Tesla Introduces New ‘Hey, Tesla’ Wake Word and Per-Seat Activation Controls for Model Y L
The latest addition to Tesla’s lineup, the 6-seater Model Y L, has just been unveiled in China with some exciting new features. In addition to extra seating and stylish captain’s chairs, this vehicle will debut the new “Hey, Tesla” wake word.
The “Hey, Tesla” wake word will be used to activate Tesla’s AI voice assistant, which is already available in China. While the assistant is not based on Grok, it is still AI-powered and is expected to expand to other regions in the future.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this new feature is the ability for Tesla to identify which passenger activated the assistant. This will allow for personalized responses and ongoing conversations tailored to each individual in the vehicle.
The highlight of the new system is its directional listening capabilities. The “Hey, Tesla” wake word can be activated from any of the Model Y L’s six seats, but can be configured to only respond to commands from specific seats. This ensures that passengers can interact with the assistant without interfering with the driver’s commands.
Tesla could potentially introduce new features such as a “Kids Mode” that automatically activates when the assistant is activated from a designated seat. By recognizing who activated the assistant, Tesla can create a multi-user experience that remembers individual contributions to conversations.
The implementation of this new functionality may involve an expanded array of in-cabin microphones to pinpoint the passenger’s position and ignore commands from unauthorized seats. A new Voice Recognition menu will allow users to manage which seats can activate the assistant and customize listening preferences.
While this feature is currently exclusive to the Chinese market and the Tesla Smart Assistant, it is expected to expand to other regions in the future. The upcoming Tesla update, 2025.32, is already in testing and may require additional time to adapt this feature for Grok and other regions.
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