New widgets for the dashboard

Version 7 introduced new widgets to the main dashboard; some are incredibly useful (tire pressure monitoring) and others are rather useless (analog clock).  Regardless of my perceived utility, it is nice having more widget options.  This is not because I think more is better -- I absolutely do not -- but having options and configurability is part of the Tesla magic.  On that note, I've decided to mock up a few more widgets that I would like to see added.

Compass with Elevation

One major missing widget is a compass widget. This suggestion came from my mom who missed the compass embedded in the mirror of her Lexus. Yes, there is the little compass at the corner of the map on the main infotainment screen, but it is both rather small and hard to read; having it on the dash would be nice, principally as a curiosity thing.  Hey, it's no worse than an analog clock!

As I was thinking about a compass widget, I realized that it would be really cool to combine the compass with elevation.  This data could be easily obtained using a digital elevation map downloaded over the cellular network, at least for wherever a Tesla is likely to venture.

My quick mockup for a concept compass widget with elevation.  Yes, I know I didn't fake the perspective of the photo; it's a quick concept sketch.

Highway Message Board

I may be way off base here, but I think it would be quite nice to have a widget that displays the contents of the highway dynamic message boards since these messages are sometimes difficult to catch while dealing with traffic. Once you pass one, you occasionally wonder what kind of potentially pertinent information you just missed. I'm not sure about the logistics or availability of the data, but it doesn't seem too hard.

Nimitz Freeway near the port and bridge, Oakland, October 15, 2005. CC BY-NC-ND Michael Patrick

Example dashboard widget displaying location aware, highway messages

Add weather data

My last post was weather related, so I think I'll extend that topic at least a little bit longer by suggesting that the main map screen should have an option for weather overlays such as radar and watches / warnings. 

Yes, I almost always have my cell on me, so I could look up the data using any number of apps (Storm by Weather Underground is my favorite for radar), but using the cell is either extra work or a dangerous distraction depending on the circumstances.  I suspect that is exactly the reason Toyota included weather radar in their Entune system, although I find their interface and graphics rather clunky.  On the 17” display it could be much more useful and elegant.

One may ask if weather data is truly necessary in a car mapping application. I’d typically answer “no”, but for long distance travel, I could see it being rather useful to plan one's route or day. 

A pedestrian usage of the weather data would simply be knowing how long a storm might last or whether or not it’s worthwhile stopping at a particular supercharger.

If weather data were included in map routing or charger selection, this could be a impressive capability for making travel much easier and safer.  Commercial flights detour around thunderstorms for a reason -- safety and comfort -- and there is no reason why that same logic cannot or should not be extended to ground travel as well.  This is especially true of some of the intense downpours that occur here in Texas.

Another bonus would be choosing which route and superchargers to utilize.  As the supercharger network densifies, this should become more viable.  For example, on the SF to LA route, one will soon have very viable options to either utilize 101 or I-5.  Part of the preference for choosing one path over the other may involve weather predictions and whether or not the superchargers are covered.

For example, one of the supercharger's I utilize most, Columbus TX, is uncovered and receives about 44in of rain a year -- more than Seattle! If it were raining and I had sufficient battery remaining, I might consider running straight home rather than picking up a little more cushion.  In CA, I might have the option of skipping an uncovered supercharger in favor of a covered one.