Finally, real updates at Smart

Smart has taken advantage of the legal update of its driving aids to integrate 5 new features into its models.

It took until the 5th wave of OTA updates to see some interesting and exciting new features arrive on the Smart #1 and #3 for owners. With this free and automatic online update 1.4.0, Smart covers a wide range by offering a series of new functions and optimizations in terms of comfort and safety. There’s even a fun little Avatar function that shows the manufacturer is starting to ease up a bit and return to the free-spirited and innovative ethos that made the brand successful. It was about time because Smart and Fun no longer rhyme.

The 5 major Smart new features are:

• Avatar Choice: It is now possible to choose a Fox or a Cheetah. This Avatar function is well-known to Smart #1 and #3 owners. It takes the form of an intelligent companion, with AI-based voice control in a 3D user interface. It integrates seamlessly into the car’s interconnected ecosystem. It is now possible to make it stationary on the home screen. A good thing because while it entertains children, it could quickly become annoying…
• Low Regenerative Braking Level: This mode minimizes the force of regenerative braking when the accelerator pedal is released. It comes below the “Standard” and “Strong” levels. A necessity because on Smart cars, the mode must be selected at each vehicle restart! As a result, some owners, who are unaware that they can disable the function, were frustrated to find themselves subjected to too strong a regeneration.
• 360° Camera: The pop-up window dedicated to the 360-degree camera can be placed on the vehicle’s central screen for better visibility. An obvious choice, especially when parking in the city where this camera replaces neck rotations to look from one mirror to another. The best friend of your bumpers!
• Bidirectional Charging V2L Function: Finally!!! The V2L function allows the car’s battery to power external devices. You can essentially pull a 220 V socket from your car to recharge your bike, power a small griddle, or provide ambient lighting. This requires a special cable already available at all brand dealerships.
• New Sound Experiences for the #1: Attention, we are addressing a specific segment of the automotive population that wants to drive electric but misses the sound of combustion engines. New sound effects are available on Smart #1 Premium and even better, or worse depending on your viewpoint, new artificial engine sounds are available on Smart #1 BRABUS and Launch Edition.

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