FYI: Tesla is edging closer to introducing an exciting new voice assistant feature, with its vehicles now responding to simple greetings, indicating impending advancements in their voice-command capabilities.
### Tesla Edges Closer to Launching New Voice Assistant
Tesla is making significant advances toward debuting a long-awaited voice assistant feature in its vehicles. A recent development allows Tesla cars to recognize and respond to greetings like “Hello” or “Hi” when initiated through the Voice Command button. This shift from the previous “command not understood” response shows the company’s progress in developing this feature, which has been eagerly anticipated by Tesla’s loyal customer base.
### Progress Highlighted by Seamless Updates
According to insights from Not a Tesla App, this new response feature appears to be integrated through Tesla’s servers. Users don’t need to have the latest holiday update installed, suggesting that Tesla can now update features remotely. This move aligns with earlier indications that Tesla’s proprietary xAI language model, Grok, would eventually be integrated into all Tesla vehicles. This model, hinted at by Elon Musk as a potential native feature in Tesla cars last November, is expected to enhance onboard voice assistant capabilities.
### Wake Word Innovation and Future Possibilities
A glimpse into Tesla’s future voice assistant journey was uncovered by code analyst “greentheonly” in May, revealing the addition of a “wake word” activation function in one of Tesla’s software updates. This update is similar to activation commands like “Hey Alexa,” marking a step away from the necessity to press a button for voice commands.
Further excitement was generated during Tesla’s Cybertruck unveiling event last month, where the company teased a potential voice assistant feature for the Cybertruck, highlighting Tesla’s commitment to improving user experience with voice command functionalities.
### Active Development and Community Engagement
Even as the automotive giant continues refining its voice recognition capabilities, the specific release timeline for the complete voice assistant functionality remains undisclosed. However, the introduction of preliminary interactive responses signals Tesla’s active development and response to consumer demands.
For continuous updates and news on Tesla’s advancements and voice assistant release, follow us at tips@automotive.fyi or on Twitter @automotivefyi.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
