Car Maintenance
Tesla FSD: Giving Space & Handling Tight Spots [WATCH]
2024-12-07
December 7, 2024, by Karan Singh. Tesla has recently rolled out FSD V13 to early access testers, and we are continuously uncovering more of its remarkable features. FSD V13.2 brings significant new elements such as starting FSD from park, autoparking at the destination, and the ability to reverse. Alongside these major enhancements, there are also numerous smaller improvements.

Experience the Evolution of Tesla's FSD with V13

FSD V13: A Leap in Autonomous Driving

Tesla's FSD V13 marks a significant milestone in autonomous driving. It not only offers advanced features like starting and parking autonomously but also showcases enhanced awareness of the vehicle's size and the surrounding objects. This comprehensive capability allows FSD to navigate through extremely tight spaces with ease, making multiple-point turns when needed. It's a testament to Tesla's continuous innovation in the field of autonomous driving.

FSD V13's ability to give more space to other vehicles when they get too close is a crucial aspect. This natural movement, similar to what humans do, provides a sense of safety not only to the vehicle occupants but also to other drivers on the road. It acts as a buffer zone, minimizing the risk of mishaps caused by sudden or harsh maneuvers.

Moreover, the increased speed at which FSD V13 makes decisions compared to its predecessors gives it an edge in handling emergency situations. Those extra moments can make a significant difference in ensuring the safety of everyone on the road.

FSD Gives Space When Being Passed

The thoughtful touches in FSD's behavior are truly remarkable. For instance, when a car approaches unexpectedly, FSD reacts appropriately, providing an added layer of safety. Tesla's collection of audio data to train its AI on audio input is another significant step. Soon, the vehicle will be able to react to various sounds, including vehicle honks and emergency vehicles, and even honk itself. This makes FSD more human-like and predictable, enhancing safety for both FSD users and other road users.

As FSD becomes more human, it learns good defensive driving habits. These small changes propagate throughout the entire model through Tesla's End-to-End AI training. This continuous learning process ensures that FSD continues to drive safely, moving closer to the goal of achieving 99.999% safety.

The ability of FSD V13 to reverse and handle tight spaces is especially important for robotaxis and fully autonomous vehicles. It demonstrates Tesla's commitment to making their autonomous systems capable of handling a wide range of situations without human intervention.

Tight Spaces: FSD's Expertise

FSD V13's ability to navigate tight spaces is truly impressive. In the video from WholeMarsBlog, we can see how FSD makes effective turns to get out of relatively tight locations. This showcases the vehicle's ability to assess the space and make the necessary maneuvers accurately.

As we look forward to seeing FSD V13 in more challenging situations, it becomes evident that Tesla is constantly pushing the boundaries of autonomous driving. The early access testers are already witnessing the benefits of this latest version, and we hope to see its extended availability to more HW4 users in the coming months.

With each update, Tesla is bringing us closer to a future where autonomous driving is seamless and safe. FSD V13 is a significant step in that direction.

Update 2024.39.10: FSD Supervised 13.2

FSD Supervised 13.2 is installed on 0% of the fleet, with no installs today. The last update was on Dec 7, 7:36 am UTC. While HW3 could potentially see a version of V13 in the future, Tesla is currently focused on HW4. Creating a smaller model for HW3 would be a necessary step in its development.

Tesla's Holiday Update: Hidden Gems

Every Tesla update brings new features, and the Holiday Update is no exception. One of the notable additions is Tesla's new Service History, available through Service Mode. Owners and technicians can now add service records permanently, covering a wide range of tasks from windshield wiper replacements to motor or battery pack swaps.

With the Holiday Update, vehicle owners can also view this information without going into Service Mode. It's a convenient feature that provides easy access to maintenance records.

Tesla App Commands have also seen an improvement. When in close proximity to the vehicle, commands sent via the Tesla app are now executed quicker and more reliably over Bluetooth, without relying on the phone's and vehicle's internet connection. This feature is available for both iPhone and Android and supports most vehicles.

Curvature Assist: Sharper Turns on Autopilot

In certain regions, Tesla has introduced Curvature Assist, a feature that enables the vehicle to perform sharper turns while on Autopilot. When active, the vehicle displays "Curvature Assist Active" in the visualization area, providing an added level of control during turns.

This feature enhances the driving experience and showcases Tesla's attention to detail in optimizing Autopilot's performance.

Autopilot Hardware Version: Easy Identification

With update 2024.38, it is now easier to determine whether your vehicle has Autopilot hardware 3 or hardware 4. The software tab in the vehicle settings clearly shows the FSD hardware version, making it convenient for owners to keep track of their vehicle's capabilities.

