{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Episode 541: Tesla Holiday Software Update Arrives","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/episode-541-tesla-holiday-software-update-arrives","audioUrl":"https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/teslapodcast/Ride_the_Lightning_-_Tesla_and_EV_Podcast_Episode_541.mp3?dest-id=295289","description":"Tesla has delivered a stuffed stocking to its customers in the form of this year's holiday software update that adds over a dozen new features to the cars. Plus: more clear indications that the new Tesla Roadster is finally going to get built, Rivian unveils its new custom full-self-driving chip, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annual pledge. Every little bit helps and there are stacking bonuses in it for you at each pledge level, like early access to each episode at the $5 tier and the weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episode (AND the early access!) at the $10 tier! And NO ADS at every Patreon tier! Also, don't forget to leave a message on the Ride the Lightning hotline anytime with a question, comment, or discussion topic for next week's show! The toll-free number to call is 1-888-989-8752. INTERESTED IN A FLEXIBLE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR YOUR TESLA? Be a part of the future of transportation with XCare, the first extended warranty designed & built exclusively for EV owners, by EV owners. Use the code Lightning to get $100 off their \"One-time Payment\" option! Go to www.xcelerateauto.com/xcare to find the extended warranty policy that's right for you and your Tesla. P.S. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket Tesla accessories at AbstractOcean.com by using the code RTLpodcast at checkout. Grab the SnapPlate front license plate bracket for any Tesla at https://everyamp.com/RTL/ (don't forget the coupon code RTL too!). "},"annotations":[{"startTime":19.8,"endTime":21.0,"type":"part","title":"custom full self-driving chip","url":"/glossary/custom-full-self-driving-chip","quote":"Plus, more clear indications that Tesla is actually going to finally build the new Tesla Roadster, Rivian unveils its new custom full self‑driving chip and more.","canonicalId":"part:custom-full-self-driving-chip","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Rivian’s custom full self‑driving chip is a specialized processor designed to handle the complex calculations needed for autonomous driving, including sensor fusion and real‑time decision making.","simplifiedExplanation":"Rivian made its own computer chip that helps cars drive themselves. 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It will be very quick and can reach speeds over 200 miles per hour.","imageAttribution":"Logti (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":166.4,"endTime":170.0,"type":"part","title":"Hardware 3","url":"/glossary/hardware-3","quote":"I have the holiday software update installing right now on our 2018, so on our hardware 3 car","canonicalId":"part:hardware-3","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Hardware 3 is Tesla’s third generation of its in-car computer system, which powers features like Autopilot and Full Self-Driving capabilities.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hardware 3 is the chip inside a Tesla that lets it drive itself and run new software updates."}},{"startTime":234.0,"endTime":241.0,"type":"concept","title":"software update","url":"/glossary/software-update","quote":"Point is every year we do get a big free software update that's always called the holiday update","canonicalId":"concept:software-update","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A software update is a package of new or improved code released by the vehicle manufacturer to add features, fix bugs, or enhance performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Think of it like updating your phone’s operating system; the car gets new instructions that can improve how it works or add new functions."}},{"startTime":234.0,"endTime":241.0,"type":"term","title":"holiday update","url":"/glossary/holiday-update","quote":"Point is every year we do get a big free software update that's always called the holiday update","canonicalId":"term:holiday-update","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The holiday update is the yearly bundle of software improvements released by Tesla around the holidays, often including new features and refinements.","simplifiedExplanation":"During the holiday season, Tesla pushes a set of updates to many cars at once, adding new tricks or fixing problems."}},{"startTime":248.5,"endTime":255.3,"type":"term","title":"navigation commands","url":"/glossary/navigation-commands","quote":"The first one is more grok AI functionality it's grok with navigation commands and Tesla says this is a beta implementation of this grok can now add and edit navigation destinations","canonicalId":"term:navigation-commands","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Navigation commands refer to voice‑controlled instructions that allow the driver to set or modify destinations without using a touchscreen.","simplifiedExplanation":"Instead of tapping on the map, you can say \"Navigate to 123 Main St\" and the car will plan the route for you."}},{"startTime":248.5,"endTime":255.3,"type":"term","title":"grok AI functionality","url":"/glossary/grok-ai-functionality","quote":"The first one is more grok AI functionality it's grok with navigation commands and Tesla says this is a beta implementation of this grok can now add and edit navigation destinations","canonicalId":"term:grok-ai-functionality","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Grok AI is Tesla’s conversational artificial‑intelligence system that lets drivers interact with the car using natural language, including adding or editing navigation destinations.