Tesla's Christmas Gift to Electric Vehicle Owners: The Holiday Update

Tesla just launched a major system update for its electric vehicles, which allows existing customers to receive upgrades remotely, and more importantly, completely free of charge: a "Holiday Update" that has interesting features, such as the incorporation of the Steam system or the possibility of holding video conferences via Zoom.

Undoubtedly one of the most anticipated options was Steam; a digital video game distribution platform developed by Valve Corporation, which will allow users of the new Model S and Model X to access a whole catalog made up of thousands of different video games, right on the screen of their EVs.

In addition Tesla has also activated the use of wireless controllers, which will make it easier to pair the controllers of consoles such as the Sony Playstation or MS-Xbox, in order to access games that require a controller. Of course, Steam being an external payment system, in order to access it users will have to pay a regular subscription to the platform.

For those who have pets and need to leave them in the car from time to time: in addition to the "Dog Mode" - a mode that regulates the interior temperature to keep it within certain parameters - a function is also added by which users can see what is happening inside the vehicle through the camera on the rear-view mirror, thus allowing to visually check that everything is okay.

For Model Y owners there are also specific news, since Tesla has activated the "Track Mode": an option that basically allows for modification of the stability control, traction control, regenerative braking and cooling systems to increase performance and handling when driving on closed circuit tracks.

In case you are a remote worker, or simply a meeting has caught you away from home: Tesla has also launched the option of using a video conferencing system through the - very popular - Zoom app. In this way users can use the interior camera and the screen to chat with other people remotely, that is, videoconferencing.

Other minor extra features are the return of the “cards” to the central screen, which allows for access to basic information in a faster and more intuitive way: simply by sliding your finger and without having to access complex menus. There is also the possibility of opening the garage door using MyQ from the touch screen, and also an “emissions test” mode, right from the app.

Bear in mind that these are options that, for the most part, require having a subscription to Premium Connectivity - which is $9.99 month - ; and it is even said that some other options will only be available for models with the most modern computer, the AMD Ryzen. …

Also, at the moment, some of these options will only be available in the United States, such as video conferencing; but it is hoped that they will expand them to other regions worldwide, as it usually happens.

All in all, Tesla shows once again why it is one of the most relevant automotive companies in the world and why it is currently a leader in the electric vehicle industry. This new system update is a great Christmas gift from the Austin company, and with features like Steam, Zoom, and wireless controllers, it will provide Tesla owners with added enjoyment as well as convenience.

All images courtesy of Tesla Inc.

Nico Caballero is the VP of Finance of Cogency Power, specializing in solar energy. He also holds a Diploma in Electric Cars from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, and enjoys doing research about Tesla and EV batteries. He can be reached at @NicoTorqueNews on Twitter. Nico covers Tesla and electric vehicle latest happenings at Torque News.