Tesla’s latest Full Self-Driving (Supervised) update, version 14.2.1, has sparked controversy for allowing drivers to potentially text while the system handles the wheel. A Tesla owner and watcher, @Teslaconomics, raised eyebrows when they posted about the new update seemingly permitting texting while driving. In response, Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that drivers could text depending on the context of surrounding traffic.
This exchange sheds light on Tesla’s evolving approach to driver-attention monitoring. FSD 14.2.1 represents the latest iteration of the company’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software, following the release of version 14.2 just a week prior. Initial reviews of 14.2 praised its smoother maneuvers and more human-like driving feel, but 14.2.1 takes it a step further by relaxing driver monitoring under certain conditions. This means that drivers can briefly divert their attention from the road or even send a text without triggering safety warnings.
Elon Musk had previously promised that FSD 14 would require less driver intervention, signaling a gradual transition of responsibility from the driver to the system in optimal traffic conditions. As Tesla progresses towards unlocking Unsupervised FSD, Musk indicated during the company’s 2025 shareholder meeting that they were close to removing the supervision requirement pending regulatory approval and technical validation. The upcoming FSD 14.3 release has been hyped as “the last big piece” of the autonomy puzzle, hinting at further advancements in autonomy capabilities.
Despite the controversial notion of texting while driving, Tesla’s latest software blurs the lines between driver assistance and full autonomy. FSD 14.2.1 serves as a clear indicator of Tesla’s vision for the future of autonomous driving. As the company continues to push boundaries in autonomy, the upcoming releases will likely reveal how much further Tesla is willing to relax driver attention requirements.
The article seamlessly integrates with other featured articles on TeslaNorth, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of Tesla’s latest advancements in autonomous driving technology. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new advancements and innovations being made every day. From smartphones to self-driving cars, there seems to be no limit to what technology can achieve. One area that has seen significant growth in recent years is the field of artificial intelligence (AI).
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