Australian Tesla cars get new features with latest update

news7h12/19/2022

3 4 minutes read

Australian Tesla cars get new features with latest update

It’s Christmas time again for Tesla owners, with the brand rolling out a bunch of new features for its latest “holiday update,” done over the air.

This software update is partially titled by integrated Steam video game digital distribution servicenot available on any Tesla vehicles currently for sale in Australia.

But there are still a bunch of other new features to be now available on all Tesla vehicles, including Australian models.

apple music

Tesla has integrated Apple Music into the infotainment system of all the vehicles it currently sells – including the Australian version. 3 . sample and Model Y.

Tesla notes in its update release notes, which can be viewed on Not a Tesla appthat a premium connection subscription is required to stream Apple Music over a cellular connection.

Now that Apple Music is integrated in Tesla vehicles, owners can play “over 100 million songs and 30,000 ad-free playlists.” It joins Spotify and Tidal as another streaming service built into the infotainment system.

To set up and access Apple Music, owners need to scan a QR code with their mobile phone and sign in with their Apple ID.

Improved dog mode

Tesla has improved ‘Dog Mode’ with owners now able to view the internal camera from the mobile app when Dog Mode or Guard Mode is selected.

This comes after Tesla recently introduced a feature earlier this year where owners can view their car’s surroundings from the mobile app when parked and Sentry Mode is on.

Tesla notes that this feature requires mobile app version 4.15.0 or higher to work, as well as a subscription to premium connectivity.

Scheduled light show

Tesla has improved the Light Show feature, which can now be scheduled for up to 10 minutes in advanced mode.

Owners can now also sync multiple Teslas to start the Light Show at the same time.

The original Tesla Light Show is only available on Model X SUV, but was rolled out to the rest of the range in last year’s holiday update.

Climate controlled fan speed

Tesla has introduced three new fan speed intensities when the ‘Auto’ climate control is set.

These new ‘Lo’, ‘Med’ and ‘Hi’ fan speeds allow owners to personalize how the climate control system works when in auto mode. It is very similar to the functionality found in some Hyundai and Kia models.

Prior to this update, there was only one setting that automatically changed the fan speed depending on the internal temperature.

Auto indicator mode

Tesla has introduced a new automatic indicator mode for the Model 3 and Model Y.

This new feature needs to be enabled in the ‘Lights’ section of the control menu, and once activated, the indicator lights will automatically turn off when a lane change, junction or merge is completed.

Owners still need to initiate the instruction process by flicking the lever in the intended direction, but the vehicle will now handle the cancellation process.

Track mode

Tesla has implemented its Tracking Mode for Model Y Performance, which adjusts stability control and powertrain settings for track driving.

This mode allows owners to configure custom tracking mode settings, record and track their driving, and view the real-time accelerometer on the infotainment display.

According to Tesla, Track Mode is designed to be used exclusively on closed courses and can be enabled in the ‘Pedals and Steering Wheel’ section of the controls menu.

Current automatic door handle

Model WILL Owners can now disable the automatic door handles that show up (pop out) when parking at home.

To enable this setting, you need to go to the ‘Lock’ section in the control menu, click on the auto-displayed doorknob, then select home exclusions.

Exclude automatic door opening at home

In a similar way to the new Model S functionality, Model X owners can now disable automatic door opening when parking at home.

To enable this setting, you need to go to the ‘Lock’ section in the control menu, click on automatic doors, then choose to exclude automatic door opening at home.

Other new features and changes

Tesla has introduced Mahjong to a growing list of games that can be played while parking, including games like Cuphead and Stardew Valley.

There’s also a new ‘Emission Test Mode’ that allows owners to trigger farts from the mobile app.

Owners can now always display a ‘Rainbow Line’ image on the infotainment system when Autopilot is active.

Tesla added a phone call transfer confirmation function that requires the driver to click a confirmation button before a bluetooth call can be routed to the vehicle.

There is also a new contact lookup function from a connected Bluetooth device.

Tesla has changed the vehicle controls so that they are closer to the driver. Owners can swipe left and right on this section to browse rides and tire pressure information.

Finally, all Tesla models now have Zoom integration that uses the in-cabin camera for conference calls. However, this feature is not available in Australian models.