Tesla has rolled out the “most substantial update yet” to its software system, bringing new features for the Model 3, Model S, and Model X.
As always, the updates arrive over the air. All customers have to do to receive the new Version 9.0 is connect their cars to WiFi. Tesla says the enhancements make its models “smarter, safer and more intuitive than ever before,” so let’s see what they’re about, starting with the user interface.
User interface updates
The new application launcher brings all the apps together in one place, including Calendar, Energy, Web Browser, Rear View Camera, Phone, and Charging apps.
Tesla has also introduced three new apps for Model 3 that enable web-browsing, calendar integration with the driver’s mobile device, as well as monitoring energy consumption in real-time. The latter can also calculate the estimated energy use for an upcoming trip.
On Model S, Model X, and Model 3 vehicles that feature Hardware 2.5 (introduced in August 2017), Tesla now allows recording and storing video captured by the forward-facing camera when the car is in use. All that’s needed is a minimum of 1.8 GB of free space on a flash drive inserted into a front-row USB port.
Simplified climate control menu
The climate control menu receives a refresh as well. On Model S and Model X, controls for cold weather features are now all in one place. That includes rear seat heaters, steering wheel heather, and wiper heater. More importantly, the driver can press and hold to turn climate on or off without the need to open the full climate menu.
On Model 3, the driver can easily adjust the temperature with one touch by swiping across the temperature control setting. In addition, there’s a new 3D visualization of the dashboard that shows exactly how air is flowing into the cabin.
New App functions
Owners can now initiate a vehicle software update remotely using the Tesla app. They can also use their phones to send a destination to the car’s navigation system. All they have to do is use the “Share” button in their map app.
Furthermore, passengers are now able to access Media controls from their mobile devices. Drivers can enable or disable that from the car’s center screen if a passenger’s music taste doesn’t suit them.
Navigate on Autopilot coming soon
In the coming months, Tesla will be expanding Autopilot features with the Navigate on Autopilot active guidance. With Software 9.0, the feature will initially arrive in a dormant logging-only Shadow Mode. Once validation is complete, Tesla will introduce Navigate on Autopilot as a beta feature to U.S. customers. Other markets will get the feature “pending validation and regulatory approval.”
Besides the new feature, the Autopilot system gets a full 360-degree view, blind spot monitoring that relies on side and rear-facing cameras, and enhanced navigation routing.
Finally, drivers can now relax while in “Park” mode by playing classic Atari arcade games. Discoverable as hidden Easter Eggs, the games can be played using controls on the touchscreen and steering wheel.