Tesla Rolls Out Big Software Updates

Tesla has made some big changes with the 8.1 update. One of the more entertaining features is the sketch pad feature, which Elon Musk showed off on Twitter with his own creations, pictured above. It’s an Easter Egg that turns the 17-inch touchscreen into a giant drawing tool. Sorry, you’ll have to create your own farting unicorn, since that picture isn’t bundled into the update.

The most significant change is to Autopilot. Instead of just using one camera, the program now puts two out of the eight available to use. Eventually, each Tesla will use three forward-facing cameras and five point in other directions, plus radar, and a 360-degree ultrasonic sensor. But for now, we get two active cameras, showing just how much more progress will come, eventually.

Autosteer now works at up to 80 mph, versus the previous cap of 55 mph. That means you can use the tech on freeways. But Tesla says you’ll need to have the cameras calibrated, first, which you can do yourself.

Also in the update is the inclusion of Summon. That feature was limited to the first-gen Autopilot only. An Auto Lane Change feature lets drivers just activate the turn signal, and Autosteer takes care of the rest.