WiFi Diagnostics Tool: Improving Connectivity

Tesla's new WiFi Diagnostics tool helps improve the WiFi connection by displaying the connection status and speed, along with some useful tips. Owners can access this tool by going to Control > Wi-Fi and tapping on the blue Diagnostics link.

It provides detailed information about the access point and the vehicle's MAC address, enabling users to troubleshoot connectivity issues more effectively.

Improved Voice Recognition: Understanding Different Accents

Many users have reported improved voice recognition in this update, especially in dialects other than American English. Tesla's voice command system is now better at understanding different accents and performing commands more reliably.

This is a significant improvement that enhances the user experience and makes interacting with the vehicle more intuitive.

Nearby Parking: Making Parking Easier

When viewing details for a Point of Interest on the map, users can now tap on "Nearby Parking" to get directions to nearby parking lots or garages. This feature simplifies the process of finding parking in busy areas and big events.

Lower Volume in Reverse: Enhancing Safety

Tesla has added an option to lower the volume of audio when the vehicle goes into reverse. This new safety feature is located under Controls > Safety and provides an additional layer of protection, especially in noisy environments.

Set Arrival Energy: Planning for the Journey

Owners can now choose the amount of energy they want to arrive with at their destination. Tesla takes this into account when determining charging stops and times, providing a more personalized driving experience.

Adjust Passenger Seat On Screen: Added Convenience

Tesla's new Seats option in the settings allows owners to move the passenger seat forward and backward. This is particularly useful when there is a baby seat behind the passenger seat or when extra room is needed.

Although there are no presets or memory, this feature provides added convenience for owners in adjusting the seat according to their needs.

Vehicle Maintenance Summary: Keeping Track of Service

Owners can now view their vehicle's maintenance history easily. This builds on the recent Maintenance History feature and provides a read-only view for vehicle owners without the need to go into Service Mode.

It includes a variety of maintenance items, allowing owners to stay informed about the service history of their vehicles.

Autopilot Lane Changes in Europe: Enhanced Visibility

In Europe, Tesla has added a new indicator light that shows which automatic lane changes are available. This provides clear visibility to the driver and helps in making more informed decisions during Autopilot usage.
"Hong Kong International Races: 80,691 Attendees, Record-Breaking Wins"
2024-12-08
A total of 69,916 racegoers made their way to Sha Tin, and an additional 10,775 flocked to Happy Valley. This remarkable influx brought the total number of attendees for the Longines Hong Kong International Races to a staggering 80,691, marking the highest attendance since 2018. The HKJC's chief executive officer, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, expressed his personal view, stating, "I personally think it was one of the best, if not the best, Longines Hong Kong International Races and an incredible week. Starting with the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship, it was an amazing success. Today, we hoped to create a highlight, and I personally think everything went to perfection."

Success on the Track and Beyond

When looking purely at the results, it was a tremendous success for Hong Kong horses. Locally trained horses swept three of the four HKIR races - Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup, Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint, and Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}) in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile. British raider Giavellotto (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) landed the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase, becoming the first British horse to achieve victory at the 'Turf World Championships' since 2012. Engelbrecht-Bresges added, "When you look at the sporting performances, Romantic Warrior is the best 2000m horse in the world. It was an absolutely dominant performance; he showed that he is absolutely world-class, and to win this race (Longines Hong Kong Cup) for the third time is an incredible effort. He has now broken the world prize-money record of Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d’Oro) with total prize-money of HK$177 million (£17,849,886/€21,528,584/$22,753,164/A$35,611,075), which is an amazing achievement." It was also a very good win by Giavellotto. With Ka Ying Rising, he had tremendous competition from another Hong Kong horse [Victor The Winner (Aus) (Toronado {Ire})], which disrupted his rhythm, but he is an amazing sprinter. Voyage Bubble has shown how good he is, and the runner-up [Soul Rush (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn})] also put on a tremendous performance.The meeting was broadcast into 29 countries live, and in Hong Kong, the attendance figures were tremendous with an overall total of 80,000. There were also 6,511 visitors from the Mainland, a record - 40% more than last year.

