Model S Dashboard and console controls

[neroden]

If they are going with the "mini touchscreens", I really hope they're configurable. I absolutely need defroster and defogger (not to mention lights) to be instantly accessible without looking, and the Californians at Tesla don't seem to be thinking that way.

 

[Lloyd]

If they are going with the "mini touchscreens", I really hope they're configurable. I absolutely need defroster and defogger (not to mention lights) to be instantly accessible without looking, and the Californians at Tesla don't seem to be thinking that way.

Now you can have it beamed to your Google glasses HUD....

 

[The Froq]

Center console Model X Concept

 

[cinergi]

Took these at the Boston event -- hopefully answers some questions around physical controls...

 

[Mycroft]

Those are just temporary Mercedes controls used in the betas.

 

[evinfairfax]

Those are just temporary Mercedes controls used in the betas.

I hope they source them from the same company (ZF) and just change the styling to make them "Tesla". The more they use proven components like this, the fewer problems we'll have down the road. Plus the Mercedes stalks have such a nice feel to them.

 

[NigelM]

The more they use proven components like this, the few problems we'll have down the road.

I didn't like the stalks but you make a very good point.

 

[Robert.Boston]

After Ratings Drop, Ford Reworks Touch Screens

More reasons not to partner with Microsoft!

 

[gg_got_a_tesla]

After Ratings Drop, Ford Reworks Touch Screens

More reasons not to partner with Microsoft!

David Champion, the senior director of auto testing for Consumer Reports, said improving the software should resolve some customer issues, but he said he believed a touch screen would always be harder for drivers to use than traditional knobs and switches, even if it looked more exciting to shoppers.

“It’s an idea that I don’t think really belongs in a car to a certain extent,” Mr. Champion said. “It is a very complex system that they’ve put in, that works great if you’re in a showroom and not having to look where you’re going.”

Hmm.... not too sure what rating Consumer Reports would give the Model S...

But a year later, Mr. Hiner, now a stay-at-home father, has run out of patience with MyFord Touch, having taken the car repeatedly to his dealership for help, to no avail. He said the navigation system often malfunctioned, the rearview camera frequently stayed on while the vehicle was moving forward and the system randomly rebooted.

vfx would call that a feature!

Another change moves the switch for controlling the heated seats onto the home screen. Previously, a driver had to press the screen several times to reach the correct menu option.

Ford is adding MyFord Touch as an option to seven more models this year. In doing so, it addressed another common problem that current owners cannot fix with new software: a touch-sensitive area under the touch screen that activates the hazard lights has been replaced with a mechanical button, because Ford learned that drivers were inadvertently turning on the hazard lights as they rested their hand while waiting for the system to respond.

Tesla has gotten these right already.

 

[NigelM]

BTW, the rearview camera on the Roadster can be turned on when the car is moving forwards. (My daughter thinks it's really cool to see the cars behind us disappearing!) Wouldn't surprise me if this facility is on the Model S also.

Note: That's on the 2.5 with the Alpine head unit.

 

[bonnie]

BTW, the rearview camera on the Roadster can be turned on when the car is moving forwards. (My daughter thinks it's really cool to see the cars behind us disappearing!) Wouldn't surprise me if this facility is on the Model S also.

Note: That's on the 2.5 with the Alpine head unit.

I do that, too! My nephew is especially impressed with that.

 

[TEG]

BTW, the rearview camera on the Roadster can be turned on when the car is moving forwards. (My daughter thinks it's really cool to see the cars behind us disappearing!)...

Yeah, other cars tend to disappear quickly behind you as you drive a Roadster... :wink:

 

[gmontem]

After Ratings Drop, Ford Reworks Touch Screens

More reasons not to partner with Microsoft!

“I think they were too willing to rush something out because of the flashiness of it rather than the functionality,”

*sugar* will happen when you rush a release. The same thing will happen to Tesla if they release the Model S anyway with buggy software, be it firmware, drivers, apps, etc.

 

[Doug_G]

BTW, the rearview camera on the Roadster can be turned on when the car is moving forwards. (My daughter thinks it's really cool to see the cars behind us disappearing!) Wouldn't surprise me if this facility is on the Model S also.

Note: That's on the 2.5 with the Alpine head unit.

The 2.0's JVC unit can do that too (although you have to install your own camera).

 

[gg_got_a_tesla]

Did we have consensus on whether Tesla's built-in Wi-Fi antenna can act like a "slave" and tether to a mobile hotspot (such as from a smartphone, gadgets like Mi-Fi or the new iPad)?

That model makes more sense to me than paying for a Tesla mobile connectivity plan coupled with a built-into-the-Model-S 4G LTE/3G modem and using the Model S's hotspot for "slave" Wi-Fi-only iPads etc. I can take my 4G-capable iPad literally anywhere but not the 4G-capable Model S.

 

[Robert.Boston]

I was told by a Tesla rep at the Boston beta event recently that the Model S could use a WiFi network when one was available, e.g. parked in one's driveway. So, setting up a smartphones as a WiFi hub, or using the Novatel MiFi, should work. I'd love to have someone who knows about these things discuss how to set up an iPhone to act as a WiFi hub.

 

[Lloyd]

In your I-Phone. Go to settings, General, Network, Personal Hotspot, Set up Personal Hotspot. It will then put you in contact with your carrier to authorize the additional charges.

 

[qwk]

I was told by a Tesla rep at the Boston beta event recently that the Model S could use a WiFi network when one was available, e.g. parked in one's driveway. So, setting up a smartphones as a WiFi hub, or using the Novatel MiFi, should work. I'd love to have someone who knows about these things discuss how to set up an iPhone to act as a WiFi hub.

You can probably tether to the Model S, that would be the simplest way.

 

[Jaff]

Early on, when I first drove my Roadster in heavier traffic (Greater Toronto Area), I did turn the rear view camera on a few times when traffic was crawling along, stop & go...I found it acted as a "security blanket" because it helped out with the blind spots when changing lanes...

BTW, the rearview camera on the Roadster can be turned on when the car is moving forwards. (My daughter thinks it's really cool to see the cars behind us disappearing!) Wouldn't surprise me if this facility is on the Model S also.

Note: That's on the 2.5 with the Alpine head unit.

 

[prezpat]

I was told by a Tesla rep at the Boston beta event recently that the Model S could use a WiFi network when one was available, e.g. parked in one's driveway. So, setting up a smartphones as a WiFi hub, or using the Novatel MiFi, should work. I'd love to have someone who knows about these things discuss how to set up an iPhone to act as a WiFi hub.

iPhone>Settings>Personal Hotspot