Tesla electric-car software version 8.0: what’s fresh, what’s improved
2016 Tesla Model S
On Wednesday, Tesla released its version 8.0 software to Model S and Model X owners through an over-the-air update.
Announced by the carmaker earlier this month, the software update includes hundreds of switches to vehicle functionality—with most relating to the Autopilot driver-assist system—according to the company.
Tesla has been under significant pressure to upgrade or alter Autopilot since a fatal May seven crash involving a Model S running the system.
Perhaps the most significant switch to Autopilot is a switch to prioritizing data from the system’s radar, which CEO Elon Musk believes could have prevented the crash.
Autopilot previously required visual confirmation of radar data from its forward-facing camera, in order to prevent false positives from overhead objects like bridges and signs.
In the May crash, a Model S collided broadside with a tractor trailer. At the time, Tesla said that Autopilot failed to distinguish the white side of the trailer from the bright sky, albeit the company noted that the driver missed it too.
Tesla Model S Autopilot
Shortly after Tesla announced the version 8.0 software update was announced in a September eleven blog post, Musk said it was "very likely" that the fresh version of Autopilot could have prevented the crash.
Another switch aimed at addressing Autopilot safety concerns is that the system will now shut down its Autosteer function if drivers overlook repeated warnings to keep their palms on the wheel.
If such a shutdown is triggered, Autosteer will not reactivate until the car has been parked.
Aside from safety-related switches, the software update also gives Autopilot the capability take highway off-ramps if prompted either by a flick of a turn signal or by directions from the navigation system.
Tesla also claims the system is now better at taking forms, and reacting to cars in adjacent lanes coming too close.
In addition, the radar sensor can now monitor the behavior of not only the car ahead, but the car ahead of that one, by bouncing a signal underneath the car instantly in front.
2016 Tesla Model X
As well as features related to driving, the version 8.0 update adds Cabin Overheat Protection, which keeps cabin temperature below a certain threshold to prevent children or pets from overheating.
This system automatically activates the air conditioning when the interior temperature reaches one hundred five degrees Fahrenheit.
Tesla also claims that version 8.0 of its software represents the thickest update to infotainment capabilities since the launch of the Model S in 2012.
Navigation maps now span the entire 17-inch central touchscreen, and the navigation system includes a journey planner as well.
The media player and voice-control functions have been streamlined, with voice control now initiated with a single tap.
Text in the instrument cluster now confirms voice directions, and "visual tips" remind the driver of what functions are available as well.
Tesla electric-car software version eight
Tesla electric-car software version 8.0: what’s fresh, what’s improved
2016 Tesla Model S
On Wednesday, Tesla released its version 8.0 software to Model S and Model X owners through an over-the-air update.
Announced by the carmaker earlier this month, the software update includes hundreds of switches to vehicle functionality—with most relating to the Autopilot driver-assist system—according to the company.
Tesla has been under significant pressure to upgrade or alter Autopilot since a fatal May seven crash involving a Model S running the system.
Perhaps the most significant switch to Autopilot is a switch to prioritizing data from the system’s radar, which CEO Elon Musk believes could have prevented the crash.
Autopilot previously required visual confirmation of radar data from its forward-facing camera, in order to prevent false positives from overhead objects like bridges and signs.
In the May crash, a Model S collided broadside with a tractor trailer. At the time, Tesla said that Autopilot failed to distinguish the white side of the trailer from the bright sky, albeit the company noted that the driver missed it too.
Tesla Model S Autopilot
Shortly after Tesla announced the version 8.0 software update was announced in a September eleven blog post, Musk said it was "very likely" that the fresh version of Autopilot could have prevented the crash.
Another switch aimed at addressing Autopilot safety concerns is that the system will now shut down its Autosteer function if drivers overlook repeated warnings to keep their mitts on the wheel.
If such a shutdown is triggered, Autosteer will not reactivate until the car has been parked.
Aside from safety-related switches, the software update also gives Autopilot the capability take highway off-ramps if prompted either by a flick of a turn signal or by directions from the navigation system.
Tesla also claims the system is now better at taking kinks, and reacting to cars in adjacent lanes coming too close.
In addition, the radar sensor can now monitor the behavior of not only the car ahead, but the car ahead of that one, by bouncing a signal underneath the car instantly in front.
2016 Tesla Model X
As well as features related to driving, the version 8.0 update adds Cabin Overheat Protection, which keeps cabin temperature below a certain threshold to prevent children or pets from overheating.
This system automatically activates the air conditioning when the interior temperature reaches one hundred five degrees Fahrenheit.
Tesla also claims that version 8.0 of its software represents the fattest update to infotainment capabilities since the launch of the Model S in 2012.
Navigation maps now span the entire 17-inch central touchscreen, and the navigation system includes a journey planner as well.
The media player and voice-control functions have been streamlined, with voice control now initiated with a single tap.
Text in the instrument cluster now confirms voice directives, and "visual tips" remind the driver of what functions are available as well.