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s like talking to a smart assistant inside the car; you can say things like \"Take me to the nearest gas station\" and the system understands."}},{"startTime":392.5,"endTime":399.0,"type":"term","title":"cabin facing camera","url":"/glossary/cabin-facing-camera","quote":"in the car is getting involved having a little fun even if they're in the back seat the cabin facing camera can still see them","canonicalId":"term:cabin-facing-camera","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A cabin-facing camera is a video sensor mounted inside the vehicle that records occupants, useful for driver monitoring and safety features.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s a camera inside the car that watches what’s happening inside, like who is in the seats and how they’re moving."}},{"startTime":406.4,"endTime":414.4,"type":"term","title":"FSD","url":"/glossary/fsd","quote":"like FSD but also fun stuff like this there's also the zoom app from a couple years ago","canonicalId":"term:fsd","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"FSD stands for Full Self-Driving, Tesla’s advanced driver-assistance package that aims to enable autonomous driving capabilities.","simplifiedExplanation":"FSD is a software package from Tesla that helps the car drive itself, like steering and braking, without you having to do it all the time."}},{"startTime":414.4,"endTime":421.1,"type":"car","title":"Model 3","url":"/cars/tesla/model-3","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/45/2019_Tesla_Model_3_Performance_AWD.jpg","quote":"I remember I'm old enough to remember when I got my first Model 3 back in 2018 and that cabin facing camera was in every single car","canonicalId":"car:tesla:model-3","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Tesla Model 3 is a compact all-electric sedan introduced in 2017, praised for its range, performance, and minimalist interior.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Model 3 is a small electric car from Tesla that many people buy because it’s affordable and has good battery life.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":760.2,"endTime":772.0,"type":"part","title":"custom wraps","url":"/glossary/custom-wraps","quote":"window tints custom wraps and license plates use one of many preloaded designs or create and upload your own using a USB flash drive","canonicalId":"part:custom-wraps","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Custom wraps are vinyl skins applied over a vehicle’s exterior to change its appearance, add graphics, or protect the paint. 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You can change how it looks, like its face or clothes, to make driving feel more personal."}},{"startTime":785.2,"endTime":791.1,"type":"term","title":"window tint level","url":"/glossary/window-tint-level","quote":"if I can set my tint level to what it is approximately in real life","canonicalId":"term:window-tint-level","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Window tint level refers to the darkness or opacity of a vehicle’s window film, which affects privacy, heat reduction, and glare control. Different regions have legal limits on how dark the tint can be.","simplifiedExplanation":"Window tint level is how dark the car’s windows are. It helps keep the sun out and makes the inside cooler, but you have to follow local laws about how dark it can be."}},{"startTime":894.6,"endTime":902.9,"type":"term","title":"supercharger","url":"/glossary/supercharger","quote":"[894.6s] practicality land here's one supercharger site map you can now see a 3d view of select Tesla superchargers by tapping view site map ...","canonicalId":"term:supercharger","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.97,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A supercharger is a high-capacity charging station that delivers fast electric power to Tesla vehicles, allowing rapid recharging compared to standard chargers.","simplifiedExplanation":"A supercharger is a special charging point that can fill up your electric car very quickly, so you don’t have to wait long."}},{"startTime":909.2,"endTime":915.3,"type":"concept","title":"pilot station","url":"/glossary/pilot-station","quote":"[909.2s] select Tesla superchargers by tapping view site map this is only 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key","url":"/glossary/phone-key","quote":"[1091.7s] behind chime your vehicle will chime a few seconds after the doors close [1098.2s] if a phone key is inside the cabin or a phone is left on the wireless charger","canonicalId":"term:phone-key","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A phone key is a feature that allows a smartphone to act as a vehicle key via Bluetooth, enabling unlocking and starting the car without a physical key fob.","simplifiedExplanation":"You can use your phone to unlock and start the car instead of a key, as long as it’s near the vehicle."}},{"startTime":1091.7,"endTime":1104.42,"type":"term","title":"wireless charger","url":"/glossary/wireless-charger","quote":"[1091.7s] behind chime your vehicle will chime a few seconds after the doors close [1098.2s] if a phone key is inside the cabin or a phone is left on the wireless charger","canonicalId":"term:wireless-charger","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A wireless charger in a vehicle uses inductive charging to power compatible smartphones without plugging them into a cable, often located on the dashboard or center console.","simplifiedExplanation":"The car has a spot where you can put your phone and it will charge automatically, no need to plug in a cable."