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First Apple Watch app for Tesla Model S is here, thanks to Eleks

Modern technology is the science fiction of three decades ago. For example, not very long from now you may be able to control many of your car's functions directly from a watch, specifically the Apple Watch. While the wearable smart device isn't even on sale yet, the software developers at Eleks Labs already have a demo version of the Tesla iPhone app running on the gadget (operating in an emulator in the video above), and the programmers believe even more features could be possible later. The Apple Watch version of the app shrinks and streamlines the standard software to fit on your wrist. It still offers much the same functionality, though. The main screen shows the state of charge, range, and whether the Model S is locked, but by scrolling through the pages, users can also do things like open the doors, reposition the moonroof, adjust the climate control while away from the vehicle and much more. It's looks quite handy. There is a big downside to all of the features on the watch's app at the moment, though. According to Eleks Labs, the software development kit for the Apple Watch currently only lets programmers use the device as a bridge for the user's iPhone. That means people must keep their phone on them at all times to get any functionality on their wrist. Some of the gadget's controls are also still being limited, like its Digital Crown scroll wheel. It's not all bad news, though. The developers think additional functionality could be unlocked closer to when the Apple Watch goes on sale. It's possible future apps for the device might not even need to use the phone. While the demo is just a third-party app for now, Eleks Labs hopes to make it official. "Our biggest interest is to cooperate with Tesla to create true omnichannel experience across the car, the app and the watch. We're sure that Tesla owners would benefit most from this option. So we'll try to get in touch with Tesla Motors and arrange this," said Markiyan Matsekh, Product Manager for Mobility and Wearables at Eleks Labs, to Autoblog. Related Video:

Tesla news roundup: Supportive bill proposed in NJ; NHTSA ends investigation

The ongoing dealer fight against Tesla Motors in a number of states continues to evolve, with two bits of news out of Ohio and New Jersey this week. There is good news and, well, good news. And then there's lots more news. In Ohio, the automaker won a compromise bill that won't exactly let Tesla to do whatever it wants, but it will let the company's two existing stores stay open and a third to come online. Tesla sent AutoblogGreen a statement from Diarmuid O'Connell, VP of corporate and business development, on the situation there: We're pleased with the compromise reached in the Senate Committee to amend SB 260 to allow Ohio residents to continue to purchase electric vehicles directly from Tesla at our two existing stores and one additional location in Ohio. Tesla stores are essential to educating customers about electric vehicle technology and building a mass market for EVs. We look forward to continuing to provide our Ohio customers with the full Tesla experience and to further investing in the state by employing Ohioans both directly at our stores and service centers, and through our Ohio-based suppliers of parts and components. Meanwhile, over in New Jersey, Assemblyman Tim Eustace introduced legislation that would reverse the ban on Tesla stores in that state. On Facebook, the EV-driving Assemblyman wrote, "We need to attract companies that will create jobs and promote economic growth. If the governor is unwilling, then the Legislature will get it done." You can read the proposed bill here. Also, coinciding with the announcement of the new titanium underbody shields for the Model S, the NHTSA said it has closed its investigation into three Model S fires and said that, "A defect trend has not been identified." With the political landscape constantly changing, lots of editorial voices are joining the discussion. As The New York Times editorial board says, "the fight with Tesla is not really about this niche company" and basically comes to the same conclusion we did the other day: "Instead of fighting Tesla, dealers should be improving customer service." Possible 2016 presidential candidate Marco Rubio (R-FL) also jumped into the fray, saying on CNBC that he has no problem with Tesla's business model. You can see a clip of that below as well as a short video of a Model S delivery staging area in Europe. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This content is hosted by a third party.

Driving the 2020 Lotus Evora GT, and Defenders at a trickle | Autoblog Podcast #631

In this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Senior Producer Christopher McGraw and Road Test Editor Zac Palmer. First, they talk about driving the 2020 Lotus Evora GT. Then they take some time to update any new happenings and opinions on our long-term Subaru Forester and Volvo S60 T8 plug-in hybrid. In the news this week, the new Land Rover Defender is in short supply, and Tesla is rumored to be creating a 12-passenger shuttle for use in The Boring Company tunnels. Finally, we reach into the mailbag to help a listener replace a Mazda3 hatch with something to better match their lifestyle. Autoblog Podcast #631 Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown Cars we're driving: 2020 Lotus Evora GT 2019 Subaru Forester long-term update 2020 Volvo S60 T8 long-term update The 2020 Land Rover Defender is in short supply Tesla may be working on 12-passenger shuttle for The Boring Co. Spend My Money Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on iTunes Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.