Tesla has prepared a v9 update for its FSD (Full Self Driving) system. The last update was three years ago.
Aside from an improved UI, the system will now track the attention of the driver using a video camera mounted above the rearview mirror, and warn them if they get distracted from the road. Owners will also be able to recall their cars from parking areas using the key fob or a mobile app, although this feature will only work across short distances for the time being.
Starting from last year, Tesla has been shipping all of its EVs with the FSD preinstalled, although buyers still need to pay an extra $10,000 to unlock it. It is officially recognized as an SAE Level 2 autonomous vehicle system, which means the car can steer, select and maintain speed, and stay in lane, but the driver still needs to pay attention all the time and be ready to take over.
Despite all the legal obstacles, Tesla claims its cars are capable of driving themselves across the city unattended, barring potential emergencies.
The version 10 update is a beta version of the software, which means that the people driving cars with it on-board can be considered beta testers. Then again, this would not be an unusual business practice for Tesla.