A major Tesla software update is to the Teslarati what a big iOS release is for hard-core Apple fanboys: a pretty big deal. Both always come with a host of new features to try and better the user experience, and Tesla’s latest is version 10.0. This is the single biggest software update yet, according to Tesla, who says it’s “raising the bar for what people have come to expect from their cars with new entertainment, gaming, music, and convenience features.” The update is largely focused on entertainment and streaming, but read on for details on every piece of the update.
Smart Summon and Sentry Mode: Customers who have purchased Full Self-Driving Capability or Enhanced Autopilot can now have their car meet them at a destination of their choosing in a parking lot. It’s like a sort of self-valet feature. Tesla says it’s perfect for owners with kids in strollers, a full shopping cart, or other hindrances that might make the trip to the car onerous. Tesla’s website does make this disclosure though: “Those using Smart Summon must remain responsible for the car and monitor it and its surroundings at all times. “
Now, when recording in Sentry Mode, the Model 3 will actively sort the videos on your USB device into a separate folder. Your car will also delete older clips if your USB device is running low on storage. You can also now control the car’s defroster, windows, and your home’s garage-door opener all from the Tesla app on your phone.
Theater, Karaoke, Gaming: Tesla Model 3, S, and X owners can get more from the large displays at the center of their dashboards with Tesla Theater. Owners can now connect their Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and Hulu + Live accounts to watch all sorts of content from their cars—as long as it’s parked, of course. The feature also comes with Tesla tutorial videos so owners can learn how to do even more with the litany of features their car has.
There’s also now karaoke—no, we’re not kidding—and a new game for Tesla Arcade. With Tesla software V10.0, cars will now have an onboard library of songs that occupants can sing along to. You also might want to start keeping a controller in the center console, as V10.0 now supports USB controllers and will be adding CupHead, an extremely popular retro-style game to Tesla Arcade. Tesla owners will get access to the first full level of the game, which can support up to two players.
Dining and Destinations: Tesla’s navigation function now features “I’m Feeling Lucky” and “I’m Feeling Hungry” options. It’s essentially a shuffle button for people who can’t decide on where to eat. Tesla has also changed the way it sorts destination options; the location nearest the vehicle will appear first on the list, with options farther away appearing lower down.
Spotify, Browsing, and Streaming: Tesla has finally added Spotify support directly into its user interface. According to Tesla, this was one of the most requested features, and a must-have for people with long commutes and those who enjoy listening to music or podcasts. Version 10.0 will support Slacker Radio and TuneIn as well. Finally, Tesla is now enabling browser access on all Model 3s. So even if you have the Standard Range Plus or Standard Range car, you’ll still get access to the new features in V10.0 like Spotify, Slacker, and TuneIn as long as you’re connected to Wi-Fi.
The over-the-air update to bring all of these features will be available this week, and like always, will simply update overnight.
[“source=automobilemag”]