Tesla: Holiday update with Auto-Shift, Apple Watch, and improved navigation
The so-called Holiday Update, which will be gradually distributed from December 9, 2024, brings numerous innovations that expand both the functionality of the vehicles and user-friendliness. The most important additions include an app for the Apple Watch, extended navigation functions, and improvements for the Model 3.
Apple Watch becomes a vehicle key
With the introduction of a Tesla app for the Apple Watch, the US car manufacturer expands the possibilities of vehicle control. Via the watch, vehicle owners can not only open and close the car but also unlock the storage space in the front area ("frunk"), turn on the air conditioning, and check the current battery charge level.
```In parallel, the Tesla smartphone app receives another practical feature: Dashcam recordings can now be viewed directly in the app and saved on the smartphone if needed.
Intelligent Route Planning and New Game
For frequent travelers, a new function in the navigation system might be particularly interesting. Before starting the journey, users can specify the desired battery charge level upon arrival. The system adjusts the route and charging times accordingly to meet this preference. Entertainment is also catered for: With the game “Boomerang Fu,” Tesla expands its range of integrated games that can be used via the central display.
Improvements for Safety and Comfort
The update also brings safety and comfort features for existing models. When reversing, the vehicle now warns visually and acoustically as soon as pedestrians or vehicles are detected on the side. Drivers of the Model 3 also benefit from the so-called auto-shift function. This allows the driving mode – forward, reverse, or parking – to be determined automatically by the vehicle software. The decision is based on camera data and aims to increase driving comfort by eliminating the need for manual inputs.
Distribution Starts Mid-December
The introduction of the update will proceed gradually as usual. Tesla emphasizes that in addition to the mentioned innovations, it also contains optimizations for the Cybertruck, which is not available in Europe. The update will be progressively deployed starting on December 9, 2024, so the features will not be available in all vehicles simultaneously.
Translated automatically from German.Elektromobilität , Newsletter Elektromobilität , IAA Mobility , SUVs und Geländewagen , Hybrid , Antriebsarten, Kraftstoffe und Emissionen , Oberklasse- und Sportwagen , Carsharing , Autonomes Fahren (Straßenverkehr) , Ladeinfrastruktur , Verkehrspolitik , Formel E , Brennstoffzellen , Fahrzeug-Vernetzung und -Kommunikation , Fahrzeuge & Fuhrpark , Automotive-Messen & Veranstaltungen , Pkw, Kompakt- und Mittelklasse , Minis und Kleinwagen , E-Auto-Datenbank, E-Mobilität-/Automotive-Newsletter, E-Auto-Tests