Tesla: Holiday update brings Steam and Apple Music into the car

Tesla is currently rolling out a major holiday update to the Model S, 3, X and Y. This includes Steam as a beta version that will make all Steam Deck verified games available . Apple Music, Zoom, a new mahjong and a new dog mode are also moving in as new apps. There are also updates in other areas.

Steam for Model S and X with RDNA 2

The current update runs under the version number 2022.44.25.1. Steam is distributed worldwide for all Model S and X from 2022 and newer with at least 16 GB RAM and requires premium connectivity for 9.99 euros per month. After the update, users can access Steam via the app launcher in the arcade area, and cloud synchronization of the service is also supported. A preselection that only allows games verified for the Steam Deck on the infotainment system with AMD RDNA 2 hardware should ensure that the games run smoothly in the car. According to Elon Musk, in addition to the controller, you can also use the keyboard and mouse to gamble in the car.

Apple Music available in Tesla vehicles

Although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not supported, Tesla does offer apps from both providers. A new addition for all users worldwide is Apple Music, which provides access to more than 100 million songs and over 30,000 playlists. Apple Music can also be found in the app launcher and requires premium connectivity for music streaming. As with other vehicle manufacturers, a QR code on the infotainment display must be photographed with the smartphone after the first start, whereupon the login with the Apple ID is triggered.

Some updates not for Germany

As can be seen from the release notes on the Not a Tesla app, the Zoom meeting app can be used via the interior camera after the update. The feature for cars from MCU 3 should not be relevant for the German market. Video calls are also only possible when parked, while zooming only changes to the sound while driving. As a revised app, Mahjong can be found in Tesla vehicles, but again not in Germany. The game comes with a new design, revised animations and new audio effects.

The revised dog mode is relevant for the German market. In dog or guard mode (sentry), the smartphone app can now be used to access the interior camera for a live view. The function requires premium connectivity and app version 4.15.0 and is available in all Teslas from hardware 3.

Turn signals turn off after turning

The new worldwide features of the software update include media controls positioned closer to the driver on the central display, support for garage door openers from the company myQ, a three-stage adjustable fan speed in automatic mode of the air conditioning, turn signals that turn off automatically, the search for Contacts on devices connected via Bluetooth, controllers connected via Bluetooth, such as the PlayStation 5, track mode for the Model Y, optional deactivation of the home's automatic extending door handles and unlocking of the doors, control of the rear screen on Model S and X via the front screen, a prompt for confirmation when transferring phone calls from a Bluetooth device to the car, a slightly revised view when navigating, Thai as a new language for the infotainment system, a battery temperature display, an extended service mode for corresponding service providers , a Si Heating or seat air conditioning in automatic mode with manual air conditioning at the same time and a virtual SOS button on the display, also for cars with a physical SOS switch.