The latest news says that Tesla is bringing an exciting feature to Android users - ultra-wideband (UWB) support. This technology will provide car owners with more accurate positioning tracking and a more reliable mobile phone key experience, further enhancing the intelligence and convenience of the vehicle.
Previously, in the 2024.2.3 software update released in February 2024, Tesla launched ultra-wideband mobile phone keys and application support for iOS users for the first time. The Smart Communication Positioning Circle has published an article to introduce (Official announcement! Tesla supports UWB digital car keys!).
After nearly a year of long waiting, Android users finally saw the light of day. Through the decompilation of the latest 4.41.0 version of the Tesla app, a new logo called "MOBILE_APP_FEATURE_ANDROID_UWB_ENABLED" was discovered. This shows that Tesla is steadily advancing the process of adding ultra-wideband support to Android devices, and Android users are getting closer and closer to enjoying the convenience brought by this cutting-edge technology.
Supported devices and models
Most current Android flagship models already support UWB functions, such as Google Pixel 6 and above, Samsung Fold 2 and above, Samsung S21+ or other newer Android phones. However, the vehicle itself also needs to support UWB hardware to achieve this function. It is understood that the Tesla models that currently support UWB include:
2024 Model 3 (Highland Edition) and later versions;
2021 Model S and later versions;
2021 Model X and later versions;
Cybertruck;
It is expected that the 2025 Model Y (Juniper Edition) will support ultra-wideband.
Unfortunately, the old Model S and Model X, as well as the first-generation Model 3 and the current Model Y do not support UWB.
More reliable mobile phone keys and hands-free trunk opening
This UWB support will first bring an optimized mobile phone key function. Through UWB technology, the vehicle can more accurately determine the position of the device relative to the vehicle, making the mobile phone key more reliable and more accurate.
In addition, the precise positioning of ultra-wideband is also very useful for the hands-free opening of the front and rear trunks. Tesla launched the hands-free opening of the front trunk in the 2024.32.3 version of the software, and launched the hands-free opening of the trunk support in the 2024.14.3 version of the software update.
For the first time, Android users will be able to set a hands-free option for their vehicles, and they can open the trunk by just standing behind the car for two seconds. Once the vehicle detects that you are not moving, it will beep and the trunk will open immediately.
NFC prompt function
It is reported that a new logo called "SHOW_NFC_PROMPT" has been added to this application update. Tesla will add a prompt to the application to help users enter the vehicle when the mobile phone key cannot be used. Even if the phone is turned off due to low battery, the NFC function of the device is actually still activated. This means that even if the phone is out of power, the owner can still enter the vehicle and put the phone on the charger.
Release date is not clear
It is not clear when UWB support will be officially launched for Android users, but the appearance of relevant logos in the application indicates that Tesla is actively developing this feature. Although it may be rolled out at any time through server-side changes, Tesla may still need a month or two to complete the necessary testing of various devices.
Overall, Tesla's move to add UWB support to the Android system is undoubtedly an exciting technological advancement. Once implemented, car owners will have an unprecedented convenient experience in daily use, whether it is unlocking the vehicle or opening the trunk. The smart communication positioning circle will continue to focus on subsequent dynamics and bring you the latest news as soon as possible.
This paper is from Ulink Media, Shenzhen, China, the organizer of IOTE EXPO (IoT Expo in China)
