Gary Zhou 
- 🚗 Teslas with Hardware 3 (HW3) are now receiving the Actually Smart Summon feature with Software Update 2024.27.20.
- 📈 Initially, the new feature seemed to be exclusive to Hardware 4 (HW4) vehicles, which have the most advanced self-driving capabilities.
- 🔄 Despite hardware differences, the Actually Smart Summon performs equally well on both HW3 and newer HW4 vehicles.
- 🛠️ The older 2019 Model 3 uses Intel Atom chips and ultrasonic sensors, while newer models use AMD Ryzen chips and Vision-only systems.
Tesla’s software culture is one that continuously evolves, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with each update. The latest Software Update 2024.27.20 introduces the “Actually Smart Summon” feature to vehicles equipped with Hardware 3 (HW3), a notable move that expands sophisticated functionalities beyond the most recent models. This blog explores the implications, technology, and future possibilities as Tesla democratizes its advanced self-driving capabilities.
The Expansion of Actually Smart Summon
Tesla’s Actually Smart Summon is an enticing feature, designed to enhance the convenience and safety of navigating parking lots with minimal human intervention. Previously, it appeared that this feature was tailored exclusively for vehicles outfitted with Hardware 4 (HW4), Tesla’s most cutting-edge self-driving platform.
However, the recent rollout has incorporated HW3 models, reflecting a commitment to support earlier adopters with new tech advancements. This move signifies Tesla’s strategic focus on expanding the accessibility of its premium FSD features across its fleet.
What’s New with Actually Smart Summon?
The Actually Smart Summon feature provides Tesla owners with the ability to command their vehicles to autonomously travel short distances to a specified location without a driver physically present in the car. The core benefits include:
- Remote Retrieval: Car owners can summon their vehicles across parking lots and other short distances using a smartphone app.
- Increased Accuracy: Updated algorithms allow for more precise navigation around obstacles, adapting to continuously changing environments.
- Improved Safety: The feature reduces the risk of parking lot accidents by leveraging sensors and AI to make better-informed decisions than a human driver might in tight spaces.
Comparing Hardware 3 and Hardware 4
The inclusion of HW3 vehicles in the update opens up questions about the differences in hardware capabilities and whether HW3 can effectively handle advanced features like Actually Smart Summon.
1. Processing Power
- HW3: Utilizes Intel Atom chips known for handling earlier versions of Tesla’s Autopilot.
- HW4: Boasts AMD Ryzen chips, providing significantly more computational power to support superior FSD capabilities.
2. Sensing Technology
- HW3: Equipped with ultrasonic sensors alongside cameras.
- HW4: Fully transitioned to Tesla’s Vision-only approach, taking advantage of advanced camera systems and AI-driven image processing.
Given these technical variances, it’s an engineering marvel that Tesla has optimized its software to ensure uniform performance across different hardware platforms.
How Tesla’s Vision-Only System Works
Tesla’s shift to a Vision-only system eliminates ultrasonic sensors, relying entirely on an integrated camera network and neural networks to process visual information.
- Data Collection: Cameras capture real-time environmental data, which is then analyzed using deep learning algorithms.
- Decision Making: The AI interprets this data to dynamically understand and respond to obstacles, road conditions, and traffic rules.
- Continuous Improvement: Tesla regularly updates its neural networks, learning from billions of miles driven to refine and improve accuracy and efficiency.
What This Means for Tesla Owners
Giving access to Actually Smart Summon to HW3 users exemplifies Tesla’s agile approach to software updates. Owners of older Teslas gain the advantages of:
- Extended Vehicle Lifespan: Continuous updates keep older models relevant and technologically advanced.
- Value Retention: Vehicles receive feature enhancements over time, supporting better resale value.
- Enhanced User Experience: Access to new functionalities helps foster brand loyalty and customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
Tesla’s announcement of rolling out the Actually Smart Summon feature to HW3-equipped models is a positive indicator of the company’s commitment to inclusivity in advanced tech. This not only enriches the user experience for thousands of Tesla owners globally but also reinforces Tesla’s reputation as a forward-looking company that is relentless in its pursuit of innovation.