Impressive Turnover and Global Impact

Turnover reached HK$1,716.3 million (£173,090,614/€208,754,294/$220,628,571/A$345,305,094), including a commingling record of HK$473.8 million (£47,783,215/€57,628,494/$60,906,494/A$95,324,566), an increase of 10% on last year's Longines HKIR. Engelbrecht-Bresges said, "Our strategy to bring the best races from Hong Kong and show them overseas is really proving a great success with our races today for the first time under the World Pool banner, which shows our racing product is extremely well received. Today is not about the turnover. Today is about the sport - it was a fantastic spectacle. The crescendo was the fireworks to close this wonderful meeting. We have one new racing fan in Sir Alex [Ferguson]. He was absolutely enthused about Hong Kong and what he saw, so he promised me to come back. This meeting attracts a global audience and global recognition, and this reflects positively on Hong Kong."We would like to thank all the owners, trainers, and jockeys who have brought their horses here because we can make this a global event only with their support. A tremendous team effort behind the scenes makes Hong Kong such a wonderful place to visit and connect to the world as a vibrant, world-class city.
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When is the Next F1 Race? 2025 Grand Prix Calendar Revealed
2024-12-08
The 2024 Formula 1 season has come to an end, marking the longest campaign yet with 24 grands prix including six sprint races. This intense competition led to Max Verstappen clinching his fourth consecutive world title, fending off the nearest challenger, Lando Norris of McLaren. Now, as we look ahead to 2025, F1 is set to hold the same number of rounds. The season will commence with testing in Bahrain on 26 February and conclude in Abu Dhabi on 7 December. Here is a comprehensive guide to the next F1 fix.

When is the Next F1 Race?

The next F1 race is set to take place on 16 March 2025. This marks the return of the Australian Grand Prix as the season opener for the first time since 2019. Pre-season testing will continue in Bahrain from 26 to 28 February. This means there are just two weeks between the end of testing and the first practice session in Melbourne at Albert Park Circuit on 14 March. It's an exciting time for F1 fans as they eagerly await the start of the new season.The Australian Grand Prix holds a special place in the F1 calendar. It has been a regular fixture since 1996, but was absent in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. Now, it will once again kickstart the F1 season, setting the tone for the rest of the year.

What is the 2025 F1 Schedule?

The 2025 F1 campaign begins with pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. This will be the fifth consecutive year that F1 has held its pre-season test in the Middle Eastern country. However, Bahrain will not be the opening round next year for the first time since the COVID-hit 2020 campaign when it was in Austria.Australia will return as the season opener, bringing back the excitement of the first grand prix of the year. After the Australian Grand Prix, the Chinese Grand Prix will follow in the next weekend. These changes are due to Ramadan, as the Islamic tradition takes place from 1-30 March, ruling out the Middle East from hosting the opening grands prix.After China, there will be a two-week break before the Japanese Grand Prix. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will then host the season's fourth and fifth rounds in April. A trip to Miami follows, and Imola will kickstart the European leg of the season. Bar June's Canadian Grand Prix, the season will finish with Monza in September.Other changes include the sprint calendar. In 2024, China, Miami, Austria, Austin, Brazil, and Qatar all held sprint races. However, the Red Bull Ring is not on the 2025 calendar. Its spot will be taken by Spa-Francorchamps, which will host its second sprint race after also holding one in 2023 and won by Verstappen.The 2025 F1 calendar is filled with exciting races and events. Each round brings its own challenges and opportunities for the drivers and teams. From the iconic circuits of Melbourne and Monaco to the new venues in Saudi Arabia and Las Vegas, there is something for every F1 fan to look forward to.The Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park Circuit will be the first test of the season, with drivers and teams eager to showcase their skills. The Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit will be another highlight, with its unique track and challenging corners.The Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit is known for its technical challenges and demanding layout. Bahrain will host two rounds, providing a familiar track for the drivers. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at Jeddah Corniche Circuit will be a new addition to the calendar, adding a new flavor to the season.The Miami Grand Prix at the Miami International Autodrome will bring the excitement of street racing to F1. Imola will kickstart the European leg of the season, with its historic track and passionate fans. The Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will be another thrilling race, with its fast straights and tight corners.The Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is always a crowd favorite, with its challenging track and passionate Canadian fans. The Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring will be a home race for Max Verstappen, and he will be looking to defend his title.The British Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit is a classic race that always attracts a large crowd. The Belgian Grand Prix at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps will be another challenging race, with its long straights and technical corners.The Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring will test the drivers' skills on a unique track. The Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort will be a return to a familiar track for many drivers. The Italian Grand Prix at Monza Circuit will be a highlight of the European leg, with its fast straights and tight corners.The Azerbaijan Grand Prix at Baku City Circuit will be a unique race, with its street circuit and challenging corners. The Singapore Grand Prix at Marina Bay Circuit will be a night race, adding a new dimension to the F1 calendar.The United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas will be a popular event, with its fast track and large crowd. The Mexican Grand Prix at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez will be another exciting race, with its challenging layout.The Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos Circuit will be a final showdown before the end of the season. The Las Vegas Grand Prix at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit will be a new addition to the calendar, bringing the excitement of Las Vegas to F1.The Qatar Grand Prix at Losail International Circuit will conclude the season on a high note. Each round of the 2025 F1 season promises to be a thrilling event, and fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the start of the new year.
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