ELECTRIC car maker Tesla has begun the process of rolling out the latest version of its software, upgrading North American vehicles via Wi-Fi from today with a host of changes that includes navigation on autopilot, and classic Atari arcade game Easter eggs.
The most significant upgrade ever, it’s designed to make the Model S, Model X and the new Model 3 (due in Australia next year) smarter, safer and more intuitive by introducing a refined and simplified user interface, along with entirely new features.
Australian and New Zealand Tesla owners will get access to the update soon and can expect such enhancements as improved app management within the vehicle’s centre screen, including calendar integration to a mobile device.
The update also adds the ability to turn the forward facing camera (introduced in August 2017) into a dash cam, as well as Tesla mobile app enhancements that let you control music in the car, or send a map to the car, direct from your phone.
Climate controls have also been updated to make it easier to utilise cold weather features, while the most significant system change lies in preparing the various Tesla models for the introduction of Navigate on Autopilot.
When it’s eventually rolled out, Navigate on Autopilot will provide an active guidance feature that, with driver supervision, guides a car from a highway’s on-ramp to off-ramp, including suggesting lane changes, navigating highway interchanges and taking exits.
While the system is subject to regulatory approval in Australia and even in the US will initially operate in a dormant data logging capacity, it’s a significant sign of the preparation underway for the introduction of more autonomous driving options.
The upgrade also introduces full 360 degree situational awareness via Tesla’s eight external cameras for improved safety, along with an obstacle-aware control process that prevents accidental acceleration.
Additionally, improvements to the turn-by-turn navigation software are also being rolled out. Last but not least, Tesla will add some fun to park mode, with the introduction of classic Atari arcade games as discoverable Easter eggs.
The games can be played via controls on the centre touchscreen or the steering wheel. For owners of older Tesla vehicles, we can confirm every single Model S, Model X and Model 3 ever built will receive the upgrade.
