New year. New decade. 2020 is here!
This past decade birthed Tesla and every year has consisted of growth for the company. 2019 was no different. The Model S we started with in 2019 is NOT the same car we own today.
Let me explain.
Typically, the value of a vehicle starts to decrease the second you drive it off the lot. However, Tesla has managed to mitigate that problem. The solution: over-the-air updates. The idea of having to buy the latest model of a car to keep up with automobile technology is antiquated by Tesla standards. Instead, Tesla releases free software updates to its fleet via WiFi. These updates enable the car to add and/or improve multiple functions.
What does this mean for me? Essentially, my car gets better with time! Yes, the car’s appraisal value has decreased, but its intrinsic value has increased.
There were big and small updates this year, and they have made my Tesla even better than it was 365 days ago. Although I don’t use them all (shocking I know), like Dog Mode, I still look forward to all of the new and improved capabilities of my car
Here are 5 of my favorite software updates from 2019:
Automatic Windshield Wipers
This feature already existed in the car, but several owners tweeted at Elon Musk about the windshield wipers not being efficient. Even though this was not a big one, those complaints were heard and Tesla released an update to improve the sensitivity of the sensors.
Sentry Mode
Game changer. Tesla did not invent car theft, but its owners were experiencing a disproportionate amount of incidents (in comparison to other electric vehicles). After multiple tweets and complaints in forums, Tesla addressed this major concern with an update that enhances vehicles’ security by turning on the exterior cameras to record its surroundings.
More Fart Sounds
This was definitely an update that I didn’t know I needed, but it added whoopi cushion sounds to the car’s “farting” capabilities. The app for the fart sounds was already a feature, but I have enjoyed having new sounds to use in pranking my friends and family.
Hehehe 🙂 I know, I’m silly.
Chess
Tesla already had games, but there was no Beach Buggy and no chess. Playing chess is now one of my favorite things to do while I wait in the car at a Supercharger.
Come to Me
This was arguably the biggest new feature of the year for Tesla owners, and the company. Tesla is getting closer to full self-driving vehicles, and this was demonstrated with the version 10 software update. Smart Summon (Beta) enables the car to use its cameras and sensors to navigate its way to you in a parking lot without a driver!
Sometimes people can get annoyed with software updates, find them useless, or even fear possible glitches, but even in those instances I take solace in knowing that Elon Musk and Tesla are thinking outside of the box. As an owner, that innovative and creative way of thinking will only be to my benefit.
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