Tesla Update 2023.20 Will Let You Preview All Nine of Tesla's Cameras [Video]

You can now view all the cameras in your Tesla

Simon

The latest software update from Tesla, version 2023.20.4.1, is now public and incrementally rolling out to its user base, with about 2% adoption so far. Although it appears to be a minor update on the surface, it brings several enhancements and tweaks to elevate the Tesla driving experience further.

The key changes include the ability to preview all nine onboard cameras, modifications to the current trip odometer, and the introduction of advanced Service Mode menus. These improvements reflect Tesla's continued commitment to innovation and user convenience.

Preview All Tesla Cameras

Earlier this year, Tesla released the 2023.2 software update, which allowed users to preview the cabin camera from within the car, an advantage that has now been extended to all nine of the vehicle's cameras. This update in 2023.20 allows you to view the three front-facing cameras (two for HW 4.0) and other additional cameras positioned strategically around the vehicle. The comprehensive list of cameras now available for viewing includes:

• Three front-facing cameras (main, telephoto, and wide)
• Two "repeater" cameras on the fenders
• Two forward-facing side cameras on the B-pillars
• One rear-view camera
• One cabin camera

This is the first time that owners are able to view the vehicle's B-pillar camera feed and the telephoto and wide-angle front-facing cameras. The other cameras were previously accessible through various methods, including the Tesla app and the Dashcam feature. To access the video feeds go to Controls > Service and tap the button to preview the cameras. You'll be able to switch between the various cameras using the menu at the top of the camera feed.

Camera Preview Video

TechAU recently posted a video of the new camera preview in action.

Here's a video walk through of the new camera previews in 2023.20.4.1 @tesla pic.twitter.com/UKDCJ0eP0Z

— techAU (@techAU) June 12, 2023

Current Trip Odometer Changes

Your 'Current Trip' odometer will now reflect the number of minutes driven

@arthur_explore/Twitter

Recent changes to Tesla's OS changed the information that is shown for the "Current Trip" odometer in the vehicle. The Current Trip odometer began displaying distance, kilowatt-hours (kWh), and Wh/mi, the same as the other trip odometers, such as 'Since last charge', 'Trip A', and 'Trip B'. Unfortunately, this removed the ability to view the length of your current drive. However, with the 2023.20 update, Tesla is bringing back the display of trip duration in minutes for the current trip, replacing the kWh display.

This feature offers a more relatable metric to drivers, letting you know exactly how long you've been driving. The same metrics are displayed in the 'Trips' UI cards in the Model 3 and Model Y.

New Service Mode Menus

Tesla's update 2023.20 also adds new service mode menus that we previously covered on the site, which let you view HVAC details, seat belt information and more.

Update 2023.20 Features

Of course, these changes are in addition to the features outlined in Tesla's 2023.20 release notes, which include a tire service counter, tire and wheel configuration, and the availability of the larger text size option in additional languages. Users in China all receive an expanded dictionary for the Pinyin keyboard.

Disclaimer: The Service Mode is designed for technicians or Tesla owners with a deep understanding of their vehicles. It is recommended not to make changes unless the implications are fully understood, as it may impact the vehicle negatively. Furthermore, DO NOT drive with Service Mode activated, as it deactivates critical safety features like traction control.

Tesla Increases Price of Model S; Starts Offering Free Lifetime Supercharging

Not a Tesla App

For the first time in quite a while, Tesla has increased the price of one of its vehicle offerings. The Model S Long Range and the Model S Plaid have both received a hefty price increase. However, not all is bad - as Tesla also added a new benefit for buyers.

Price Increase

The price increase for the Model S is $5,000 - currently only in the United States. This price increase will likely impact other markets, including Canada, in the coming days.

The Model S Long Range now starts at $79,990, while the Model S Plaid now starts at $94,990. The Model S and Model X now have the same starting price. Interestingly, that’s also the same pricing point for the Cybertruck AWD and Cyberbeast Trimotor non-Foundation Series. 

The vehicle configuration does not appear to have changed, so the new pricing is simply an increase rather than the addition or removal of features. Tesla previously cut the price of the Model S and Model X by 15% in 2023, so this could simply be an adjustment to ensure that the vehicle pricing stays in line with inflation and other factors.

Free Lifetime Supercharging

For those on the fence about ordering a Model S, Tesla has brought back Free Lifetime Supercharging when you order a new Model S on or after December 13, 2024. As always, Free Lifetime Supercharging is restricted to the buyer’s Tesla account and to that specific vehicle. It cannot be transferred to another vehicle or another owner after ownership transfer. It’s worth noting, that it also doesn’t exclude the owner from receiving Supercharger idle fees or congestion fees. There is currently no end date for this promotion.

There are currently no changes to the Model X, neither a price increase nor the addition of Lifetime Superchargering. However, when Tesla makes changes to one of their premium vehicles, it usually affects the other one as well. So be on the lookout for potential changes to the Model X offering in the coming days.

We’ve seen Tesla value Lifetime Supercharging at $5,000, so this falls in line with the price increase we’re seeing. It’s possible that Tesla will begin to bring back Lifetime Supercharging as a perk for buying into their more premium Model S and Model X cars, or this could be another temporary promotion to get buyers who are on the fence to go ahead and make their purchase while this promotion lasts.

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Tesla’s Optimus Robot Learns to Walk Without Vision [VIDEO]

Optimus Falls - but catches itself!

Not a Tesla App

Tesla recently showed off a demo of Optimus, its humanoid robot, walking around in moderately challenging terrain—not on a flat surface but on dirt and slopes. These things can be difficult for a humanoid robot, especially during the training cycle.

Daily walks help clear your mind pic.twitter.com/dUsW58trS6

— Tesla Optimus (@Tesla_Optimus) December 9, 2024

A Look Behind the Curtain

Most interestingly, Milan Kovac, VP of Engineering for Optimus, clarified what it takes to get Optimus to this stage. Let’s break down what he said.

Optimus is Blind

Optimus is getting seriously good at walking now - it can keep its balance over uneven ground - even while walking blind. Tesla is currently using just the sensors, all powered by a neural net running on the embedded computer. 

Essentially, Tesla is building Optimus from the ground up, relying on as much additional data as possible while it trains vision. This is similar to how they train FSD on vehicles, using LiDAR rigs to validate the vision system’s accuracy. While Optimus doesn’t have LiDAR, it relies on all those other sensors on board, many of which will likely become simplified as vision takes over as the primary sensor.

Today, Optimus is walking blind, but it’s able to react almost instantly to changes in the terrain underneath it, even if it falls or slips. 

What’s Next?

Next up, Tesla AI will be adding vision to Optimus - helping complete the neural net. Remember, Optimus runs on the same overall AI stack as FSD - in fact, Optimus uses an FSD computer and an offshoot of the FSD stack for vision-based tasks.

Milan mentions they’re planning on adding vision to help the robot plan ahead and improve its walking gait. While the zombie shuffle is iconic and a little bit amusing, getting humanoid robots to walk like humans is actually difficult.

There’s plenty more, too - including better responsiveness to velocity and direction commands and learning to fall and stand back up. Falling while protecting yourself to minimize damage is something natural to humans - but not exactly natural to something like a robot. Training it to do so is essential in keeping the robot, the environment around it, and the people it is interacting with safe.

We’re excited to see what’s coming with Optimus next because it is already getting started in some fashion in Tesla’s factories.

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