Tesla Model S voice commanded by Siri using Remote S app
While adding more features to Remote S, I figured out a hands-free way of issuing commands to the Tesla. I simply activate Siri by saying "Hey Siri", and then I say the command that I want. The Remote S app takes care of the rest.
Looking to buy a Tesla Model S? Use this link from Tesla to get $1,000 off the price of your new Model S: http://ts.la/allen2018
Earlier today I uploaded a video of this using Siri on the Apple Watch. But I find that using the iPhone is faster and more convenient, because I don't have to talk to my wrist. The iPhone mic can pick up my voice from across the room. Someone in the backseat can even issue the command if you turn off the Passcode.
Here's how I envision the app being used:
1) Imagine that you're at home and it's hot out. You're busy showering, but will be heading out soon. Your hands are wet and your phone is sitting at the sink. You shout, "Hey Siri, cool down my Tesla!" The app issues the command to your Tesla to turn the temperature down to its lowest setting, turn on HVAC, and vent the roof. The app gives you back an audio confirmation (I plan on using a British female voice - like the James Bond's remote control BMW). When you're done with your shower, your car will be all nice and cold for your driving comfort.
2) Imagine that you're driving and you have your phone on the cupholder. You want to open the roof, but don't feel like looking down to press all the buttons on the touchscreen or iphone app to get it to open. Instead you say, "Hey Siri, open my roof." The app issues the command for you and your roof opens. When you're done, you just say, "Hey Siri, close my roof" and the roof closes.
At the end of the video, I wanted to see if I could get the Remote S app to run the voice commands faster. It gets pretty fast if you're on a WIFI connection. This probably just means that my phone's internet connection isn't as fast as my WIFI connection. It will probably also help if I used an iPhone 6 or 6S.
Other than that, I think the bottleneck with the commands is 1/2 part Siri's processing to figure out what I said, and 1/2 Tesla's servers issuing the command to the car from across the country.