Tesla Software Update is again making news. This time, the ongoing endeavor to improve its vehicles through over-the-air upgrades results in a long-awaited feature. While the Model S and Model X were refreshed in 2021, they lacked Bluetooth headphone compatibility, allowing rear passengers to enjoy personalized audio without disturbing those in the front.
The most recent update, 2023.38.8, addresses this issue by allowing Model 3 users to connect up to two pairs of Bluetooth headphones. Although the Model S and Model X have not yet received this update, it is a positive indication for future enhancements.
Tesla Software Update: Single Pull Autosteer
The Single Pull Autosteer capability is another highlight of the 2023.38.8 release. You can now easily activate Autosteer with a single pull on the gear stalk. Depending on the vehicle’s setup, this update facilitates the activation of Autopilot or Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta.
This new strategy, however, compromises the ability to use Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC). Users who frequently utilize TACC may want to keep the old settings, which require a double pull to engage Autosteer and a single pull to activate TACC. This shift mirrors how Autosteer activates in the Model S and Model X with a single push of a steering wheel button. While enhancing ease of use, it’s essential to consider the trade-off between functionalities when enabling this feature.
Tesla Software Update: Simplified Autopilot Activation
The update also makes it easier to activate Autopilot. A new option in Controls > Autopilot allows users to choose whether to activate Autopilot with one tap or the conventional two taps of the right stalk.
Using a single tap simplifies the process but appears to disable TACC access. This change may confuse some drivers because the controls differ from the prior setup. This adjustment is more in line with vehicles like the Model S, which activates Autopilot with a single click of the scroll wheel.
Enhanced Audio Experience for Rear Passengers
Tesla’s update caters to the rear passengers of the new Model 3 with a rear screen to improve the in-car music experience. This feature enables them to attach Bluetooth headphones and watch content from the back display without interfering with the audio of the front passengers.
This addition presents a notable upgrade for users engaging with the Theater app on the rear screen, providing independent audio for rear passengers while the front passengers listen through the car’s speakers.
The notes accompanying this feature’s release mention:
Passengers in the back seat can listen on wireless Bluetooth headphones when watching the Theater app on the rear touchscreen. The rest of the vehicle can continue to listen to other audio from the front. Pair your headphones at App Launcher > Rear Display > Settings > Add New Headphones. To listen, turn on the headphones (up to two), open a Theater app on the rear screen, and hit play.
Version 2023.38.8 continues Tesla’s commitment to improving its vehicles through software updates. The addition of Bluetooth capability for the Model 3, easier Autosteer activation, and an improved audio experience for rear passengers demonstrates Tesla’s commitment to improving both driving and in-car entertainment for its customers. As Tesla continues to innovate, these tweaks foreshadow exciting future advancements across its vehicle lineup.
