[Software] Tesla to Eliminate the Steering Wheel Nag in FSD v12.4; Vehicles Supported and Release Date

[Angel of Death]

In a recent interaction on X, Elon Musk confirmed that the long-standing steering wheel nag, designed to ensure driver attentiveness, would be removed in FSD v12.4. Musk initially replied to a user on X claiming that FSD v12.4 would fix the steering wheel nag. However, it wasn't clear what Musk meant by fixed until user, Farzad, created another post stating that Musk insinuated that the nag would be removed in FSD v12.4, to which Musk replied with “Yes.” Tesla's removal of the steering wheel nag isn't surprising, as Tesla's camera-based driver monitoring system in the vehicle can in theory do a much better job monitoring the driver's attentiveness. So before NHTSA has a heart attack with Musk's comment, it's important to understand that Tesla is likely improving cabin camera monitoring in this same update to the point that the steering wheel nag becomes redundant. How Tesla Uses the Cabin Camera Tesla uses the cabin camera to detect whether a driver is paying attention to the road by detecting whether their eyes are open, which way their head is facing, and even whether the driver is using their phone. Thanks to Tesla hacker Greentheonly, we know Tesla uses the vehicle’s interior camera output and AI to determine the likelihood of each scenario they're looking for. For example, Tesla runs neural networks that look at the video feed of the cabin camera and determine whether the driver is looking up at the road, looking off to the side, or looking down. This Won't be the End of the Steering Wheel Nag While Musk's statement implies the removal of the steering wheel nag, Tesla will probably retain it as a fallback measure, at least in early iterations of the suspected improved camera-based monitoring system. The steering wheel nag may still be used when the cabin camera can't confidently determine whether the driver is paying attention. This could be caused by sunglasses, hats, glare, or even driving at night. Newer Teslas include interior infrared lights that help the camera see in the dark, although not all Teslas on the road include infrared lights.

https://www.notateslaapp.com/news/2020/tesla-to-eliminate-the-steering-wheel-nag-in-fsd-v12-4-vehicles-supported-and-release-date