This is a good observation, and since I don't own a Tesla, I appreciate your perspective.

I definitely don't love Tesla, but I guess I think of it like this: I suspect Tesla can improve their software (and deliver it to all existing customers) a lot more quickly that their non-software-focused competitors can. I still don't think Tesla will ever have full auto-driving, but I know my car's Bluetooth handling in my 2014 Toyota sucks, and will always suck. If a Tesla's Bluetooth handling suck, there's a good chance it won't in another 5 years.

And Tesla isn't even a company I'm eager to defend, but I think JLG is right: software-focused companies will eventually beat out those which aren't. It'll take a while, but it'll happen.

I have a 2018 Leaf. Drove a model 3 for a day last month. The software of both vehicles is not even comparable. It's like going from a Nokia 3310 to a modern iPhone.

Interesting analogy because there are those who would consider the 3310 the better phone in terms of build quality and having a device that minimizes distraction due to how limited its functionality is.

Having never driven either, which is which?

Tesla = iPhone

And which do you want in a car?

Which is better? The iPhone or the Nokia?

Leaf = iphone

Uh, he went from the Leaf to the Tesla, i.e the Leaf is the Nokia and the Tesla is the iPhone.

Even the Jaguar I-Pace's software is sluggish. It's almost like they do this on purpose.

My 2015 model S has appallingly bad voice recognition and turn by turn directions compared to my phone (1st gen Android Pixel) from the same year. Both have software updates but the car is really, really bad when it comes to those things.

I'm happy with the bluetooth though, and I've never had a random reboot.

Fwiw, every car has terrible voice recognition.

I've actually had cars with fantastic voice recognition, but they have always been when using Android Auto in the car (so it's not really the car doing the voice recog)

I used AA a TON in an Audi TT convertible and it would correctly understand me even while driving on the highway with the top down!

Funnily enough, the built-in voice recognition in the Audi was horrible and was hard to get working right even when sitting still.

I have a model 3 and the Blutooth seems about average. All the rest of the software seems way better than any other car I've ever been in though. Wonder what your complaints are?

"Bluetooth seems about average".

That statement has underlying meaning. It implies that it has not worked perfectly and lag-free every single time. It implies you have identified ways it could be better.

Yet it also implies you are happy with its level of buggyness. You have come to terms with it. You don't complain when occasionally it won't connect without cycling Bluetooth off and on again, or when there's a slight glitch.

If I design or develop a technology, I would consider it a 100 percent failure if as well as there being bugs with it, users stop complaining about the bugs and they just become 'normal'.

Curious about this too.

I have a 3.5 year old Toyota Highlander. No issues with Bluetooth, ever.

Model S from what year? I have not experienced this with my Model 3.

2017 P100DL

Voice recognition just doesn’t work, period.

Often I have to hold my phone to my ear for a call because the audio doesn’t come out over the speakers. It’s random, though - Bluetooth sometimes works great.

I love the car because it’s fast and electric. But the software sucks. I was expecting better.

I have 2018 P100D - never had these problems. I'd take it to a service - might be a quick fix.

That's odd. Have you taken it for service with Tesla?

My iPhone XS actually does this occasionally, as does my Model S. Apple is a little better, but there isn't a huge difference here.

The moment Tesla cares more about the software experience of existing owners, than things they can brag about to reporters and observers (who don't actually own/drive their cars everyday), that will hopefully change. When that'll happen, I have no idea.

Tesla does try to produce a better experience, in theory, than everyone else. It's the small details and bugs that you'd likely only notice as an owner, which they seem to struggle with (or simply not care about).

Why is the theory that they try to produce a better experience? Where does that come from? Probably from their self-promotion and tech journalists eating it up, and nothing else.

Wat? Senty Mode, Dashcam, etc. nice updates for existing users.

All features that make for a great press release, and lots of media buzz that may tempt people to buy the cars.

Fixing bugs and regressions in the existing software? Not so much.

I have the first version of Chevy volt. I can take phone calls with Bluetooth but not play music with it, what a joke.