FSD, WIZPR RING, Leica M, TPU seat, Road kill Prevention #236 / April 4, 2024 / Confidential
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All Teslas in the US get a one month trial of FSD starting this week!
Since last week, I've been diligently using the gift I received from Elon Musk (a one-month free trial of FSD). Introduced last year through Tesla reviews, the free AP (Auto Pilot) feature was generally useful in reducing driving fatigue. However, despite having its benefits, such as reacting well to red lights and navigating obstacles, it also exhibited various issues like not slowing down at dips or failing to stop at red lights. As a result, I rarely used it except for brief moments when I needed to divert my attention, such as to drink or take a call. However, FSD has showcased much more advanced capabilities. Here are my impressions after testing it for about a week.
1. Like having a test driver beside you...
FSD handles driving well, responding appropriately to red lights and smoothly navigating obstacles, unlike when using AP. However, from my perspective, there are many frustrating aspects. It feels a bit like having just received a driver's license, especially evident when making turns. During a driving test, one typically stops briefly before reaching the stop line, moves forward to the next stop line, and then proceeds after checking for safety. But in real driving, people don't always do that, right? 🤣 I hate causing inconvenience, but thanks to driving Tesla so impeccably on busy mornings, my life expectancy has significantly increased.
2. Tesla's lane-changing whims...
One of the benefits of driving an electric car in California is the advantage of using carpool lanes. Typically, carpool lanes require at least one passenger, but electric cars, being environmentally friendly, can use them even with just one person. Once you enter a carpool lane, you can't exit until you see dashed lines. (Exiting earlier results in a fine~) However, FSD doesn't consider this. It's always eager to exit to the right lane, even if there's just a bit of space. Will Elon pay the fine for me??
3. Relatively smooth unguarded sections...
The experience in unguarded sections exceeded my expectations. One of the favorite sections among drivers, where 80% of the End to End driving is done. Initially, the cautious driving style, checking surroundings and then making turns, was genuinely surprising. However, due to Tesla's overly conservative driving style, I think it's essential to turn off FSD when driving aggressively in LA.
4. Rainy days...almost broke the wipers
Experiencing a rainy day on bright, normal roads was a bit risky, frustrating, and not great. Even a slight drizzle makes the wipers work tirelessly, though they operate a bit more humanely than AP. I'm afraid they might break down from working too often, unlike when a human is driving.
5. Like a tongue in your mouth that doesn't quite work?
This is related to my personal preference. My daily commute habit involves moving to the left turn lane closest to the freeway entrance before entering the freeway. However, Tesla shows this protruding behavior towards the inside right before entering the freeway, often leading to honking behind me.
6. Top-notch skills in stop-and-go traffic!
It excels in stop-and-go or long-distance driving. It accelerates and decelerates smoothly and maintains speed even better once it reaches a certain speed. It would be perfect for a trip to Vegas with FSD engaged.
[Jenna's Finding]
1. The current subscription pricing is unreasonable, in my opinion: A one-time fee of $12,000 or $200 per month seems exorbitant. If the price becomes comparable to Uber, I might consider daily passes or monthly subscriptions. (My perception of Uber prices: around $20 for a 15-20 minute ride)
2. Still not convinced? Still not convinced...: I'm still anxious. Mistakes happen quite often, like mistaking lanes for merging and going happily into closed roads. Imagining FSD autonomously navigating through hectic roundabout intersections is still unimaginable.
3. Value of Auto Park? : Haven't tried the auto parking feature in the garage yet due to obstacles, but I tried it in the company parking lot. It did parallel parking flawlessly. However, it unnecessarily turns the steering wheel in a flashy manner. Some people have mentioned spending around $3-5,000 annually to use it in tight parking spaces.😉
4. Seniors/Visitors might be the biggest beneficiaries of FSD? : Recently, there was a case in San Francisco where a 78-year-old caused a fatal accident while driving. The U.S. has relatively poor traffic infrastructure, resulting in many accidents involving seniors who are reluctant to give up their driving licenses due to lack of alternative transportation options. FSD is expected to serve as an excellent auxiliary tool for safe driving for these at-risk seniors. Additionally, short- or long-term visitors who are not familiar with U.S. traffic laws can also actively utilize this service.
It's said that Tesla hastily released the free trial due to the problem of overproduction, but I'm fortunate to have experienced FSD and shared my feelings. I plan to test it in even more diverse road situations until the free trial ends. I hope it evolves much further from V12 and adds features that are very close to human drivers.
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AI assistants are the norm, but now it's time to whisper..
Devices that prioritize sensors and AI helper functions are making waves, doing away with traditional displays. Take Humane's 'AI Pin,' for instance; it acts like a brooch, attaching effortlessly to shirts or jackets using magnets, allowing seamless interaction with humans. Then there's the 'Rabbit R1,' a compact device about the size of a Post-it note, equipped with a small screen and an AI assistant adept at understanding natural language, garnering considerable attention.
Commanding AI assistants like Siri or Alexa hasn't always felt smooth or elegant. There's often a concern about being misunderstood, leading to speaking loudly or issuing commands at inopportune moments.
