One of the reasons Tesla Cars is so popular is the constant updates of vehicles, but recent holiday updates have frustrated many people because it has made significant changes to the user interface that make it harder to access frequently used features such as wipers and seat heaters. Some Tesla fans complained on Twitter, while Tesla CEO Elon Musk now promised that "many fixes" are underway.
After the release of the V11 software and its updated user interface, Tesla and its software development team seem to have heard feedback from the owners of the electric vehicles. According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk's recent tweet, V11's user interface will have many improvements, likely to address some of the complaints reported by drivers since the update was launched.
Tesla's V11 update is fairly extensive. It introduces a variety of useful features such as the ability to blind spot camera and edit waypoints, as well as fun supplemental features such as customizable light shows. However, the update also introduces a completely revolutionary user interface, which is where criticism comes in. The new user interface is very different from the V10 system, and some Tesla owners have even posted tutorials online to help other drivers navigate the features of the new system.
A particularly obvious complaint among Tesla drivers is that some key features and information only need to be tapped in the V10, while additional taps are required in the V11 software. The same goes for some basic functions, such as accessing travel information and activating seat heating. These extra steps have been widely criticized, with some drivers arguing that the changes may actually end up becoming a safety hazard.
Much of the criticism is also directed at the way Tesla designed the V11, where entertainment apps like the Tesla Theater and Tesla Mall have dedicated icons on the infotainment screen, but useful vehicle-related features like trip information and activation of the wiper don't. This is rather ironic, because in any case, when the vehicle is in driving, features like the Tesla Mall are inaccessible. Overall, while Tesla owners think the new features of the V11 software are great, there's certainly a lot to be done in their implementation.
In a way, Tesla's V11 software and its response among users echoed apple's situation when it launched iOS 7 in 2013. Compared to the more realistic 3D icons of iOS 6, many Apple users really hate the appearance of iOS 7, and after the release, there are false reports everywhere. Over time, however, iOS 7 was improved and optimized, and users eventually embraced its look and feel and new features. Perhaps with more optimization, Tesla can do the same for its V11 software.
Musk's personal statement means that an update to software V11 will come soon to address these complaints.