Tesla has rolled out what it says is its biggest software update ever. With ‘Software Version 10.0’ it says it is raising the bar with a self-driving feature, entertainment services like Netflix and Hulu, new navigation features and in-car karaoke.
The Version 10.0 software upgrade has been made available over-the-air and will roll out to the Model S, Model X and Model 3 cars.
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The Smart Summon self-driving feature will allow Tesla customers to enable their car to navigate a parking lot and come to them or their destination of choice, without a driver and as long as their car is within the customers’ line of sight. Tesla said those using Smart Summon must remain responsible for the car and monitor it and its surroundings at all times.
Tesla cars can also now connect to Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu or Hulu + Live TV accounts to watch content ‘right from your car while parked’. For China-based customers, Tesla will be launching with iQiyi and Tencent Video access, and said ‘we expect to add more global streaming and entertainment services over time’. Additionally, all customers will have access to Tesla tutorial videos to learn more about their vehicle.
Sing-song, anyone?
Tesla has also added a “Car-aoke” feature that it proudly claims lets you sing your heart out with friends on a road trip – or by yourself. Caraoke comes with a ‘massive library of music and song lyrics, with support for multiple languages’.
New “I’m Feeling Lucky” and “I’m Feeling Hungry” navigation features will lead the driver to a local restaurant or point of interest that’s within the Tesla’s range. In testing, Tesla said ‘we’ve been taken to hole-in-the-wall restaurants, gourmet meals, national parks, city landmarks and more’.
Tesla has also improved its maps so that search results will be sorted based on distance to each destination. Owners can also tap on highlighted points of interest, businesses, or search results in the larger map view to see business ratings, start a phone call, or begin navigating to the location.
