For months now, we have been reporting on Tesla’s new map and navigation modules that they are testing for an upcoming overhaul of their system.
Today, CEO Elon Musk acknowledged the update, which he hyped as “light-years ahead of the current system.”
Back in July, we reported that Tesla is working on revamping its maps and navigation system with its own maps using new open source modules from MapBox and Valhalla.
The new map system called ‘Tesla Maps’ was discovered by our Tesla hacker friend verygreen who was able to enable it in his car and gave us our first look at Tesla’s new map system.
Last month, we came out with another report after he discovered a new map module in Tesla’s recent 2017.44 software update called ‘Vector Maps’. The main difference seems that it enables a significantly more important zoom and smoother engine.
Today, Musk mentioned some upcoming “cool software updates”:
Glad to see that Tesla owners are having a good experience. Working to improve further. Some cool software updates coming soon. https://t.co/16NabnHeuD
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 21, 2017
And then he followed up by teasing the new navigation engine:
Major navigation overhaul coming in early 2018. Will be light-years ahead of current system, but we are testing it rigorously before rolling out.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 21, 2017
Rigorously indeed, since those new modules have been in the backend of Tesla’s vehicle software for months now.
At least, now we have a timeline for “early 2018” though that’s on “Elon’s time.”
Electrek’s Take
Personally, I never had too many issues with Tesla’s current map and navigation system, but I certainly wouldn’t say no to an update.
It looks like he was also teasing upcoming features other than the map and navigation system since the question came later. Earlier this year, we reported on the new battery pre-heating feature that’s coming, which could be one of those new features.
Other than that, there’s a long list of anticipated features that are long overdue, like a new internet browser, updated media system, Enhanced Autopilot features, automatic windshield wipers for AP 2.0+ vehicles, and more.
What are you most excited for? Let us know in the comment section below.
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