Photo: Teslascope via Twitter | collage
Over the weekend, software trackers detected a new version of Tesla's production software, number 2023.26. The update brings new features and optimizations, making it one of the most feature-packed updates since last December's holiday update.
Tesla often introduces new features to its vehicles thanks to the over-the-air (OTA) software update system. This way, even vehicles sold many years ago can enjoy the latest and greatest, provided they have the necessary hardware support. This is similar to how Apple updates its older phones to the newest software version. It also contrasts with automotive industry norms, which make it highly unlikely that a vehicle would receive a software update after a three-year window unless a recall is issued.
Most of the time, the updates are minor, mainly focused on bug fixes and improvements. Once or twice a year, though, Tesla has a significant release full to the brim with new features. Traditionally, the December Holiday update is the most feature-packed. Still, the recently released 2023.26 update is not far away in this regard.
One of the most important addition is "Charge on Solar," which allows Tesla owners with Solar and Powerwall to use excess electricity generated by their solar panels to charge their Tesla. The feature was first detected in the source code of the Tesla app in March. The owners can control how much charging comes from solar versus other sources. To set it up, open the Tesla app, tap the "Charge on Solar" message, and follow the instructions.
Another significant change affects the way Tesla displays the camera streams. In response to people requesting a 360-degree camera view, the 2023.26 update offers something similar, although not quite the same. The update enhances Sentry Mode so owners can view multiple cameras in the mobile app. The Camera View feature in the app allows you to see the front, rear, and side repeater cameras simultaneously in a grid pattern when viewing Live Sentry mode.
After the update, the Sentry Mode is always on the lookout and will start recording when someone tries to open a door or trunk when the vehicle is locked. Another requested feature is automatically turning on the headlights when the wipers are activated. Finally, Tesla owners can use Bluetooth game controllers to play games inside their vehicles. According to the release notes published by Teslascope, this works best with Sony PS controllers. However, any Bluetooth controller should be supported.
Probably not the most significant change, but welcome nonetheless, is the redesign of the Spotify app. People complained that Tesla's native Spotify app had been rather barebones, so any improvement is welcome. For the first time, Tesla includes "other updates" info in the release notes for the less important features. The update has been installed mainly on employees' cars, which explains why there aren't screenshots or videos of the new functions.
Most of the time, the updates are minor, mainly focused on bug fixes and improvements. Once or twice a year, though, Tesla has a significant release full to the brim with new features. Traditionally, the December Holiday update is the most feature-packed. Still, the recently released 2023.26 update is not far away in this regard.
One of the most important addition is "Charge on Solar," which allows Tesla owners with Solar and Powerwall to use excess electricity generated by their solar panels to charge their Tesla. The feature was first detected in the source code of the Tesla app in March. The owners can control how much charging comes from solar versus other sources. To set it up, open the Tesla app, tap the "Charge on Solar" message, and follow the instructions.
Another significant change affects the way Tesla displays the camera streams. In response to people requesting a 360-degree camera view, the 2023.26 update offers something similar, although not quite the same. The update enhances Sentry Mode so owners can view multiple cameras in the mobile app. The Camera View feature in the app allows you to see the front, rear, and side repeater cameras simultaneously in a grid pattern when viewing Live Sentry mode.
After the update, the Sentry Mode is always on the lookout and will start recording when someone tries to open a door or trunk when the vehicle is locked. Another requested feature is automatically turning on the headlights when the wipers are activated. Finally, Tesla owners can use Bluetooth game controllers to play games inside their vehicles. According to the release notes published by Teslascope, this works best with Sony PS controllers. However, any Bluetooth controller should be supported.
Probably not the most significant change, but welcome nonetheless, is the redesign of the Spotify app. People complained that Tesla's native Spotify app had been rather barebones, so any improvement is welcome. For the first time, Tesla includes "other updates" info in the release notes for the less important features. The update has been installed mainly on employees' cars, which explains why there aren't screenshots or videos of the new functions.
A new @Tesla production software update, 2023.26, has been detected on our vehicle platform. This is a massive new update.https://t.co/XlKvB4NCj9
— Teslascope (@teslascope) July 1, 2023
It includes a trove of new features:
Charge On Solar
Charge your Tesla with solar energy if you have a Powerwall. You can choose… pic.twitter.com/53a2JmLNES
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