" or "Go to Target" button, users can summon their vehicle to their location or send it to a designated spot.

Of course, Tesla emphasizes that drivers are still responsible for their vehicles, even when not physically present. The company advises users to monitor their cars at all times and be prepared to stop them if necessary.

This cautious approach is understandable, considering the potential risks of autonomous driving in complex environments like parking lots. Pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles can create unpredictable situations that even the most advanced AI systems may struggle to handle.

Despite these challenges, ASS represents a significant step towards Tesla's goal of achieving full self-driving capability. In the future, self-driving cars will need to navigate parking lots autonomously to pick up and drop off passengers.

Tesla plans to further enhance ASS by integrating it with HomeLink and myQ, which control garage doors. The company also aims to increase the distance the vehicle can travel without driver supervision and eliminate the need to hold the button continuously.

While ASS is a major milestone, it's important to remember that it's still a work in progress. Tesla will likely continue to refine and improve the feature based on real-world usage and feedback. In the meantime, Tesla owners can finally experience the convenience of having their cars come to them rather than the other way around.

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