Tesla adds speed camera alerts, adaptive highbeams and more new features

Tesla’s vehicles are known for over-the-air (OTA) updates that improve the car’s functionality and enhance the driver’s experience throughout ownership. Many regular OTA updates bring subtle improvements but every so often, Tesla releases a major update that adds significant features. 

Tesla is about to release a major update for various models in its Australian fleet which will improve cars for thousands of drivers across the country. 

These are all part of the 2024.14 OTA software update and include new features such as:

• Hands-free rear boot opening
• A trip progress bar on the navigation screen
• Speed camera chime alerting driver of on-route cameras 
• Preview of sentry mode camera recordings
• Adaptive high beams

Hands-free rear boot opening

In the recently refreshed Model 3 which began deliveries in December in Australia, drivers will be able to open the boot of the car by just standing behind the the boot.

This will be quite helpful when approaching the car with hands full after a shop. Before the boot opens, chimes from the boot will be heard, indicating that it’s about to open.

A trip progress bar on the navigation screen

The in-car navigation on the Model 3 and Model Y vehicles will be able to show a trip progress bar that highlights the progress of a journey.

It also adds live traffic indicators to the trip bar, making it easier to see when traffic might be encountered on the trip. 

This feature does require premium connectivity but will be appreciated by many drivers travelling during busy periods on our roads.

Speed camera chime alerting driver of on-route cameras

A recent update for many local Tesla drivers brought in a much-desired feature to the navigation screen. This was the speed camera alert while navigating to a destination.

Now the new update will be able to add a chime when approaching a speed camera. This feature will be available to both Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in Australia. 

Preview of sentry mode camera recordings

Sentry mode records any suspicious activity around a Tesla when it’s parked in a place away from home. Sentry mode clips have been recorded on a USB inside the Tesla which can be seen inside the car.

Now recorded clips that trigger an alarm can be seen immediately in the form of a preview recording on your phone. This feature requires the latest version of the Tesla app as well as premium connectivity.

This will be quite helpful for owners in case something unexpected happens while the car is parked.

Adaptive high beams

Tens of thousands of Teslas have been shipped to Australia with matrix headlights hardware that up until now has only served the function of lights with standard and high beam options.

Now, the latest software unlocks the adaptive headlight capabilities of the matrix headlights. 

These headlights will reduce the amount of glare for other road users including drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and wildlife. It does this by detecting these users and lowering the intensity of light at the pixel level.

This new feature will ultimately make driving at night safer for Tesla drivers and other road users collectively.

The latest 2024.14 update is expected be rolled out in the coming weeks.