Tesla's latest software update, version 2023.38.8, introduces two new features. Tesla has added simplier way to activate Autopilot and they're also introducing the ability to have separate audio for the rear passengers when using the back display.
Simplified Autopilot Activation
With update 2023.38.8, Tesla has added a new option that lets you choose how to activate Autopilot. In Controls > Autopilot, you can now choose whether it takes one tap of the right stalk to activate Autopilot, or the traditional two taps.
A single tap of the right stalk simplifies the activation process, making it more intuitive, however, it also appears to disable access for Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC). It's not clear why Tesla didn't simply swap the controls, making one tap for Autopilot and two taps for TACC, but it seems this could have confused owners, leading some drivers to think Autopilot was activated when it fact it was just TACC.
For owners with Basic Autopilot, getting rid of TACC could reduce the driving experience, especially when making lane changes while on Autopilot, which normally disables Autopilot, but keeps TACC enabled.
This new one-tap option aligns better with others vehicles that don't have stalks, such as the Model S, where Autopilot can be activated with one click of the scroll wheel.
Enhanced Audio Experience for Rear Passengers
Another addition in this update is for the new Model 3 with a rear screen. Musk previously hinted at this upcoming feature, saying that Tesla would like to improve the audio expencine so that passengers in the front don't need to listen to the audio from the rear screen. At the time, we thought this feature would apply to the redesigned Model S and Model X, which also have rear screens, but it looks like the new Model 3 is getting the feature first.
This new feature allows rear passengers to connect Bluetooth headphones and listen to the audio from the rear display without interferring without other passengers.
This means that while the front passengers are listening to music through the car's speakers, the rear passengers can independently enjoy content from the Theater app.
Tesla added a new settings icon to the rear display that lets you configure up to two Bluetooth headphones.
The release notes for this feature state:
Rear Passenger Headphones
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.
This addition will definitely improve the experience for car owners who take advantage of the rear screen, as the audio no longer needs to be played throughout the car.
Although the new Model 3 is the first to receive this new feature, the redesigned Model S and Model X can't be far behind.
