Earlier this month, we shared that Tesla finally released an improved version of Smart Summon called “Actually Smart Summon” or ASS. This update came with Full-Self Driving (FSD) software version 12.5.3, but only a few testers got access to it.
According to the latest news, Tesla owners will now get an even better version with FSD V12.5.4. Almost as 20% better in just three weeks later. This new update not only comes with improved Smart Summon but has sunglasses support as well. Here’s everything to know!
Tesla Boosts Smart Summon Range by 100 Feet
X user Zack shared the details of the latest software update with an updated version of Actually Smart Summon or ASS on his Tesla. He added the software update has as much as a 20% increase in the range of the previous smart summon feature.
He added the range has increased by as much as 50 feet in either direction while standing in the same parked spot.
Actually Smart Summon (ASS) range comparison from v12.5.3 to v12.5.4 on my Model 3.
Same parking spot, screenshots taken exactly an hour apart. Looks like an increase in range of ~100 feet! ~50 feet in either direction. Nice increase. @Tesla_AI pic.twitter.com/k7qZzirtgJ
— Zack (@BLKMDL3) September 23, 2024
The First Launch Of ASS
When FSD V12.5.3 came out, initial feedback from testers was generally positive. The new ASS seemed to deliver on its promise of being “actually smart.” However, some users did report instances where the car would brake suddenly for no apparent reason.
Tesla quickly went back to the drawing board, and FSD V12.5.3 was never meant for a wide release. Tesla continued rolling out updates under the V12.5.2 branch, leaving the ASS feature. Tesla kept working behind the scenes on improving its new Smart Summon feature and now is releasing it with v12.5.4 update.
Tesla Latest Update FSD V12.5.4
Now, with FSD V12.5.4, Tesla has released a significantly improved version of Actually Smart Summon. Like the previous version, the new ASS offers two main functions:
- Come to Me
- Go to Target
These two features allow Tesla owners to summon their EVs using the Tesla App to come and go to a specific target. However, one key improvement in the new version is the extended range.
According to the release notes, ASS now works when the car is up to 328 feet (100 meters) away from the owner’s phone. That’s a pretty impressive distance, but there are still some speed limitations.
Once the car moves more than 279 feet (85 meters) from the owner’s phone, its speed is capped at just 3 mph. If it gets more than 328 feet away, the Summon function pauses.
At 345 feet (105 meters), the Summon session stops entirely. Moreover, the system will also stop if it’s been active for more than 7.5 minutes or if the vehicle moved more than 1,558 feet (475 meters) during the Summon session.
No More Reverse Visibility Check
There’s one big change that drivers will notice with the latest version of ASS: the car no longer reverses for forward visibility checks. Previously, when a driver summoned the car, it would briefly move in reverse before moving forward.
This reverse motion was intended to make sure that there was no hidden object in front of the vehicle that might block its path. This X user shared a video of ASS in action where the Tesla moves out of the parking without any reverse.
Noticing ASS (Actually Smart Summon) isn’t reversing for forward visibility anymore, it’s going straight into drive.
Really small but nice detail for when you’re already backed up against a curb or parking stop.
FSD v12.5.4 (2024.27.25) pic.twitter.com/2yRsbIs10b
— Zack (@BLKMDL3) September 23, 2024
With FSD V12.5.4, the car no longer performs this backward maneuver, but it’s not yet clear how the system now ensures there are no obstructions. Social media users are also concerned about how the vehicle will handle blind spots. However, some appreciate the small improvement saying it’s perfect for certain conditions like the vehicle parked against a wall.
Sunglasses Support
Another big improvement in FSD V12.5.4 is Tesla’s camera-based driver monitoring system. This feature lets drivers take their hands off the wheel as long as they’re paying attention, with the camera checking their eyes to make sure they’re focused on the road.
The problem was, it didn’t work well when drivers wore sunglasses. The camera couldn’t tell where they were looking, so it kept asking them to touch the steering wheel, which got annoying.
Thankfully, with FSD V12.5.4, Tesla has addressed this issue. Now, with this new update, the system will work even with sunglasses on. No more steering wheel nag.
Actually Smart Summon
To understand the significance of this update, let’s go back to 2022. At that time, Elon Musk himself admitted that the original Smart Summon feature wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. We discussed this in our earlier post.
Tesla’s Much-Awaited ‘Actually Smart Summon’ Feature Or ASS Is Here
Sure, it was fun at the start. Tesla owners could use their phones to have their cars drive toward them in parking lots, which made for some entertaining party tricks. However, after some early accidents and reliability issues, it became clear that Smart Summon wasn’t practical or safe.
Musk, always one to set ambitious goals, referred to it as “Actually Smart Summon,” or ASS. The quirky name stuck, likely because of it being a memorable acronym, and Tesla owners eagerly kept waiting for the release.
Bottomline
While FSD V12.5.4 with Actually Smart Summon is still being rolled out to a select group of vehicles, the reviews from owners look promising. If no significant bugs or issues are discovered during testing, Tesla will likely push this version globally soon. For now, limited HW3 and HW4 Tesla vehicle owners can enjoy the updated ASS feature.
