Tesla’s highly awaited Holiday software update started to emerge in the online community ahead of its official launch. However, the release notes prompted disappointment rather than excitement among Tesla owners.
Software tracking services Teslascope implied that Tesla employees included in the initial internal release were under a nondisclosure agreement. Nonetheless, the 2023.44.25 update’s release notes still reached the internet.
Tesla’s annual Holiday software update
Tesla traditionally releases an annual Holiday software update that used to be “big and fun,” as noted by Electrek.
The Musk-led company had a reputation for launching notable software updates each year around the holidays to introduce new features for fun and function. Several times, Tesla incorporates them together for more grand software updates that now people call the Holiday Update.
It usually is the most significant update of the automaker in a year. However, the leaked release notes apparently did not meet owners’ expectations.
Release notes highlights
Presented below are the Tesla Holiday software update 2023.44.25’s release notes:
| Features | Description |
| Automatic Blind Spot Camera | The blind spot camera view now alerts you with red shading along the edge when your turn signal is on and your vehicle detects an object or another vehicle in your blind spot. Go to Controls > Autopilot > Automatic Blind Spot Camera |
| Automatic 911 Calls | Your vehicle will call 911 if an accident triggers the airbags. A countdown timer allows you to cancel the call before it’s placed if you don’t need 911. This feature works automatically when your mobile phone is connected to your vehicle via Bluetooth. |
| Apple Podcasts | Listen to millions of the world’s most popular podcasts. Apple Podcasts for Tesla syncs with your favorite Apple devices so you can seamlessly follow shows, save episodes, and pick up right where you left off. Browse new and noteworthy podcasts or explore what’s trending on Top Charts. From the Application Launcher, open the Apple Podcasts app, scan the QR code, and log in with your Apple ID. Premium Connectivity required. |
| Tesla Arcade Updates | – Beach Buggy Racing: Unlock new vehicles and tracks. Your racing vehicle now matches the color you’ve set in Toybox > Colorizer. – Polytopia Diplomacy Update: Explore new options for peaceful and hostile interactions, from peace treaties and embassies to stealth infiltration and guerrilla warfare. – Vampire Survivors Chilling Updates: Melt hordes of snowmen and defend against ice monsters in the new wintry Whiteout map, along with new characters, achievements, and items to collect. – PS4, PS5, and Xbox Controllers: Feel more immersed in the action with rumble effects in select Tesla Arcade games. To pair a controller, open the Bluetooth panel and follow the instructions. Availability varies by model and location. |
| Speed Cameras on Your Route | Navigation now includes symbols along your route to show speed cameras, stop signs, and traffic lights. To see this route information you must have Navigation > Online Routing turned on Requires Premium Connectivity. |
| Charging Location Filters | When you search the vehicle map for charging locations, you can now filter between two charging speeds: Three lightning bolts show locations with more than 70 kW. One lightning bolt shows locations with 70 kW or less. |
| More Cameras in Live Camera View | When you view your vehicle surroundings from the Tesla app, now you’ll have access to the left and right pillar cameras. On your vehicle touchscreen, go to Controls > Safety > View Live Camera via Mobile App. Then you can view it from the app on your phone. Live Camera is end-to-end encrypted and can’t be accessed by Tesla. Requires Tesla app 4.27.5+ and Premium Connectivity. |
| Trip Planner on Mobile App | Use the Tesla mobile app to plan a trip. |
| Light Show | Light Show enthusiasts can now play multiple custom Light Shows from the same USB flash drive. Simply save the show files to a directory named “LightShow” on your flash drive, connect, and choose. |
| Shuffle Play in TIDAL | Shuffle your TIDAL playlists and albums |
| Apple and Spotify Profile Image | In Apple Music and Spotify, you can show your account profile image to indicate which account you’re using for each.Availability varies by model and location. |
| Search Includes Owner’s Manual | When you use Controls > Search on the touchscreen, your results now include links to entries in the Owner’s Manual, in addition to results with vehicle settings. So you can fine the setting you want or learn more about it. |
| Charging Location Fileters | When you search the vehicle map for the charging locations, you can now filter between two charging speeds: Three lightning bolts shows locations with more than 70 kW. One lightning bolt shows locations with 70 kW or less. |
Criticisms
As you can observe in the release notes, Tesla’s 2023 Holiday Update primarily focused on minor features and convenience.
It did not include the highly awaited rollout of the Full Self-Driving (FSD) V12’s new functions or the new Actual Smart Summon.
The absence of these major features disappointed Tesla owners, leading them to say that the Holiday Update seems just a regular software update that could launch at any month of the year.
Nonetheless, Teslascope clarified that the update lacks notable changes for FSD Beta-equipped models as Tesla has yet to release those improvements. The automaker may also announce more exciting features at the official release.
