A closer look at the new features in Tesla update 2022.36.2

By Gabe Rodriguez Morrison
Cabin Overheat Protection can now be configured
Cabin Overheat Protection can now be configured
MateenOmair/Twitter

Tesla has started rolling out its most recent update, version 2022.36.1, which includes some exciting new features.

Release notes from 2022.36 revealed some new features last month, including the updated Energy App, Supercharger details, car unlocked notifications and new language support.

With the release of 2022.36.1, there are even more features to explore.

Video of the New Energy App

Cabin Overheat Protection

Cabin Overheat Protection (COP) is a fantastic feature available on all Teslas. If the inside of your vehicle gets too hot, COP will automatically turn on the fans, helping to cool down the interior of the car.

Alternatively, COP gives you the option to use the AC to keep down the temperature of the car even further, although this option uses more energy.

Until now, the temperature at which Cabin Overheat Protection is activated has been set at 105° F (40° C), and there hasn't been a way to configure it.

Back in July, Elon Musk said that Tesla will allow users to customize the activation temperature for COP in a future update.

Now, with update 2022.36.1, you can adjust the activation temperature from within the vehicle. You can pick from three preset temperatures, 90° F (30° C), 95° F (35° C) and 100° F (40° C).

Keep in mind that selecting a lower temperature will drastically increase energy usage while the vehicle is parked.

To choose the activation temperature for Cabin Overheat Protection according to your preferences tap Controls > Safety and scroll down to Cabin Overheat Protection.

Caraoke

Caraoke is Tesla's version of Karaoke that allows users to "sing your heart out with friends on a road trip — or by yourself" using its "massive library of music and song lyrics" in multiple languages. This feature was previously available to legacy Model S and X owners, as well as Model 3 and Y owners.

However, the feature has been noticeably absent in Tesla's latest flagship models, but with the release of 2022.36.1, Karaoke fans can rejoice.

In addition to being able to use Caraoke on the front display of the new Model S and Model X, users can also display the lyrics on the rear display, allowing rear passengers to join the fun.

To add or remove vocal tracks during playback, tap on the microphone icon on the 'Now Playing' screen.

Video of Caraoke on the new Model S

Dynamic Brake Lights

Dynamic brake lights have also been added to more countries with the release of 2022.36.1. Now, the feature is available in most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, China and some additional countries. It's available for the Model 3 and Model Y with this release.

The release notes state: "If you are driving over 50 km/h (31 mph) and brake forcefully, the brake lights will now flash quickly to warn other drivers that your car is rapidly slowing down. If your car stops completely, the hazard warning lights will flash until you press the accelerator or manually press the hazard warning lights button to turn them off."

Video of Dynamic Brake Lights

Autopilot Disengagement at Highway Merges

In the European Union, some of Autopilot's functionality has been reduced due to government regulations. Autopilot will now disengage on the highway if the vehicle is expected to merge onto a lane that has a painted line.

The vehicle will display an alert and automatically disengage, putting the driver in control unless the turn signal is used to switch lanes

Sentry Mode Live Camera Access

Another useful feature included in the 2022.36.1 release is Sentry Mode Live Camera Access which has been expanded to additional countries including Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand among others.

For Tesla owners with Premium Connectivity, users can now view their car's surroundings directly from the Tesla app. This feature only works while the vehicle is parked and can be used to assess the vehicle's environment before returning to it. Sentry Mode Live Camera is end-to-end encrypted and cannot be accessed by Tesla.

To enable or disable, tap Controls > Safety > View Live Camera via Mobile App' from the touchscreen display.

Video of Sentry Mode Live Access

Improvements to Mobile App

With update 2022.36.1 Tesla has also made several improvements to its mobile app. The app will now display information for the currently selected song and if the vehicle's GPS is being used, it will also display the destination and ETA in the app.

We also took a closer look at these new app features.

The 2022.36.1 release is host to some fantastic new features and has expanded old features to many new regions. You can also read the full release notes. Additionally, the latest 2022.36.2 release includes some minor bug fixes.

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Tesla Advances with 5G: A Future of Enhanced Connectivity for Cars and Robotics

By Kevin Armstrong
Tesla building 5G private network
Tesla building 5G private network

Tesla appears to be planning an ambitious project to build a private 5G network. This initiative would revolutionize connectivity for its vehicles and the robot, Optimus, as well as any other plans the company is likely to develop in the future.

