A Sneak Peek at Tesla’s Holiday Update; to Include Improvements to Nav and Music

By Kevin Armstrong
Tesla's Holiday Update will include some navigation improvements
Tesla's Holiday Update will include some navigation improvements
Tesla

If you sneak a peek at Christmas presents, then you’ll enjoy this article. Santa Musk and the Tesla Elves outdid themselves with the Holiday Update, which will be update 2022.44.25.

First, some quick stocking stuffers, before we get into some big ones:

Auto Turn Signals

Your vehicle will now be able to turn off turn signals automatically
Your vehicle will now be able to turn off turn signals automatically
Tesla

Turn signals can now automatically be deactivated when changing lanes or merging. This feature is carrying over from the new Model S and Model X which are capable of turning off turn signals after the vehicle changes lanes.

We're already used to turn signals turning off after completing a turn, however, that doesn't work on the highway where a lane doesn't require turning the steering wheel enough to turn off the turn signals.

Tesla is using Tesla Vision to detect when you've completed a lane change or merge and will automatically deactivate your turn signal for you.

Rainbow Road

An improved Rainbow road visualization
An improved Rainbow road visualization
Tesla

We've had the Rainbow Road easter egg for years, however with the introduction of the improved visuals in the FSD Beta, this feature was removed on city streets.

Tesla is now adding support for Rainbow Road with the improved FSD visuals. When Autopilot is activated users can have Rainbow Road appear on the screen, regardless if they're on the highway or city streets. This means you don’t always have to have a cowbell when you want a colorful road. It sounds like Tesla may be adding an option to automatically enable Rainbow Road visualizations when Autopilot is in use.

Fan Speed

Tesla has an Auto climate system like most cars these days, however, if you change any of the settings, the car will automatically remove the system from Auto. However, that is now changing with this update.

Even when modified the fan speed, the HVAC system will now remain in Auto. Naver, who reported on some of these new features also appears to indicate that Tesla may be switching its fan speeds, removing the 1-10 scale and putting in a much simpler Low, Medium or High.

Phone Call Transfers

As Not A Tesla App first reported, Teslas will request confirmation before transferring a phone call from your smartphone to the speakers in the car.

In addition to the vehicle prompting you before transferring a call to the vehicle, you'll also be able to search your contacts from within the vehicle, instead of being forced to scroll through it.

Improved Navigation UI

Tesla's Holiday Update will include some navigation improvements
Tesla's Holiday Update will include some navigation improvements
Tesla

Enhancements are coming to the navigation UI as well. Tesla is redesigning the navigation module that displays your next turn and displays your ETA.

Currently, the module appears at the top of the screen and displays your next turn, your ETA, destination name or address, and battery level on arrival. It also includes controls to cancel navigation, toggle Navigate on Autopilot and a 'more' button.

Tesla is essentially splitting this UI into two pieces. The first will remain at the top of the screen and will include critical information about your route, such as your next turn.

The rest of the information will be moved into a new module and appear at the bottom of the screen. This will include your travel time, destination details, as well as options to alter or cancel your navigation.

Apple Music

Tesla's Holiday Update will include Apple Music
Tesla's Holiday Update will include Apple Music
Apple

Without a doubt, Apple Music support has shown up on several wish lists, and Santa has been listening. Tesla will add to its already robust entertainment system with the addition of Apple Music and its 100 million songs. Yes, Tesla’s Bluetooth already enables users the ability to listen to Apple Music, but including the app on the Tesla screen adds another level of awesome.

Mini Music Player

Tesla's Holiday Update will include a new music player
Tesla's Holiday Update will include a new music player
Tesla

Sticking with the tunes, Tesla is releasing a mini music player that is customizable. Just like the moveable blind spot camera that was introduced a few updates ago, the mini-player can be dragged around the screen. We're being told it can be placed on the left side, center or right side of the screen.

It’s possible the player will be similar to the one already available in the new Model S and Model X. That player turns mini when docked to the left and becomes a full column when docked on the righthand side of the screen.

You'll be able to swipe up on the mini music player to reveal additional music options. When swiping upward additional music sources will be revealed. You'll also be able to switch between favorite stations or playlists.

Zoom App

Zoom let the cat out of the bag early on this gift. During Zoomtopia, the video conferencing platform's annual event held in early November, Zoom announced it would soon be available in Teslas. The web interface will operate like Netflix and YouTube in a chromeless browser and will only be accessible in park.

From the Zoom announcement video, Tesla will use the interior camera. The cabin camera has a resolution of 1280x960, which is a 4:3 aspect ratio. But Tesla may crop the feed to 16:9, resulting in a resolution of 1280x720 or 720p. To use the Zoom app in your Tesla you'll need to subscribe to Premium Connectivity.

