Tesla started pushing a new 2021.24 software update to its fleet and it’s one of the ‘big’ ones, giving a handful of extra perks to its customers.
The update was reported by a Tesla owner on Wednesday, who shared screenshots of the additional features on Reddit.
So, what’s new?
1. Disney+
You can now watch Disney+ in the Tesla Theater app. To launch Tesla Theater, tap the Entertainment icon in the Application Launcher and select the Theater tab while your car is in PARK.
No, simply having Netflix and YouTube on Tesla Theater wasn’t enough. What if I want to watch Star Wars comfortably in the back of my car? Of course, I could do that on my couch as well…
The <3 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
2. Car Wash mode
Car Wash Mode closes all windows, locks the charge port and disables windshield wipers, sentry mode, walk-away door locks and parking sensor chimes. For automatic car washes with conveyor belts, the Free Roll option shifts to Neutral and prevents the parking brake from automatically applying if you leave. To access Car Wash Mode, tap Controls > Service > Car Wash Mode.
Maybe that’ll solve previous inconveniences of owners when at the car wash; neutral has been reportedly difficult to engage.
3. Mirror Auto Dim
You can now enable or disable automatic dimming for your mirrors. To access, tap Controls > Mirror > Mirror Auto Dim.
Tesla in now enabling you to activate and deactivate automatic dimming, which was previously on during nighttime by default. I have to admit, that’s pretty useful.
4. Dashcam improvements
Dashcam can now automatically save clips whenever your vehicle detects the occurrence of a safety event (such as an accident or airbag deployment) Recordings captured are stored and never transmitted to Tesla. To opt-in, tap Controls > Safety & Security > Dashcam > AUTO To, lead more about how to setup and use Dashcam, please refer to the Owner’s Manual.
Basically, owners can now opt for automatic recording, while before they needed to press the dashcam icon to save an event.
5. Range display
You can now switch between battery percentage and distance units by tapping the range display next to the battery icon.
Yep, that’s all of it.
6. Remain Connected to Wi-Fi in Drive
To remain connected to Wi-Fi when shifting into gear, tap the Wi-Fi icon > Wi-Fi Settings > Remain Connected in Drive. This is especially useful for users who wish to use their hotspots for connectivity.
Finally Tesla is giving the opportunity to use your own data if you wish, instead of paying $9.99 (plus tax) per month for its premium connectivity features.
7. Languages
Last but not least, the automaker is adding Romanian, Hungarian, and Russian language support.
Well, all these features are great in adding to the “luxury experience” Tesla wants to offer, but not even one of them is helping fix the automaker’s biggest issue: safety.
I understand that drivers who have spent a significant amount of money on a car want to get the most out of it, but perhaps Tesla should focus more on improving its Autopilot and FSD software, than on investing on superficial features, such as Disney+.
Do EVs excite your electrons? Do ebikes get your wheels spinning? Do self-driving cars get you all charged up?
Then you need the weekly SHIFT newsletter in your life. Click here to sign up.
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.