It feels like this is starting to become a habit.
We’re used to most of our computerized devices being in a permanent beta state.
The problem is, almost everything has a computer in it these days, including cars.
Bram Van Oost / Unsplash
Viewed in this light, pushing updates to vehicles without enough testing seems reckless.
Maybe car makers should be forced to submit software features to safety tests, just like the cars themselves.
And yet manufacturers can, and do, push software updates to cars in active use.
David von Diemar / Unsplash
Shouldnt these updates be just as rigorously tested before deployment?
And its not just essential system controls that are affected.
Tesla is really crossing the line with some of its innovations.
For example, in-car entertainment devices like video games can cause some serious safety hazards.
The latest bug is actually a feature.
Tesla has to recall 579,000 vehicles thanks to anupdate that lets them blast musicthrough external speakers.
Boombox has been in use since December 2020.
Tesla boss Elon Musk runs it more like a Silicon Valley startup.
These US tech companies tend to act first and ask questions later.
Uber, for instance, ignorestaxi lawsuntil forced to comply, even though Ubers are obviously taxis.
“[Tesla]is almost entirely controlled by the whims of one eccentric multibillionaire,” says Creel.
If Musk wants to do it, thats all it takes.
And that can only be a good thing.
