Best Videos and Photos of Tesla Update 2024.14 Features in Action

By Not a Tesla App Staff
Tesla's High Fidelity Park Assist looks great in full screen
Tesla's High Fidelity Park Assist looks great in full screen
Not a Tesla App

The latest Tesla update 2024.14 is full of exciting features, including a fresh design, an updated media player, full-screen visualizations, and so much more. This number of features in this update rivals holiday updates when Tesla usually releases the biggest features of the year.

Below you’ll find photos and videos of each of the major new features in this Tesla update.

High Fidelity Autopark

With update 2024.14.5, we're seeing the Park Assist Upgrade which creates 3D versions of the vehicle’s environment in real-time added to vehicles with ultrasonic sensors (USS) for the first time.

Vehicles without USS received this feature as part of the 2023 holiday update.

Parked Visualization

One of the biggest upgrades of Tesla OS v12 is the new visuals while parked. This feature is available on the Model 3 and Model Y with the AMD-powered infotainment center. 

While parked the vehicle is displayed beautifully front and center, while also displaying a snippet of the map in the top right corner. At the bottom of the screen, you have the ‘Navigate To’ module and the media player.

New Media Player

Tesla says the new media player is also part of the visual upgrade in v12, and therefore will only be available on AMD vehicles, however, we think it may become available on Intel-based vehicles in the future.

The new media player makes commonly used actions easily accessible instead of having to expand the media player. Options such as shuffle, repeat, and search are now one tap away, instead of having to expand the media player to access these features.

The new media player is a vast improvement. It now features a more obvious progress bar, and a translucent background, letting the vehicle visualizations shine through. For a full run-down of the new media player, including its new minimized version and a video of the player in action, check out our in-depth look at Tesla’s new audio player.

Tesla's new media payer on the Model 3 and Model Y
Tesla's new media payer on the Model 3 and Model Y
Not a Tesla App

Full-Screen Visualization

Full-screen visualizations are no longer tied to FSD and are now available outside of North America for the time. The visualizations themselves are also improved but don’t display the full plethora of visualizations available with FSD. More vehicles are now visualized and additional features such as turn signals are now displayed.

The full-screen visualization view, which is accessible by dragging the edge of the visualization to the right, offers several improvements over the FSD version available in North America. The new media player and navigate to box will now always be present centered on the screen. A small view of the navigation maps is also displayed in the corner, similar to the visualization while parked.

Although full-screen visualizations are available on Intel-based vehicles with FSD in North America, Tesla marked this feature as AMD Ryzen-specific, although that could change in the future.

Audible

Tesla has added the Audible audiobook service with update 2024.14. The media player has useful buttons to skip forward and back 15 seconds, as well as adjust the playback speed. Tesla is also expected to launch Amazon Music in the future.

Tesla is adding the Audible audiobook service in update 2024.14
Tesla is adding the Audible audiobook service in update 2024.14
Not a Tesla App

Hands-free Trunk

A pleasant surprise in this update was the ability to open your trunk hands-free. The feature works by having you stand directly behind the vehicle for a couple of seconds, the vehicle will then sound chimes as a warning before opening the trunk for you.

The feature takes advantage of the newer ultrawide band (UWB) protocol, which allows for low energy and extremely high precision location tracking. With UWB, Tesla can accurately tell where the person is in relation to the vehicle and how much they’re moving. The only vehicles that include ultrawide band are the redesigned versions of the Model S and Model X, the new Model 3 and the Cybertruck, however, the feature hasn't been implemented in the Cybertruck in this update.

The video below shows how the hands-free trunk works and tests it out in a variety of cases.

Preview of Sentry Mode

Another long-awaited feature is the ability to view Sentry Mode footage from your phone. In update 2024.14, Tesla will now send you a notification whenever there is a Sentry Mode event. Attached to the notification and accessible through the app is a short video clip of the Sentry Mode event.

Trip Progress

The trip progress bar sees a nice improvement that was previously available in China. Not only can you now see a visual representation of your trip's progress, but the timeline of the trip is also color-coded to show you traffic density along your trip.

This is useful to let you know about potential traffic later on on your trip. The entire module has also been refreshed to have a more modern design. Some information has been moved around such as your ETA and distance to your destination are now the two bits of information at the top of the module.

