Tesla is offering a 30-day trial of its semi-autonomous Autopilot mode. The software comes as an over-the-air update to all supported vehicles, so now is the time to check out.
Test Now, Pay Later
The trial period will give car owners access to adaptive cruise control, self-parking feature, semi-autonomous lane changing and semi-autonomous steering, CNET reported. Followers would know that Tesla's Autopilot has been around for some time now, but the trial period provides an opportunity for newbies to explore the technology before shelling out some more bucks.
What to Expect
Instructions for a permanent upgrade will be received via email once the trial begins. The trial was first noticed by Reddit user kushari. As told by Engadget, a Tesla spokesperson already confirmed the offer.
A Tesla autopilot's hero moment is just a taste of what's to come https://t.co/XxpbwgyU9A
— WIRED (@WIRED) April 19, 2016
The Autopilot feature is incapable of recognizing traffic signals, but it's still smart. It uses radar, mounted cameras and ultrasonic sensors to read road indicators and obstacles, Wired noted, maintaining distance from nearby vehicles. Hence, the system attempts to reduce the risk of collision.
Price
Model S and Model X owners considering to upgrade after their purchase will have to pay $3,000. When bought with a new vehicle, the price is down to $2,500.
Tesla, known for its foray in the self-driving scene, lost senior engineer Riccardo Biasini when he joined Comma.ai last week. Comma.ai is the self-driving car startup of iPhone hacker George Hotz. Biasini is expected to be the emerging company's asset for his engineering expertise, which has sprung Tesla's propulsion system for its cars, Forbes said.
Hotz vows to release an after-market kit that introduces advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) features into new cars. Comma.ai began only last October and now has four full-time employees. Since then, the company was pegged to eye Tesla in the autonomous driving arena.
With competitors trying their best to beat Tesla, how will Elon and his team fare? Does the trial period excite you? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
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