[Speculation] Web Browser removal from Model S/X?

[verygreen]

Scared? Why?

So I've been researching something else and then realized that I've never seen seen anybody mentioning web browser in the M3. I even did a google search only to arrive at this discussion: No web browser in Model 3, would you really care? • r/teslamotors
(those of you who have been at various Model 3 events can chime in with you experience trying to start one).

I know Elon promised updated Web Browser some time ago, but what if the plan is just to dispose of it completely, would you really care?
Is it just the terrible browser available now that makes you not use it and do you think if the browser was top-notch you would use it?

Do you think lack of browser in M3 is just because they are working overtime on a better version and did not want to include the old one?

 

[CalBlue 85D]

I would miss it because it is very useful for A Better Routeplanner

A Better Routeplanner

Other than that, I don't have any use for it.

 

[Gwgan]

Waze, weather, wind are handy bits of info but I suppose I could just use my phone since that is safer.

 

[Shock-On-T]

Never been on Aussie cars. Would be nice but not essential.

 

[boaterva]

I would say for any app I really wanted to use, I'd use my phone, which will be mounted close to me anyway. I use EVTO-Tesla, but any phone app or other webapp will work better on a current smartphone than on the MCU. Rather leave it clear for the rear camera, and maybe the 'backup' nav, for SuC occupancy, etc.

 

[Rockster]

The problem here is that it WOULD be useful if it didn't suck. By creating a browser that sucks horribly Tesla has conditioned us to be unconcerned about its potential removal. That's sad.

 

[boaterva]

Part of the issue is, if it worked really well, what would happen to the bandwidth usage? They might have to break out browser usage as a separate item somehow. People would be streaming movies, and who knows what...

 

[verygreen]

Part of the issue is, if it worked really well, what would happen to the bandwidth usage? They might have to break out browser usage as a separate item somehow. People would be streaming movies, and who knows what...

If they don't include flash and web video extension people would not be streaming video or audio from the browser so it would not be a concern.

 

[boaterva]

If they don't include flash and web video extension people would not be streaming video or audio from the browser so it would not be a concern.

Right, I was assuming they made it a 'real' browser, but there are many steps from now to there.

 

[brianman]

Web Browser removal

I've never seen seen anybody mentioning web browser in the M3.

I think your title is incorrect. You can't remove something that was never present.

 

[verygreen]

I think your title is incorrect. You can't remove something that was never present.

It is present in S/X and I am posting this in S subforum pondering if browser removal on S/X is also in the plans.

 

[brianman]

It is present in S/X and I am posting this in S subforum pondering if browser removal on S/X is also in the plans.

Ah, well referencing at least one of the two vehicles (Model S or X) would have helped. Also, you should use the work Speculation and put a question mark. Something like "[Speculation] Web Browser removal from Model S/X?" Otherwise, it's confusing and/or click bait.

 

[verygreen]

hm, too late to change it now.

 

[HankLloydRight]

I think the chances are as follows:

90% Same browser, never significantly updated* or removed
9% Updated browser**
1% Browser removed

* This means they might update the existing browser codebase, but it's still going to suck.
** Native browser like Chromium

 

[verygreen]

I think the chances are as follows:

90% Same browser, never significantly updated* or removed
9% Updated browser**
1% Browser removed

* This means they might update the existing browser codebase, but it's still going to suck.
** Native browser like Chromium

Since there was a waterfall of the features from Model 3 to S/X, do you think the browser would be one of the things just not available on 3 as a differentiator then?

 

[brianman]

hm, too late to change it now.

Looks like an elf (or gremlin) took care of it. Thanks, elf!

Anyway, sorry to be nitpicky but we often have confusion around here (TMC) a lot when things aren't clearly labelled.

 

[HankLloydRight]

Since there was a waterfall of the features from Model 3 to S/X, do you think the browser would be one of the things just not available on 3 as a differentiator then?

No, I just think they don't care. It's not a big enough of an issue to bother with much less call out as a differentiator.

 

[jeffro01]

That's a tough one... I rarely use it for obvious reasons but when I do need it, it's a very nice to have...

Jeff

 

[Skotty]

I would actually use it a ton if it didn't feel like trying to use dial up AOL over a 1200 baud modem.

One thing they could do to improve it is add an option where you can set it to only load images and/or videos when specifically requested (kind of like some of the flashblock addons for browsers). A lot of times I just want to read the text, but I have to wait several minutes for all the images and garbage to load first.

I should probably add: I'd rather have it like it is now than not have it at all. So I'm glad it's there. But it could be a hell of a lot better.