In its ongoing quest to make your slightly-dumb car a bit smarter, Comma.ai, Inc. has unveiled the comma four, its latest hardware for running the openpilot driver-assist system. Announced on November 25, 2025, the new device will still set you back $999, but for that price, you get a package that is reportedly one-fifth the size of its predecessor, the comma 3X. Despite the dramatic downsizing, Comma claims it packs the same compute and sensor suite, centered around a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 MAX processor. The “MAX” designation comes from a new, custom-engineered cooling system designed to prevent thermal throttling, ensuring the silicon sweats so you don’t have to.
For the uninitiated, openpilot is an open-source Level 2 driver-assistance system, which is a polite way of saying it’s not a self-driving car. Instead, it enhances a vehicle’s existing systems to provide features like advanced Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Automated Lane Centering (ALC), handling steering, braking, and acceleration on over 300 compatible car models. The system uses a camera-based driver monitoring feature to ensure you’re still paying attention, presumably to watch it work its magic. An “Experimental Mode” even allows the system to handle stop signs and red lights, for those who enjoy a little extra adventure in their commute.
The comma four isn’t just smaller; it’s been redesigned for manufacturability and a more refined user experience. The device features a new user interface on a crisp 1.9-inch OLED display and is positioned as a mature consumer electronic rather than just another development kit for hardcore enthusiasts. According to the company, the device is quieter, runs cooler, and is easier to install, signaling a clear push toward broader adoption for drivers who want tomorrow’s features without buying tomorrow’s car.
Why is this important?
In a capital-intensive industry famous for burning billions on moonshot projects, Comma.ai’s iterative approach is a lesson in pragmatic innovation. Instead of chasing the phantom of full autonomy, the company focuses on perfecting a useful, user-installable product that makes daily driving less tedious. The comma four represents a maturation of this strategy: refining the hardware, improving the user experience, and making the open-source alternative to proprietary systems from major automakers more appealing than ever. It’s the Linux of driver-assist systems—a powerful, community-driven option for those who prefer to upgrade their car, not replace it.