The progress bar shows traffic along your entire route
The progress bar shows traffic along your entire route
@greggertruck

Wiper Controls

Tesla automatic wiper controls have always been problematic, but Tesla is at least now giving us more intuitive wiper controls that let you easily switch the wiper speed.

After this update, there are two new ways to change the wiper speed. You can press the wiper button on the left stalk, or the wiper button on the new Model 3, and then use the left scroll wheel to scroll up and down to adjust the wiper speed. This was available before, but previously required you to tilt the scroll wheel left and right.

You can now also tap the wiper button on the stalk multiple times to go up to the next speed.

Full-Screen Browser

A small, but very useful feature that is buried in the release notes is the internet browser's new "full screen" button. This new feature is only available while you're parked, but it gives you the ability to easily view any website full-screen. This is especially useful when streaming video in your vehicle while parked and not being limited to the choices in Tesla’s Theater app.

Rear Screen Updates

The rear screen is also receiving a couple of upgrades. The first is that there will now be a status bar along the top of the screen that displays the current time, temperature and estimated time of arrival to your destination so that rear passengers can easily stay up to date on relevant information.

In addition to this new information, Tesla will now turn off the rear screen when there is no one seated in the rear seats, helping improve the vehicle's efficiency. 

Vehicles with rear screens will now display the time, temperature and ETA to destination
Vehicles with rear screens will now display the time, temperature and ETA to destination
@greggertruck (edited by Not a Tesla App)

Improved Cybertruck Frunk

The Cybertruck is the first Tesla vehicle to receive an auto closing frunk. While it received some criticism when it was first released around potential dangers when auto closing, Tesla is now addressing this issue with this update. The frunk is now a lot more sensitive to objects that may be in the way, however, as one video shows us, you probably shouldn’t put your finger in it.

Auto Shift

Auto Shift is getting two upgrades with this update. The first is a redesign to the feature, which now makes it more compact, leaving additional room for the gear indicator and the media player instead of going from top to bottom on the left side of the screen.

The Model S and Model X are also receiving improvements to the auto shifting functionality. The vehicle will now be able to shift automatically from Drive to Reverse and from Reverse to Drive in some situations, instead of just auto shifting out of Park.

This feature is expected to arrive for the new Model 3 and the Cybertruck in the future as well.

Average Speed Zones UI

Average speed zones, which are used to control speeds over certain periods of roads are now supported in Teslas as well. In countries where this type of speed limit is used, the vehicle will keep track of your average speed and let you know when the average speed zone section started and when it will end.

New Lock Sounds for Exclusive to the Cybertruck

The Cybertruck has received nine exclusive features in this update, including new lock sounds that are unique to the vehicle.

To use a lock sound, instead of the standard honk when you lock your vehicle, go to the Toybox and navigate to Boombox. You can also create your own custom lock sound by putting it on your USB drive. You can browse our huge list of custom lock sounds to find the perfect one.

Tesla update 2024.14 is very slowly going to the fleet, although it’s currently only available to a small percentage of the entire fleet. Hopefully, Tesla will resume the rollout in larger waves in the near future.

Tesla Eliminates Front Casting on New Model Y; Improves Rear Casting

By Not a Tesla App Staff
Not a Tesla App

Tesla has pioneered the use of single-piece castings for the front and rear sections of their vehicles, thanks to its innovative Gigapress process. Many automakers are now following suit, as this approach allows the crash structure to be integrated directly into the casting.

This makes the castings not only safer but also easier to manufacture in a single step, reducing costs and improving repairability. For example, replacing the entire rear frame of a Cybertruck is estimated to cost under $10,000 USD, with most of the expense coming from labor, according to estimates shared on X after high-speed rear collisions.

These insights come from Sandy Munro’s interview (posted below) with Lars Moravy, Tesla’s VP of Vehicle Engineering, highlighting how these advancements contribute to the improvements in Tesla’s latest vehicles, including the New Model Y.

However, with the new Model Y, Tesla has decided to go a different route and eliminated the front gigacast.

No Front Casting

Tesla’s factories aren’t equipped to produce both front and rear castings for the Model Y. Only Giga Texas and Giga Berlin used structural battery packs, but these were quickly phased out due to the underwhelming performance of the first-generation 4680 battery.

Tesla has gone back to building a common body across the globe, increasing part interchangeability and reducing supply chain complexity across the four factories that produce the Model Y. They’ve instead improved and reduced the number of unique parts up front to help simplify assembly and repair.

