The "Cluster Mode" launched by Naver (NAVER) for Tesla drivers is receiving favorable reviews.
According to IT (information technology) industry sources on the 19th, Naver released the Tesla Cluster Mode in the Naver Map Lab in early this month. This move introduced an instrument cluster function into Naver Map, reflecting the situation where many people use their smartphones mounted on the dashboard of Tesla vehicles, which lack a traditional instrument panel in front of the steering wheel.
When Cluster Mode is applied and navigation begins, an instrument cluster appears on one side of the phone screen. The cluster displays information such as the vehicle's current speed, gear status, remaining battery level, range, and the current road speed limit. Because vehicle information is received via a connection to the car, an initial pairing with the vehicle is required. This feature is currently available on both iPhone and Android devices.
With the introduction of Cluster Mode, reactions in Tesla driver communities have been positive, noting that there is no longer a need to install aftermarket instrument panels. Typically, drivers of Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, which lack a separate instrument panel in front of the driver's seat, had relied solely on the central screen for driving without an instrument cluster. However, with Naver Map's Cluster Mode, they can now check navigation and instrument data simultaneously. Users of FSD (Full Self-Driving) cited the ability to view segment-based speed enforcement information concurrently as a key advantage.
Recently, Naver has released numerous features in Naver Map designed with user convenience in mind. In addition to driver-oriented features such as displaying parking enforcement cameras near waypoints and destinations, and providing traffic light information on CarPlay split screens, the company also updated features for pedestrians, including saving GPX walking courses and adding elevation graphs to the navigation screen. The integration of route finding with Meta (META) AI Glasses, a smart glass device, was also implemented to enhance convenience.
Naver is actively strengthening the convenience features of Naver Map because there is a high possibility that Google will launch an offensive based on domestic high-precision map data. To attract more users, Naver is enhancing its map functions with navigation, mobility, advertising, commercial district information, and review data. Additionally, Naver provides data acquired through Naver Map for training AI agents.
Based on map technology researched domestically, Naver is continuing its business in the Middle East. The company plans to launch a map-based global super app in Saudi Arabia as early as this month, aiming to compete with global map platforms such as Google Maps and Apple Maps. Naver intends to provide integrated services for reservations, payments, and discounts in Saudi Arabia, similar to its domestic offerings, while expanding its map services globally starting from Saudi Arabia.
A Naver official stated, "Naver Map is a lifestyle-oriented platform that supports the entire journey from place discovery to movement," adding, "We will continue to provide new map experiences by connecting the real world and the digital realm in an even more vivid way."
in TECH