Innovative Job Posting Reveals Big Plans

Although now removed, a recently spotted job posting for a Cellular Systems Integration Engineer on Tesla's career page shed light on the company's intentions. The role demands expertise to elevate Tesla's vehicle and Optimus robot connectivity, promising to push the boundaries of low latency and high data rates.

Tesla's journey from 3G to the anticipated 5G upgrade will bring about ultra-reliable communication and high-speed data transfer, crucial for over-the-air software updates, autonomous driving features, and real-time data analytics. These communications could be product to product, such as vehicles communicating with each other or with other products such as Optimus. However, the job posting also talks about products being able to communicate with Tesla’s internal 5G network. It’s not clear whether the private network would be internal such as at a Gigafactory, or a broader network out in the world.

Tesla is pursuing an internal 5G network for product communication
Tesla is pursuing an internal 5G network for product communication

The Strategic Role of Private 5G Networks

Deploying its private 5G network, Tesla aims to create a seamlessly connected environment in its manufacturing facilities, research labs, and outdoor spaces. This infrastructure is not just about enhancing vehicle connectivity; it's also pivotal for the operational efficiency of the Optimus robot in various scenarios, including warehouse operations.

Tesla's foray into private 5G networking places it in an advantageous position in the automotive and tech industries. This strategic move aligns with the global trend towards adopting private 5G networks, which promise to revolutionize industries with their reliability and speed. Tesla's efforts to develop a private 5G protocol stack that integrates with any cellular infrastructure globally will set new industry standards.

With 5G, Tesla vehicles and Optimus robots will benefit from significantly reduced latency, offering under 5 milliseconds compared to the 60-98 milliseconds of 4G networks. This technological advancement is expected to enhance the functionality and responsiveness of Tesla's products, paving the way for advanced autonomous driving capabilities and efficient robot operations.

Tesla's interest in developing a private 5G network is a logical step. By building an infrastructure that supports the fastest connectivity standards, Tesla is preparing for its vehicles and laying the groundwork for sophisticated robotics applications. This endeavor reflects Tesla's ongoing commitment to innovation and its role in shaping the future of transportation and automation.

Tesla Is in Talks To Produce Electric Vans in Italy According to Report

By Kevin Armstrong
Van rendering
Van rendering

Italy has been discussing with Tesla about potentially establishing a factory producing electric trucks and vans. This information came to light in an Italian media outlet, Il Sole 24 Ore, which reported that the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy (Mimit) spearheaded talks to secure Tesla's investment.

Tesla and Italy: A Strategic Dialogue

Since last summer, Italy has broadened its industrial horizons by engaging in talks with Tesla, alongside negotiations with prominent Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, Great Wall Motors, and Chery Automobile. Notably, the discussions with Tesla have centered around producing electric commercial vehicles, highlighting a departure from conventional car manufacturing and reflecting the evolving demands of the global market.

Under the leadership of Minister Adolfo Urso, Italy aims to invigorate its automotive sector by encouraging the presence of multiple manufacturers. This approach is designed to stabilize the national components sector, which faces challenges due to the shift towards electric vehicles. Italy aims to produce 1.3 million vehicles annually, including a significant contribution from a new yet-to-be-determined manufacturer.

A Geopolitical and Industrial Balancing Act

Italy's engagement with Tesla occurs amidst a delicate phase of negotiations with Stellantis for increased vehicle production within the country. This strategic dialogue with Tesla, alongside discussions with Chinese competitors, is a pivotal element in Italy's industrial and geopolitical maneuvering.

A multipurpose van is the next logical step for Tesla to produce once the less expensive next-gen platform is released (code name Redwood). However, engineers seem to be busy perfecting the next-gen Roadster, and the van has had little discussion. Given the company's leaks, if a van were in the works, you would think we would’ve heard about it. Perhaps this is the nudge Tesla needs to get the van into production.

As Italy endeavors to become a key player in the electric vehicle industry, its negotiations with Tesla signify a promising development. The possibility of Tesla establishing a facility for electric trucks and vans in Italy underscores the country's commitment to sustainable transportation and positions Italy as an attractive destination for automotive innovation.

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