Elon Musk’s recent statement about Tesla’s Software V9 undergoing final tweaks before its release indicates his hope for a wide rollout. Prior to Musk’s statement, there was word from the Tesla community that some advanced early access users had already started receiving the highly-anticipated update.
The Tesla Software V9 release was a bit later than Elon Musk’s initial estimates. In Tesla’s Q2 2018 earnings call held in early August, Musk had pointed to late August or early September for releasing the V9 update to owners participating in early access programs. This was followed by a Twitter post on September 5 where the software that was running but “it’s not right yet.” Musk noted in his tweet that early access users will receive the software in a week or two.
Exactly 20 days after Musk’s September 5 tweet, drivers who signed up for Tesla’s advanced early access program began receiving Software Version 9.
Many members of Tesla’s early access program have shared images of the update, for instance, Marc Benton, a Tesla Model 3 owner, posted pictures of V9’s menu and some new functionalities. r/TeslaMotors subreddit member named “dellfanboy” gave an interesting insight that those early access users owning early VIN Model 3 seem to be the ones receiving Software V9 first.
Tesla’s release notes for Software Version 9 lists several features including Navigate on Autopilot, Calendar integration, and further improvements to Navigation.
Version 9.0 also introduces new applications including Calendar, Energy and Web Browser; these are accessible through the application launcher in the bottom bar. The Enhanced Autopilot feature additionally includes Navigate on Autopilot (Beta) – Tesla’s newest Autopilot convenience feature that is designed for efficiently reaching the destination more by guiding the car on and off the highway. The latest version moreover displays improved Tesla mobile app, Status Bar, Navigation, Climate, Media, and Seatbelt Card in addition to several safety features.
Tesla’s Mobile App has also been updated with Software Version 9, even more so for iOS devices. With the latest update, car navigation can be started by using the share button in phone apps. You can also allow your passengers to quickly control the media through play/pause, previous/skip control buttons. This can also be disabled by Media Settings > Allow Mobile Control.
Additionally, there are new menus and icons for functions of the electric cars, including a unique phone icon shaped like a telephone from the early 1900’s era. It also features enhanced graphics on the Model 3’s 15″ display, evident from the improved clarity of the vehicle’s satellite maps.
Furthermore, the Energy App allows owners to view their vehicle’s consumption in real time. Also included in the update is Tesla’s new classic Atari Easter Eggs, particularly Missile Command, which is accessible for being played on the car’s display. The Model 3’s air vent controls have also been improved and the airflow of the vehicle is now simulated on the electric car’s display.