}},{"startTime":1709.7,"endTime":1721.9,"type":"concept","title":"range anxiety","url":"/glossary/range-anxiety","quote":"range anxiety is often the number one concern for buying a Tesla with passport we want to one inspire more customers","canonicalId":"concept:range-anxiety","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Range anxiety refers to the fear that an electric vehicle’s battery will run out of charge before reaching a charging point.","simplifiedExplanation":"Some people worry that an electric car might run out of power before they can find a place to charge it, which is called range anxiety."}},{"startTime":1987.8,"endTime":1995.8,"type":"term","title":"megawatt hours","url":"/glossary/megawatt-hours","quote":"you charged a total of 2.5 megawatts mega watt hours it was technically 2554 kilowatt hours","canonicalId":"term:megawatt-hours","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Megawatt hours (MWh) is a unit of energy equal to one million watt-hours, commonly used to quantify large-scale electricity consumption or generation.","simplifiedExplanation":"A megawatt hour is a big unit that tells how much electricity was used or stored. One megawatt hour equals one million regular watt-hours."}},{"startTime":2834.5,"endTime":2854.0,"type":"concept","title":"autonomy plus subscription","url":"/glossary/autonomy-plus-subscription","quote":"to roll out an autonomy plus subscription as well as a one-time purchase option priced for the subscription at 50 bucks a month","canonicalId":"concept:autonomy-plus-subscription","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"This refers to a business model where customers subscribe for access to advanced self‑driving features, rather than buying them outright.","simplifiedExplanation":"Instead of paying a big price once, you pay a monthly fee to use the car’s smart driving features."}},{"startTime":2860.2,"endTime":2864.6,"type":"term","title":"neural network","url":"/glossary/neural-network","quote":"Tesla uses through a neural network as it uses deep learning to improve with every mile","canonicalId":"term:neural-network","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A neural network is a type of AI that mimics the human brain’s connections to process complex data, such as images from car cameras.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s a computer system that learns patterns, like recognizing road signs or other cars, to help the vehicle drive safely."}},{"startTime":2864.6,"endTime":2867.6,"type":"term","title":"deep learning","url":"/glossary/deep-learning","quote":"Tesla uses through a neural network as it uses deep learning to improve with every mile","canonicalId":"term:deep-learning","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Deep learning is a subset of AI that uses layered neural networks to learn from large amounts of data, improving accuracy over time.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s a way for computers to get better at tasks, like recognizing objects on the road, by learning from many examples."}},{"startTime":2913.6,"endTime":2925.0,"type":"concept","title":"ride sharing","url":"/glossary/ride-sharing","quote":"[2913.6s] sharing is in the plans for the future as RJ said quote while our initial focus will be on personally owned vehicles","canonicalId":"concept:ride-sharing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Ride sharing refers to services where multiple passengers share a vehicle, often through an app, to reduce costs and increase efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ride sharing is when people use a car together, like Uber or Lyft, so everyone shares the ride and the cost."}},{"startTime":3060.1,"endTime":3078.1,"type":"concept","title":"autonomous driving","url":"/glossary/autonomous-driving","quote":"while a lot of other automakers have autonomous driving plans or some kind of autonomous or semi-autonomous driver assistance features","canonicalId":"concept:autonomous-driving","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.97,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Autonomous driving refers to vehicles that can navigate and drive themselves with varying levels of driver assistance, from basic lane keeping to full self-driving capabilities.","simplifiedExplanation":"Some cars can steer and brake on their own, but usually a driver still needs to watch out for traffic."}},{"startTime":3347.1,"endTime":3353.6,"type":"part","title":"LiDAR","url":"/glossary/lidar","quote":"[3347.1s] using LiDAR as well as radar cameras whereas Tesla of course famously dropped radar years ago","canonicalId":"part:lidar","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a sensor that emits laser pulses to measure distances, creating a 3D map of the surroundings.","simplifiedExplanation":"LiDAR is like a laser radar that helps cars see objects around them by bouncing light off surfaces."}},{"startTime":4987.9,"endTime":4990.5,"type":"part","title":"Michelin Sport 4S tires","url":"/glossary/michelin-sport-4s-tires","quote":"Michelin sport 4s tires that have about half the treadwear still left on them","canonicalId":"part:michelin-sport-4s-tires","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Michelin Sport 4S is a high-performance summer tire known for excellent grip, handling, and durability. 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It stops little scratches and rock chips from ruining the finish, and you can take it off later if you want."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Ryan McCaffrey","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/episode-541-tesla-holiday-software-update-arrives/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}