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Tesla Updating Software And Entertainment: Darkmode, Waypoints, TikTok, Sudokus And Original 'Sonic the Hedgehog'

Tesla has just updated its software with powerful entertainment add-ons. The end of the year version (2021.44.25) introduces changes to the interface, dark mode and several new features such as integration with TikTok. We have known for a long time that Tesla promotes drivers to play directly from their cars when they are stopped or charging; with each update drivers have more reasons to do so.
Tesla Model 3, Courtesy of Tesla Inc.

These are the novelties of the latest Tesla update, which is already beginning to be updated to different Tesla vehicles: the first addition is based on an Easter egg that the company showed in 2015 in the Model X. It is a 'Light Show' that allows you to have a play of dancing lights. Then at the design level, the application interface has changed, with some adjustments that have gone under the controls section, such as tire pressure adjustments or load controls. The home application screen now allows drag and drop to be reordered and we can slide on the thermometer icon to raise or lower the temperature of the seats or the climate control.

Also from the controls section we can manually activate the dark mode. Other novelties are the possibility of editing the 'Waypoints' and the function for automatically activating the blind spot camera when turning. The Customizable App Launcher lets you drag and drop your favorite apps to any position along the bottom menu bar for easy access: to customize your menu bar, you only need to hold any icon and then drag to reorder.

Tesla Model S, courtesy of Tesla Inc.

To adjust climate controls such as heated seats and defrost, you just have to tap on the temperature or swipe up from the bottom of the screen. First row seat heaters can now automatically regulate seat temperature based on the cabin environment and the climate control set temperature: to access heating controls, you just need to tap the temperature settings to bring up the HVAC panel (HVAC system must be in AUTO to use automatic seat heating).

The update also comes with Cold Weather Improvements: you can now precondition the cabin from the Tesla app when your battery is at a lower state of charge, by simply turning on the climate form your Tesla app and override the previous setting by tapping ´Yes´ on the confirmation pop up window. To protect your car´s battery, climate will remain unavailable under extreme low charge scenarios. This feature requires the Tesla mobile app 4.4.0 or later.

Tesla Cybertruck, courtesy of Tesla Inc.

As for entertainment, there are updates on Tesla Arcade: this time the original 'Sonic the Hedgehog' is added, multiplayer mode is added to the 'Battle of Polytopia' and a sudoku game has been added to Arcade, with five difficulty levels. After Netflix, Disney+ or YouTube, the possibility of watching TikTok videos from the Tesla screen is also incorporated for the first time. You basically have to open the Theater mode and select TikTok; now you can watch TikTok videos from your touchscreen while your car is (obviously) in park mode.

Despite many promises from Elon Musk, it still seems like we're a long way from being able to sleep in a Tesla while driving autonomously. Meanwhile, Tesla continues to update its software, gagdets and infotainment in its Model 3, Model Y and S & X models, focusing on a section that other car manufacturers have very much neglected so far: entertainment.

All images courtesy of Tesla Inc.

Nico Caballero is the VP of Finance of Cogency Power, specializing in solar energy. He also holds a Diploma in Electric Cars from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, and enjoys doing research about Tesla and EV batteries. He can be reached at @NicoTorqueNews on Twitter. Nico covers Tesla and electric vehicle latest happenings at Torque News.

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