MyQ Integration

MyQ is a program that enables users to control supported garage doors, gates and lights over WiFi. Until now, users could only control MyQ devices from their smartphones, but Tesla is adding support to their vehicles. Tesla will let users open and close MyQ-supported garage doors in a similar way to how HomeLink works.

HomeLink is included with the Model S and Model X, but it's a $350 USD add-on for the Model 3 and Y.

However, MyQ integration does not appear to be free. MyQ charges $179 for a 5-year subscription for vehicle use. You also need a smart garage door opener. Most openers can be made smart by adding a MyQ device available at various retailers for approximately $20.

New Video Games

Elon Musk has repeatedly stated that he wants the Tesla to be the most fun you can have in a car. While we've heard that there will be at least one new video game in the holiday update, there may be more.

Steam may be part of the Holiday update. It’s estimated Steam has 50,000 games, very different from Tesla’s 20, mostly classic games.

The new Model S and Model X have a gaming computer that keeps pace with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The system includes ten teraflops of processing power. A teraflop is the computer world's version of horsepower. The PS5 has 10.28, compared to the PlayStation 4 with 1.84. The average Steam user has 55 games on their account. There is code showing up that could support external storage to load additional games.

Cards Make a Return

Prior to last year's Christmas update that brought Teslas to software v11, the Model 3 and Model Y featured cards in the bottom left corner of the display. These cards let owners flip through bits of information such as the odometer, trips distances, tire pressure readings and access to some controls such as wipers.

With this year's update, some of these cards are coming back. Tesla is set to reintroduce cards that give you quick access to the vehicle's odometer and tire pressure readings.

Light Show Sync

While turning on the Light Show easter egg is being added to the smartphone app, there will also be a way to schedule it from your vehicle. This would enable Tesla owners to synchronize their cars to play the show simultaneously. That may make the next Tesla meet-up even more fun.

When turning on the Light Show from your vehicle, you'll be able to start it immediately or have it wait up to 10 minutes.

More Features in App Update

Remember, there is also the good ol' Santa Mode easter egg. Now is the time to use it! There are plenty of additions to the Tesla App as well. Read all about the app updates here.

While this is everything we've heard, there is likely to be more included in this year's holiday update. We should find out more in the coming days and weeks.

Now that you’ve spoiled your Christmas morning, you had better order something from one of the many suppliers we feature. Be sure to click the Accessories tab to find discount codes. Merry Christmas!

Update: Tesla has now released this year's Holiday Update with release 2022.44.25.1. Check out the release notes to view everything included in the Holiday Update.

Tesla Adds New 'Manual' App in Software Update 2023.6

By Kevin Armstrong
Tesla added a new 'Manual' app that contains tips and answers popular questions
Tesla added a new 'Manual' app that contains tips and answers popular questions
Ultimate_Bulter/Reddit (Edited by Not a Tesla App)

The Tesla community is always exploring their vehicle, and lucky for us, they share what they find. For example, a recent discovery by a Reddit user Ultimate_Bulter has revealed an undocumented update in Tesla's latest software version, 2023.6.8. The user found a hidden icon labeled 'Manual' in the vehicle's infotainment center, leading to Tesla tips and the Tesla User Manual App, which was added in the 2023.6 update.

This app does more than merely open the in-car manual; it offers an interactive guide for common questions for Tesla owners.

Two Sections

The Tesla Manual App is divided into two sections: "Get to Know Your Tesla" and "Owner's Manual." The former is an interactive guide designed to help Tesla owners become more familiar with their vehicle's features, while the latter contains detailed information on every aspect of the car.

Get to Know Your Tesla

"Get to Know Your Tesla" contains popular topics related to the vehicle's features, functionality, and maintenance. This section is designed to be an interactive and user-friendly way for new and existing Tesla owners to familiarize themselves with their car's features. It includes buttons that, when pressed, can perform actions such as opening the glovebox or activating the windshield wipers. This innovative approach helps users quickly understand and navigate their vehicle's numerous features.

Owner's Manual

The "Owner's Manual" section of the app offers a comprehensive guide to every aspect of the car. This portion of the app includes in-depth information on everything from vehicle maintenance to troubleshooting and beyond. Tesla owners can access this section to find answers to their questions and better understand their car's various systems and components. The vehicle's user manual was already available in the car through Controls > Service > Owner's Manual, but linking to it through this new app makes it more discoverable.

Undocumented Update

Tesla added a new 'Manual' app that contains tips and answers popular questions
Tesla added a new 'Manual' app that contains tips and answers popular questions
Ultimate_Bulter/Reddit (Edited by Not a Tesla App)

The Tesla User Manual App's inclusion in the 2023.6.8 update appears to have gone undocumented, as it was not listed in the official release notes. This has led to speculation that the app was meant to be a surprise or "Easter egg" feature for Tesla owners to discover. The Reddit user's discovery has since been met with excitement and appreciation from the Tesla community, who have praised the app for its interactive and user-friendly design.

