GM Heralds Over The Air Updates By 2023 - A Full 11 Years AFTER Tesla Pioneered The Technology

How new is the OS on an 11 year old phone? No amount of engineering is going to overcome the fact that software improves over time. If you want to have the best OS possible, it needs to be easily update-able.

I'm thinking GM could have offered the networked features years ago. How long has OnStar been around? The service is able to detect accidents, communicate with driver, unlock/start/disable vehicle operations.

Maybe it was just a matter of logistics & financial "payback" to offer a free service.

Over-the-air updates gives the perception of high(er) level tech features, thus adding a positive spin within the social media sphere of "street cred'. OTA updates makes total sense for a manufacturer that doesn't have physical dealership/service locations. not so much of a concern for all the other major manufacturers however.

Don't forget the vehicle components have to be redesigned to update. Many are still hard coded.

Agent009 is spot on. Tesla is a startup with relatively new components and small volume. The logistics of making this possible on all current cars and componests along with the shere volume makes this a far more challenging tasks.

You have a situation where we are trying to apply rapidly changing technical expectations in a legacy pipeline where costs and production trump technology.

Those companies (like Tesla) that have no legacy models to support are at a distinct advantage for the time being.

On a side note: Morgan Stanley out with a note today saying Tesla stock maybe worth as little as 10 dollars...hahahhaha

Further comment to their worst case price was that unless they can turn things aroung dramatically it is likely they will be acquired by possibly a foreign automaker at a significant discount. Also added that they need to get demand up (some marketing perhaps) and Elon should stop focusing on his science fiction projects like 500,000 robotaxis.

Better late than never.

The problem with Over the air updates is not the ability to do them with - it is the security. The ability to "disable" needed systems in a vehicle on a Countrywide basis remains a REAL possibility if they open a window to allow these updates. And Frankly - until they have better ways of making sure that does not happen while a car is operating - I would continue to be AGAINST it.

At the very least - such updates should be delayed automatically - and not be allowed to be installed while the car is on the road - AND there has to be some way of verifying correct installation afterward but before you take off without your Anti Lock System working or other similar.

As far as Tesla - we ALL have been pondering about just how much of the demand to EVs actually exists - noting that EVs are still not likely for most of the car driving population due to lack of infrastructure or charging ability without having a designated parking place. Now that a number of new competitors are coming on line -we will get more of an idea - but the reality remains - infrastructure limits them.

I agree with TomM...hell has frozen over.

Real problem is GM and others switch from development to maintain mode after a vehicle is launched. With no means to make money on new features or improvements it is viewed as poor use of resources.
Tesla owners find it as a valuable differentiator.

Do you want an iPhone 1 or iPhone 11? That will be the same situation with cars... well now. The Tesla OS has gotten infinitely better since launch and was already pretty good to start with.

Tesla may find it as a differentiator, but will buy anything Tesla sells them. If the market demands it as a must have feature the legacy manufacturers will have it as part of the value proposition.
They way you phrased your response shows that you view tesla buyers, yourself included I assume, to be superior to other buyers.

Superior is a strong word. I'll just say that I think it would be a bad investment to buy any car now that isn't both electric and has the ability to upgrade to full self driving in the future. That's a very short list of options.

Not a Tesla owner, just giving credit to Tesla for moving the industry forward.