This article was published on January 28, 2016

Tesla may debut two Model 3s in March as it looks to ditch its SDK


Tesla may debut two Model 3s in March as it looks to ditch its SDK

A new report suggests Tesla is set to unveil its highly anticipated Model 3 this March, but may also have a second version of the car to show us.

Additionally, the way we interact with apps in Teslas may be changing.

First, the Model 3. According to electrek.co, Tesla will debut a Model 3 sedan in March, but will also launch a crossover version as well. The two different vehicles are built on the same platform, which means Tesla could be structuring the Model 3 as a breakout lineup rather than a one-off.

But, as The Verge points out, Tesla CEO Elon Musk once tweeted that a companion vehicle for the Model 3 would be dubbed the Model Y. He deleted the tweet, but the crossover could have its own designation instead of a ‘Model 3C’ or something similar.

Tesla Model X
Would a Model 3 crossover look like a mini Model X?

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The in-dash screen found in existing Teslas is getting tweaked a bit, too. Rather than asking app developers to use Tesla’s SDK, the company may allow apps to be mirrored onto its display.

Speaking at an event in Hong Kong, Musk had the following to say:

As we have sort of thought about it more, the logic thing to do from an app standpoint is to maybe allow apps on your iPhone or Android to project onto the center display, as opposed to trying to create a new app ecosystem. So that is probably going to be our focus in the future to enable you to project apps from your phone to the center screen.

Relieving developers of the SDK would eliminate a step in the app building process, but also lets Tesla concentrate on its own software and cars.

Of course, that leaves the onus on developers to make apps that are safe and effective for use while driving. Or maybe not.

Model 3 surprise: Tesla is preparing to announce 2 vehicles in March [Electrek.co and 9to5Mac]

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