The Tesla User Manual App offers a fresh and innovative approach to vehicle user guides, taking advantage of the car's advanced infotainment system. This app's interactive nature allows Tesla owners to familiarize themselves with their vehicle's features and troubleshoot issues more efficiently.

As more users uncover this hidden gem within their Tesla, it is expected Tesla will continue to add tips to the manual app. This discovery highlights Tesla's commitment to providing a unique and cutting-edge experience for its customers, even in the most unexpected places.

Recently Tesla updated it's owner's manual with updated recommendations on the weight limits for items in the frunk and trunk. The new limits apply to all vehicles and went up in most cases.

Tesla Sales Forecasted to Surpass 5% Market Share, Tops in Luxury

By Kevin Armstrong
Tesla is expected to top luxury vehicle sales
Tesla is expected to top luxury vehicle sales
Kelley Blue Book

Cox Automotive, the world's largest automotive services and technology provider, has released a forecast predicting that Tesla will lead the luxury market in Q1 2023 with sales of 180,000 units, a gain of nearly 40% from Q1 2022. As a result, Tesla is expected to post solid sales gains and surpass a market share of 5% for the first time. This marks a significant achievement for the electric car maker as it continues to gain market share in the luxury car market.

Improved Inventory and Lowered Prices to Spark Demand

By far, Tesla will be the top luxury-vehicle seller in the U.S. in Q1, with sales more than double that of BMW or Mercedes. This impressive performance is likely due to Tesla's innovative technology, sleek designs, and rising brand recognition.

Tesla's success in Q1 2023 is expected to be primarily driven by improved inventory levels and lowered prices. According to Cox Automotive, new-vehicle inventory levels have significantly improved from Q1 2022, which has helped stimulate sales despite elevated prices and high auto loan rates. Tesla also lowered its prices in the first quarter to spark demand.

Tesla's Record Quarter

Tesla's Q1 2023 sales are expected to reach 180,000, a record quarter for the company in the U.S. In addition, the company's growth trajectory continues to outpace its competitors, with Tesla's market share forecasted to surpass 5% for the first time. This puts Tesla on track to achieve its goal of selling 1 million electric vehicles per year, an ambitious target the company has set for itself.

Strong Outlook for Tesla

Cox Automotive's forecast is good news for Tesla investors and enthusiasts. The electric car maker has been expanding its production capacity to meet the rising vehicle demand. Tesla's Model Y, launched in 2020, has been a hit with customers, with the company ramping up production to meet the high demand. Tesla also plans to launch the Cybertruck, its first all-electric pickup truck, in 2022.

As more consumers look to switch to electric vehicles to reduce their carbon footprint, Tesla's growth prospects are expected to remain strong. The company's continued innovation in the electric car space and aggressive expansion plans could help it solidify its position as a leader in the automotive industry.

Other Key Take Aways from Cox

The release suggests a positive surprise for U.S. auto sales in Q1 2023. Still, supply constraints and affordability issues are expected to put a ceiling on what's possible for the rest of the year. Despite these challenges, Tesla's continued growth trajectory and strong performance in the luxury market are promising signs for the electric car maker.

General Motors is expected to finish Q1 as the top seller of new vehicles in the U.S., with sales volume forecasted to increase by over 15% year over year to reach 587,000 units. However, sales will drop from Q4 2022 when GM's volume hits 618,692.

The Bottleneck Has Passed, but Prices Are Too High

New-vehicle inventory levels have significantly improved from Q1 2022, up roughly 70% from the volume recorded in the early months of 2022. This has helped stimulate sales despite elevated prices and high auto loan rates.

Fleet sales for the entire year of 2023 are forecasted at 2.2 million, up 23% from 2022, when 1.8 million units were sold to commercial buyers.

Cox Automotive has adjusted its full-year new-vehicle sales forecast to 14.2 million, an increase of nearly 3% from 2022.

Elevated prices and average auto loan rates above 8% are expected to hold back new-vehicle sales for the rest of the year. The typical new-vehicle loan payment was more than $750 a month in Q1, which is out of reach for many households.

Tesla's sales forecasted to surpass 5% market share in Q1 2023 is a significant milestone for the electric car maker. Tesla's success in the luxury market is due to its innovative technology, sleek designs, and raising brand recognition. In addition, the company's improved inventory levels and lowered prices have helped stimulate sales despite elevated prices and high auto loan rates. With a record quarter forecasted for Q1 2023, Tesla's outlook remains strong, and the company continues to lead the charge in the electric car market.

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