Originally Tesla had planned to offer a 3rd party API (programming interface) and have an App Store (it was one of the icons on the console menu bar). And while Tesla (Musk) talked about this for a few years, eventually this dropped off the radar, which is probably a good thing, because allowing 3rd party apps to run on the processor of a moving vehicle would increase hacking risks.
However, we still have two major problems that Tesla hasn't fixed:
Screen mirroring is an alternative that could solve both the increased smartphone integration AND access to additional apps. Tesla/Musk mentioned years ago they would provide this (more likely with their own implementation or a 3rd party - but not Apple or Android).
Tesla's window of exclusivity on long range EVs is closing. The Bolt still isn't a real threat because GM doesn't currently have a long range charging network - so Tesla remains the only manufacturer with cars that can take road trips. But that's going to change soon.
Other manufacturers will have competing long range EVs - and there will be long range charging options. Plus those vehicles are likely going to qualify for the $7500 EV tax credit, which will start phasing out for Tesla next year.
That gives Tesla about another year to address the deficiencies in the onboard apps. They are evidently working on a new navigation app (version 9.0?) - but we haven't heard anything about Tesla's plans to upgrade the media player app, increase smartphone integration or support screen mirroring.
Even though we've been long time Tesla supporters - with two Model S and hope to get a 3 soon (still promised to be Nov 17-Jan 18), when it comes time to replace one of our Tesla cars, if Tesla hasn't addressed their growing "infotainment" gap, that could be a factor in our next EV purchase.
However, we still have two major problems that Tesla hasn't fixed:
- More complete smartphone integration (for example, support for text-to-voice and voice-to-text for accessing text messages and e-mail while driving)
- Lack of additional apps (weather, news, traffic reports, ...)
Screen mirroring is an alternative that could solve both the increased smartphone integration AND access to additional apps. Tesla/Musk mentioned years ago they would provide this (more likely with their own implementation or a 3rd party - but not Apple or Android).
Tesla's window of exclusivity on long range EVs is closing. The Bolt still isn't a real threat because GM doesn't currently have a long range charging network - so Tesla remains the only manufacturer with cars that can take road trips. But that's going to change soon.
Other manufacturers will have competing long range EVs - and there will be long range charging options. Plus those vehicles are likely going to qualify for the $7500 EV tax credit, which will start phasing out for Tesla next year.
That gives Tesla about another year to address the deficiencies in the onboard apps. They are evidently working on a new navigation app (version 9.0?) - but we haven't heard anything about Tesla's plans to upgrade the media player app, increase smartphone integration or support screen mirroring.
Even though we've been long time Tesla supporters - with two Model S and hope to get a 3 soon (still promised to be Nov 17-Jan 18), when it comes time to replace one of our Tesla cars, if Tesla hasn't addressed their growing "infotainment" gap, that could be a factor in our next EV purchase.