Sat. Oct 5th, 2024
Tesla Releases System

Tesla Releases System Update 9, Adds Atari Games, Dash-Cam Functionality

Tesla has announced a new system update for the Model 3, Model S and Model X. It’s version 9.0 of the car’s software, and brings with it an array of changes both small and not so small to the cars. Among the highlights is the introduction of Atari arcade games hidden in the infotainment system. The company hinted earlier this year that the feature was coming. Important to note, you will not be able to access them unless the car is in “Park.” A video from YouTube channel Model 3 Owners Club reveals that it includes three games: Centipede, Lunar Lander, and Missile Command.

The update also adds new functionality to the onboard cameras. If your Tesla was built in August 2017 or later with Hardware 2.5, you’ll be able to use the forward-facing camera as a dashcam recorder. Plug in a flash drive with at least 1.8 GB of space, and you can save up to a 10-minute video clip. Cars with the full Autopilot hardware that will supposedly be used for full-autonomous driving at some undetermined point in the future will also now be able to use all the cameras for a 360-degree view around the car.

Some convenience items have been added. It will now be possible to use your phone to initiate over-the-air updates to the car, upload navigation information to the car and control media from the phone. The Model 3 specifically gets an energy use monitor and a web browser. You can also now sync your phone calendar with the Model 3.

System version 9.0 also adds some software that will be used to enhance Autopilot semi-autonomous driving. Eventually, Tesla says you’ll be able to use Autopilot with navigation, and it will know when to move over lanes and take you from one on-ramp to an off-ramp. Presumably, it won’t be able to actually take you through exits because of possibly having to come to a stop or having to navigate a very tight corner. It also is not yet available for use, and will only run in a data-logging form for now. Tesla says a beta version of the feature will become available later.

There are additional detail changes in the update that can be found on the official Tesla blog. It is available to download to your Tesla right now.