Tesla has officially released its long-promised “Actually Smart Summon” (ASS) feature. ASS is an advanced feature that allows your Tesla to drive itself in parking lots, all without you being inside.
Tesla has been working on this one for years, with several delays along the way. Originally launched in 2019, this feature received quite a backlash. Many reported damages using the smart summon feature, even we covered one such incident. Read here!
Elon Musk later promised a stable and sturdy version on several occasions. But the feature is only now becoming a reality with the latest software update, 2024.27.20. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Took Tesla So Long?
The delay largely happened because Tesla switched to a vision-only system, relying solely on cameras rather than radar or ultrasonic sensors. This change temporarily disabled several features, including the original Smart Summon, which let Teslas navigate parking lots without a driver.
While Tesla gradually restored most features, Smart Summon was still missing. Until now.
Musk reassured fans now and then that the new and improved version, dubbed “Actually Smart Summon,” was coming soon. He initially said it would launch by September 2022, but that didn’t happen like many similar delays with his promises.
Another promised launch in April 2024 also passed without the feature being released. However, hints started popping up last month that it was finally on the way, and now it’s here.
How Does Tesla Actually Smart Summon Work?
Actually Smart Summon lets your Tesla EV drive to a location you choose, all on its own. You control it through the Tesla app, using options like “Come to Me” to have the car drive to where you are, or “Go to Target” to send it to a specific spot in a parking lot or driveway.
To ensure safety, you have to hold down a button in the app while the car is moving so you can stop it immediately if needed. Tesla advises using the feature only in parking lots or driveways. They specifically mention staying away from fast and furious people in their release notes!
Actually Smart Summon (ASS) Vs Smart Summon
The big change with Actually Smart Summon is that it now uses Tesla’s Vision system, which relies on cameras instead of the older ultrasonic sensors. This upgrade makes it smarter and more reliable, allowing it to understand its surroundings better.
You can even watch a live feed from the car’s cameras through the app while it’s driving itself. One X user even tried the newly launched version while sitting in the back seat while enjoying a video on his Model 3 Performance.
My first time sitting in the back seat while FSD drives me around in my new Model 3 Performance $TSLA pic.twitter.com/OM9qnntpj8
— Whole Mars Catalog (@WholeMarsBlog) September 3, 2024
Another cool new feature is Auto-park, which Musk had hinted at before, calling it “Banish.” For now, your Tesla can not only come to you but also park itself after you’ve reached your destination.
The release notes also mention about Dumb Summon, the simple ability of the feature to move your Tesla backward or forward.
Current Limitations And Future Updates
Right now, Actually Smart Summon is only available for Tesla models with the latest hardware (HW4/AI4). But just like Tesla’s Full Self-Driving updates, it’s expected to roll out to the other older models soon.
Tesla is also planning to integrate ASS with HomeLink and myQ systems with the new summon feature. This would allow the car to operate your garage doors on its own. They’re also working on extending the range and removing the need for you to hold down the button while the car is in motion.
Bottomline
The release of Actually Smart Summon is indeed a big step for Tesla as they finally have a working stable version and not just a party trick. Many users mocked the older version.
While the feature still requires you to pay attention and isn’t fully autonomous, it’s a major move. Actually Smart Summon could become a key feature for Tesla owners, offering a glimpse into the self-driving future.
For now, Tesla owners can finally start using the feature they’ve been waiting for! How would you like your Tesla? Waiting for you at your doorstep with Actually Smart Summon? Share with us in the comments.
