Tesla 8.0 Software Update Arrives - Here Are All The Details

Sep 22, 2016 at 4:45pm

By: Mark Kane, European Editor

The Tesla Model S and X

Tesla recently released the software update 8.0 (the big one), which should improve the Model S and Model X.

Improved software touches various areas (the largest are Media Player, Maps & Navigation, Voice Commands and Autopilot) so the whole experience should be better (not only safer on Autopilot).

Safer, More Intuitive

Software update 8.0 kicks off a significant over-the-air overhaul of the Tesla touchscreen. This release combines a modern interface and more intuitive Media Player with display improvements for Maps and Autopilot.

Tesla lists several main upgrades:

Intuitive Media Player

Media Player has been redesigned and personalized to put your favorite content front and center. Search is simpler and more powerful, accessing streaming radio, live stations, and podcasts to help you quickly find what you’re looking for.

Tesla software update 8.0 - Media Player

Voice Commands

Voice controls are clearer and easier to use. Initiation is quick and feedback lets you focus on the road without compromising convenience or control.

Voice commands initiate with a single press

Feedback in the form of a transcript appears on the instrument panel to confirm your command

Visual tips remind you what commands are available

Cabin Overheat Protection

In an industry-first safety measure, we are introducing Cabin Overheat Protection, focused on child (and pet) safety. This feature keeps the car at a safe temperature for hours, even when the car is off, and is made possible by our uniquely large battery packs.

Expansive Maps

Maps, Navigation and Trip Planner have been updated to span the entire touchscreen, displaying the most important details of your trip. The control bar fades automatically for an uncluttered navigation experience.

Search for destinations with a single tap or voice command

Zoom adjusts based on location to display what you need to see most

Navigate to home or work with a single swipe

Tesla software update 8.0 - Expansive Maps

Autopilot Enhancements

Advancements in signal processing use the Tesla's onboard radar to persistently capture snapshots of its surroundings, creating a 3D picture of the world. Learn more about seeing the world in radar.

Enhanced safety requirement which disables Autosteer during trip when safety warnings are ignored

Autopilot has been tuned to be more responsive and smoother in stop-and-go traffic

Vehicles on the instrument panel show direction

Redesigned Autopilot indicators

Tesla software update 8.0 - Autopilot Enhancements

Better over time

Join four customers as they share their favorite features and reflect on the changes their cars have seen through years of over-the-air updates.

8.0 Release Notes

General

Touchscreen redesigned around providing a large, uncluttered map

Status bar and app icons will fade when car is driving, reappearing at a tap or when parked

Media Player

Updated "Now Playing" view and controls

Favorites across all media types

Play recent media

Remove media from recent list with press and hold

Improved media search and navigation

Improved TuneIn support and navigation

Updated radio design and navigation

Maps & Navigation

Swipe to navigate to home or office

Controls now hide and show as required

Improved location listing

Map automatic zooming

Option to avoid tolls and ferries

Clearer turn instructions

More visible round trip energy estimate

Choice of time savings before traffic based re-routing

Voice Commands

Voice commands are easier to use

More accurate contact matching

Initiate voice commands with a single press of the steering wheel button

Voice command transcript

Voice command tips

Improved voice command response time

French and German support

Autopilot

Enhanced safety requirement which disables Autosteer during trip when safety warnings are ignored

Redesigned Autopilot indicators

Autopilot has been tuned to be more responsive and smoother in stop-and-go traffic

Vehicles on the instrument panel show direction

Additional Improvements

Consistent airflow from fans throughout the car

Smart climate control based on solar heating and position of the sun

Passenger control of the touchscreen now lasts 30 minutes after the driver has left the car

Intelligent HomeLink notifications

Improved regenerative braking on all-wheel drive cars

Improved Auto Front Door functionality  (Model X only)

Falcon Wing doors open and close more quickly (Model X only)