Tesla has finally rolled out its long-awaited “Actually Smart Summon” (ASS) feature, alongside a new “Dumb Summon” option, in the latest software update for its electric vehicles.
Actually Smart Summon (ASS)
After years of anticipation, Tesla owners can now use ASS to remotely summon their vehicles from parking spots to nearby locations. This feature is particularly useful in scenarios such as picking up the car from the front of a grocery store, eliminating the need to navigate a loaded shopping cart through a parking lot.
Dumb Summon
In contrast, the new Dumb Summon feature allows for simple forward or backward movement of the vehicle, providing finer control over its final position.
How It Works
Both features are accessible through the Tesla mobile app’s Summon tab, which provides a live camera feed from the vehicle for user supervision. The app offers two main options:
- COME TO ME: Summons the vehicle to the user’s location.
- GO TO TARGET: Allows users to set a specific destination for the vehicle.
Users can halt the vehicle’s movement at any time by releasing the control button in the app.
Official Release Notes
Tesla’s release notes for the update include the following statement:
“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 hand-waving.
Additionally, Dumb Summon allows you to move your Tesla forward or back with simple controls directly in your Mobile App.
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 responsible for your vehicle, so watch as it drives and stop it if necessary.”
Availability and Requirements
Currently, ASS is only available for vehicles equipped with Hardware 4. Tesla has not yet confirmed whether the feature will be extended to Hardware 3 vehicles, although it’s expected to roll out to these models in the coming weeks, similar to recent Full Self-Driving suite updates.
The new features require Tesla mobile app version 4.36.6 or later.
As Tesla continues to push the boundaries of autonomous vehicle technology, these new Summon features represent another step towards fully self-driving cars. However, the company emphasizes the importance of user vigilance and responsibility when using these advanced functions.