But now, Vtouch's WIZPR RING introduces a unique solution that surpasses these challenges. Shaped like a ring, this device activates its microphone simply by moving it near the lips for a whisper, allowing ChatGPT or other AI helpers to respond to whispered queries. Lowering your hand turns off the microphone, ensuring it remains inactive. Whispered voice commands are quicker than typing and offer a more private and discreet alternative to regular voice commands. Plus, results are delivered through earphones, enhancing privacy.
In addition to providing information like messages, calendar events, news, directions, and weather through natural commands, WIZPR can also control IoT devices like lights through Matter. The smart ring has recently hit the market and is expected to ship in July of this year for a price of $199, significantly more affordable than Humane's AI Pin at $699.
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[Jenna's insiht]
If using AI assistants through simple whispers becomes possible, it could enhance our lifestyles without disrupting them, elevating our quality of life through convenience while seamlessly integrating technology into our daily routines. WIZPR Ring aims to personalize interactions with AI, making digital assistants feel more like familiar companions rather than mere tools.
Devices like the WIZPR Ring, with socially subdued interfaces resembling rings, could introduce new digital etiquette and communication norms. As more people embrace muted technology, devices facilitating disruptive interactions are gradually fading away.
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Reimagined Leica M: The epitome of minimalism and simplicity (I want it)
Wencheng Zhang, an industrial designer from Shanghai, has delivered an impressive reinterpretation of Leica's M series. While maintaining the iconic design features and concept of the M series, Zhang has infused it with a fresh allure.
Unlike conventional cameras with protruding shutter buttons and dials, Zhang emphasizes simplicity by concealing physical controls, imparting a sleek feel. Textures have been added to the dials to facilitate clear selections, showcasing a design that considers both functionality and aesthetics. One unique feature of this product is the deliberate absence of the logo everywhere except for the Leica logo on the top, further enhancing its distinctiveness.
Lens and battery compartments have been aesthetically redesigned, excluding the Leica font. These meticulous details elevate the overall refinement of the product. The ideal angle of the top slope on the rear side is also noteworthy, seamlessly inheriting Leica's sophisticated design while infusing a more contemporary and functional feel. Additionally, the larger and sturdier LCD screen further enhances the charm of this product.
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Renault's Innovative Research in 3D Seat Printing
Renault has recently unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in 3D printing technology, representing two years of intensive research and development. Their latest innovation introduces the use of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a material that undergoes slight deformation when pressed or squeezed by hand. This allows for the creation of products with internal grid or mesh structures that can dynamically change shape based on applied pressure.
This material holds promising applications for automotive seating and can potentially replace various components such as backrests, seat bottoms, armrests, and center consoles using a single material. By streamlining the manufacturing process, productivity has been significantly enhanced, with seat weight reduced by approximately 30%. Renault has also hinted at potential collaborations with France's Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission to explore the creation of customized 3D printed products tailored to individual drivers.
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VW Develops Sound Badge to Prevent Roadkill
While Korea experiences over a million roadkill incidents annually, the United States sees over two million, resulting in economic losses exceeding $8 billion. In the U.S., deer and other wildlife are the primary victims of roadkill, whereas in Australia, kangaroos are frequently involved in collisions, causing tens of thousands of accidents each year.
To address this issue, the University of Melbourne and Volkswagen are collaborating on the development of an "audio deterrents" device. This device, integrated into the Anorak model badge, is one attempt to prevent wildlife, such as kangaroos, from colliding with vehicles. By deterring wildlife approach, it aims to prevent collisions proactively.
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The RooBadge utilizes directional speakers to emit a focused sound beam in front of the vehicle, taking a different approach from standard speakers. This device synthesizes various sounds, including predator noises, kangaroo footsteps, and bird warning calls.
Australia is home to various types of kangaroos, each reacting differently to sounds. Utilizing GPS and machine learning, the RooBadge recognizes kangaroo species and identifies sounds effective in deterring kangaroos in specific areas. If this technology proves effective, it is expected to be adopted in the U.S. to prevent deer roadkill incidents, with potential expansion worldwide.
This innovative technology is expected to make a significant contribution to preventing collisions between animals and vehicles. Furthermore, if successfully expanded, similar animal protection technologies could be applied in other regions.
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From the last week of March into early April, there are holidays that follow Good Friday and Easter, leading the Kia America Design Center to also observe holidays. This period marks the peak season for spring vacations, as most schools in the United States have their spring breaks at this time. Easter, which symbolizes the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus, is celebrated by exchanging eggs and bunnies, yet this year, I explored the connection between Jesus and rabbits.
The word "Easter" itself has no association with Jesus. In ancient times, the Israelites worshipped the pagan goddess Astarte, who symbolized fertility apart from God. Astarte represented the abundance brought by spring, later morphing into Easter.
Even the bunny has ties to Astarte. Bunny equals rabbit equals Playboy... caught on yet? Yes, it's a symbol of fertility. The prolific breeding abilities of rabbits made them a symbol of fertility.
Eggs symbolize Jesus's resurrection, representing the empty tomb where Jesus was laid to rest, yet contained life within, just like the eggshell appears tough but holds life inside. Easter often involves an Easter Hunt, where children search for hidden eggs in parks. The Bunny also shares eggs, creating a true fusion of cultures.
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Written by Jenna Chwee
Kia Design America
jchwee@hatci.com
101 Peters Canyon Rd.
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