Version 12 of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta has been in testing by Tesla employees for a couple of months, primarily in California. However, the rollout has been gradually expanding to employees across the USA and is now reaching some customers. The rollout process for this version is different from previous FSD beta releases.
In the past, Tesla selected seemingly random testers to try out FSD beta in the public. However, the process has evolved over time. Initially, a group of selected people had access to FSD beta, but later Tesla introduced safety scores. If users had a good safety score, they became eligible to receive FSD beta. The current process allows anyone to access FSD beta by purchasing or subscribing to FSD, opting in through the menu, and accepting the terms.
Recently, Tesla enthusiast and YouTuber Omar from HomAR’s Blog shared videos showcasing FSD version 12. The videos highlight improvements in FSD performance, including smoother stops at stop signs and better navigation through intersections. One notable improvement is the car’s ability to come to a complete stop at a stop sign more quickly and proceed through intersections more efficiently, addressing issues observed in earlier versions.
One key feature demonstrated in Omar’s videos is the car’s behavior in challenging scenarios. For instance, the car navigates through tight spaces between fire trucks and parked cars, displaying a more confident and decisive approach. This is a significant improvement, as previous versions often hesitated or struggled in such situations.
Another noteworthy improvement is the car’s ability to handle right turns more smoothly. The turn signal now activates at an appropriate time, reducing confusion for other drivers on the road. However, turn signals remain an area where users hope for further refinement.
A new feature introduced in FSD version 12 is the ability for the car to pull over on the side of the road and park. While this feature is currently limited to street parking, it marks a step toward achieving fully autonomous parking capabilities. The hope is that future updates, including Smart Summon, will enhance the car’s ability to park itself in various scenarios.
Notably, the rollout of FSD version 12 to the public has been met with skepticism, as previous promises about widespread releases were not fulfilled. However, recent reports indicate that the rollout is indeed happening, with some Tesla owners receiving the update.
While FSD version 12 seems to bring significant improvements, there are challenges to address. One notable issue is the system’s performance in heavy rain, as precipitation appears to impact its capabilities. Elon Musk acknowledged this challenge and mentioned that the rollout to regions with more challenging weather conditions might be slower.
It’s essential to consider that the experiences shared by Tesla enthusiasts like Omar may not represent the wider user base. Some have reported positive experiences with FSD version 12, while others have encountered limitations, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta Version 12 represents a significant leap forward compared to its predecessor, Version 11. Several key improvements and enhancements have been observed, addressing various aspects of autonomous driving and user experience. Here’s a closer look at how Tesla’s FSD Beta Version 12 compares to Version 11:
- Efficient Stop Sign Handling:
- Version 12 demonstrates quicker and more efficient stops at stop signs. The car reaches a full stop promptly, addressing previous concerns about slow deceleration.
- Smoother Intersection Navigation:
- Improved maneuverability through intersections is evident in Version 12. The car displays smoother turns and better decision-making, reducing hesitation and increasing overall confidence in complex traffic scenarios.
- Enhanced Handling in Challenging Situations:
- The new version showcases improved handling in tight spaces, such as navigating between fire trucks and parked cars. The car’s ability to make decisive moves in challenging scenarios has notably improved.
- Improved Right Turn Execution:
- Version 12 exhibits better execution of right turns, with the turn signal activating at appropriate times. This refinement helps reduce confusion for other drivers and pedestrians, enhancing overall traffic interaction.
- New Parking Capability:
- One of the notable additions in Version 12 is the car’s ability to pull over on the side of the road and park. While this feature is currently limited to street parking, it marks progress toward achieving fully autonomous parking capabilities.
- Automatic Speed Offset Feature:
- A new setting called “automatic speed offset” has been introduced in Version 12. This feature allows Autopilot to drive at speeds determined as most natural, considering factors like road type, traffic flow, environmental conditions, and the selected FSD beta profile.
- Faster Response to Pedestrians:
- Version 12 demonstrates improved behavior around pedestrians, particularly in crosswalks. The car appears to start slowing down earlier, offering a more human-like interaction with pedestrians.
- Handling Heavy Rain Conditions:
- One of the challenges noted in Version 12 is its performance in heavy rain. The system may limit the car’s speed and prompt the driver to take over, acknowledging the impact of precipitation on the system’s capabilities.
- Rollout and Availability:
- Unlike previous promises of widespread releases, Version 12 has started reaching a broader user base. Some Tesla owners are reporting successful installations, indicating a gradual but expanding rollout.
- Hardware Compatibility:
- Both Hardware 3 and Hardware 4 vehicles have access to Version 12. This suggests that, at least for now, there is no significant difference in software capabilities between the two hardware versions.
