Tesla’s Latest Update: A Boon for Parents, a Bane for Teen Drivers

Tesla’s recent software update, version 2024.26, is a mixed bag for Tesla owners. While it brings new features like expanded music streaming options and improved menus, the headline-grabbing addition is undeniably the enhanced Parental Controls.

Parental Controls: Empowering Parents, Restricting Teens

Tesla’s Parental Controls have long been a valuable tool for parents concerned about their young drivers’ safety. With the latest update, these controls gain even more granularity and usability.

Parents can now set maximum speed limits, restricting their teens from pushing the car beyond a safe threshold. Additionally, acceleration limits ensure that any attempted burnouts are nipped in the bud before they can become dangerous.

The “Night Curfew” mode adds an extra layer of monitoring. Parents receive notifications whenever the Tesla is used outside of predetermined hours, potentially saving their hair from being torn out when they discover their teen sneaking out past their curfew.

Music Streaming: Expanded Choices

Music lovers rejoice! Tesla has added YouTube Music and Amazon Music to its roster of streaming apps. This move gives drivers more options to enjoy their favorite tunes while hitting the road.

However, it’s important to note that these apps require a Premium Connectivity subscription to function. For those without a subscription, hotspotting your phone will suffice, but this may not be ideal depending on your data plan limitations.

Other Notable Features

Beyond the aforementioned updates, Tesla’s latest software iteration introduces several other noteworthy features:

• Local weather conditions are now displayed prominently in the vehicle status bar.
• Sub-destinations can be added during navigation, allowing for more efficient route planning.
• Zoom meetings become more immersive with instant full-screen mode when the vehicle is in park.
• Various menu and panel overhauls streamline the user interface, making it more intuitive and user-friendly.

Availability and Cost

Tesla has not yet announced a specific rollout date for the 2024.26 software update. Currently, it’s only available to employees. However, it’s expected to become widely available to all Tesla owners soon.

Premium Connectivity, which enables most of the new features, costs $10 per month.

Conclusion

Tesla’s latest software update is a significant step forward for the automaker, further enhancing the safety, convenience, and overall driving experience for its loyal fanbase.

While young drivers may lament the increased restrictions, parents can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they have more tools to ensure their safety behind the wheel. And for everyone else, the expanded music streaming options and other improvements make Tesla ownership even more enjoyable.