Tesla has finally released a long-awaited function called Smart Summon (ASS). This functionality has been under development for years and promises a new level of ease for Tesla owners. Tesla’s most recent software update also includes a supplementary option called Dumb Summon.
The development of ASS has been a long one. It was initially scheduled to be released in 2022 but has been delayed several times. CEO Elon Musk has mentioned many launch dates, but the feature did not appear until now. Despite the failures, the deployment of ASS represents a significant milestone in Tesla’s autonomous driving capabilities.
What is Smart Summon?
Summon utilizes powerful AI and Tesla’s vision-based technology. This technology uses cameras, sensors, and advanced algorithms to navigate the car automatically. When you enable the feature via the Tesla app, the car’s cameras give real-time data, allowing the vehicle to map its surroundings. With the rollout of the new 2024.27.20 software update, Tesla has introduced ‘Actually Smart Summon’ and detailed the feature in the release notes:
Buckle up for the ride of your life, except, surprise! You’re not in the car. ASS (Actually Smart Summon) allows your vehicle to come to you, or head to a spot that you choose, all on its own. It’s like magic, but with more tech and less wand-waving.
Additionally, Dumb Summon allows you to move your Tesla forward or back with simple controls directly in your mobile app.
To use, open your Tesla app, hit the Summon tab, and get a live feed from your car’s cameras to guide your supervision.
– COME TO ME: Press and hold to have your Tesla come to you.
– GO TO TARGET: Set where you want your Tesla to go, then press and hold to send it on its merry way.
You can halt your journey anytime by just letting go of the button. See your Owner’s Manual for additional details.
ASS and Dumb Summon should only be used in parking lots or driveways. Keep an eye on your car and its surroundings at all times. Stay vigilant, especially around the fast and the furious (people, bikes, and other cars). You are still responsible for your vehicle, so watch as it drives and stop it if necessary.
Setting a Destination
To use ASS, launch the Tesla app and select a destination that is within a reasonable distance of the vehicle’s current location. This might be directly outside a grocery store, on the curb of a restaurant, or anywhere else you wish the car to meet you. Once a destination has been selected, the automobile will begin its journey, assessing its surroundings to avoid obstacles such as other vehicles, pedestrians, and curbs.
The technology is intended to manage complicated parking lot settings, such as tight spaces and high traffic volume. The car makes judgments on the fly, altering its path to ensure it safely arrives at the desired spot.
Safety Measures and Limitations
The ASS feature incorporates numerous layers of safety. It is set to function at low speeds to reduce dangers in congested areas. Tesla further notes that this capability should only be used in parking lots or driveways with relatively stable environments. Despite the high level of autonomy, the driver is still responsible for the car’s safety and must constantly monitor its behavior.
Dumb Summon: A Simpler Alternative
Along with ASS, Tesla has introduced Dumb Summon. This functionality is far more basic. It enables consumers to move their Tesla forward or backward via the app. While it does not provide the same amount of autonomy as ASS, it is an effective tool for making tiny adjustments to your car’s location.
Using either feature is simple. Open the Tesla app, select the Summon option, and follow the on-screen instructions. You will receive a live stream from your car’s cameras, allowing you to monitor its surroundings. You can direct the automobile to your place or another nearby one.
Availability and Future Updates
Smart Summon is only available in Tesla vehicles equipped with Hardware 4. There has been no indication of when or whether this feature would be available for vehicles equipped with Hardware 3. However, it will likely be available in the coming weeks, as past updates were gradually made available to earlier hardware versions.
Smart Summon and Dumb Summon represent important advances in Tesla technology. While ASS provides almost miraculous convenience, Dumb Summon is a simple but effective approach to manage your car remotely. With these features, Tesla continues to push the frontiers of what is feasible with self-driving vehicles.
