Tesla Launches “Actually Smart Summon” Feature for Vehicle Owners

Tesla has officially rolled out its next-generation Smart Summon feature, called “Actually Smart Summon” (ASS), to Tesla owners, according to a post by Sawyer Merritt on X. This long-awaited update enhances the autonomous capabilities of Tesla vehicles, allowing them to navigate to their owners without anyone behind the wheel.

What is Actually Smart Summon?

ASS is described by Tesla as a feature that “allows your Model 3 to come to you, or head to a spot that you choose, all on its own.” The company adds, “It’s like magic, but with more tech and less wand-waving.”

The feature builds upon Tesla’s previous Smart Summon functionality, offering improved performance and reliability. As stated in the vehicle’s interface, “Buckle up for the ride of your life, except, surprise! You’re not in the car.”

How to Use ASS

To use Actually Smart Summon, Tesla owners need to:

1. Open the Tesla app on their mobile device
2. Navigate to the Summon tab
3. Choose between two options:

• “COME TO ME”: Press and hold to have the Tesla come to your location
• “GO TO TARGET”: Set a destination for the Tesla, then press and hold to send it on its way

The interface emphasizes that users can halt their vehicle’s journey at any time by releasing the button in the app.

Safety Considerations

Tesla stresses that ASS and Dumb Summon (a simpler forward/backward movement feature) should only be used in parking lots or driveways. The company advises users to:

• Keep an eye on their Tesla and its surroundings at all times
• Stay vigilant, especially around people, bikes, and other cars
• Watch the vehicle as it drives and stop it if necessary

“You are still responsible for your vehicle,” the interface reminds users.

EVXL’s Take

The launch of Actually Smart Summon represents another step forward in Tesla’s pursuit of autonomous driving technology. While the feature is mentioned in relation to the Model 3 in the provided information, it’s possible that it could be available for other Tesla models as well.

As the EV market continues to evolve, features like ASS could become significant differentiators for manufacturers.

It’s worth noting that other companies are also making strides in this area. For instance, recent developments in autonomous driving capabilities across various EV brands show that competition in this space is heating up. As these technologies mature, it will be interesting to see how they shape the future of personal transportation and urban mobility.

Photos courtesy of AI DRIVR and Whole Mars Catalog.