There is still potential for Tesla to switch back to using a front and rear casting - especially with their innovative unboxed assembly method. However, that will also require Tesla to begin using a structural battery pack again, which could potentially happen in the future with new battery technology.

Rear Casting Improvements

The rear casting has been completely redesigned, shedding 7 kg (15.4 lbs) and cutting machining time in half. Originally weighing around 67 kg (147 lbs), the new casting is now approximately 60 kg (132 lbs).

This 15% weight reduction improves both vehicle dynamics and range while also increasing the rear structure’s stiffness, reducing body flex during maneuvers.

Tesla leveraged its in-house fluid dynamics software to optimize the design, resulting in castings that resemble organic structures in some areas and flowing river patterns in others. Additionally, manufacturing efficiency has dramatically improved—the casting process, which originally took 180 seconds per part, has been reduced to just 75 seconds, a nearly 60% time reduction per unit.

New Casting Methods

Tesla’s new casting method incorporates conformal cooling, which cools the die directly within the gigapress. Tesla has been refining the die-casting machines and collaborating with manufacturers to improve the gigapress process.

In 2023, Tesla patented a thermal control unit for the casting process. This system uses real-time temperature analysis and precise mixing of metal streams to optimize casting quality. SETI Park, which covers Tesla’s manufacturing patents on X, offers a great series for those interested in learning more.

The new system allows Tesla to control the flow of cooling liquid, precisely directing water to different parts of the die, cooling them at varying rates. This enables faster material flow and quicker cooling, improving both dimensional stability and the speed of removing the part from the press for the next stage.

With these new process improvements, Tesla now rolls out a new Model Y at Giga Berlin, Giga Texas, and Fremont every 43 seconds—an astounding achievement in auto manufacturing. Meanwhile, Giga Shanghai operates two Model Y lines, delivering a completed vehicle every 35 seconds.

Tesla’s Hands-Free Trunk and Frunk – Supported Models, Phones & How to Set Them Up

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Having the ability to open your trunk hands-free can be incredibly useful when your hands are full, especially in a busy parking lot.

Tesla vehicles now support opening the vehicle’s trunk or frunk completely hands-free — no foot waving required.

What is Hands-Free Frunk and Trunk?

Tesla implemented its hands-free feature by leveraging your phone’s position in relation to the vehicle. When you stand still behind your vehicle, the trunk will automagically open for you.

While this functionality isn’t available on every vehicle, it’s available on every vehicle Tesla manufactures today, including the new Model Y, the Cybertruck and other recent models.

With a compatible device and a supported vehicle, you can now open your Tesla’s trunk hands-free.

How It Works

Tesla’s hands-free feature requires the use of ultrawide-band (UWB) in the vehicle and on your phone. Apple and Samsung have supported ultra-wideband for a number of years and most flagship Android devices also support the low-energy feature.

Ultra-wideband allows another device to precisely detect its relative location. In this case, the vehicle is tracking where the driver’s phone is in relation to the vehicle. Since the vehicle is able to more precisely track the phone’s location, ultra-wideband also improves Tesla’s phone key feature.

Since the vehicle depends on your phone, you’ll need to have your phone on you in order to activate the hands-free feature. Simply stand within 2.5 to 3 feet from the front or rear of your vehicle for the frunk or trunk to open. You’ll then hear a couple of chimes. If you continue to stand still, then your frunk or trunk will open automatically.

The chimes serve as a warning that the trunk will open if you don’t move, which helps reduce accidental openings.

Hands-Free Trunk in Action

The video below shows how Tesla’s hands-free trunk feature works.

Supported Models

Since Tesla uses ultra-wideband to power the hands-free feature, only vehicles with the needed hardware are supported. The list of supported vehicles includes:

  • 2021 Model S and later

  • 2021 Model X and later

  • 2024 Model 3 (Highland) and later

  • 2026 Model Y (Juniper) and later

  • All Cybertrucks

Supported Phones

Your phone will also need to support UWB. Luckily, most manufacturers have included UWB in their devices for several years.

Apple: All Apple devices since the iPhone 11 have included UWB, except for the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation). The iPhone 16e also has UWB.

Android: Most Android phones - especially flagship devices - already support and use UWB for other uses, but it’s not available on all phones. If you have a Google Pixel 6 or higher, Samsung Fold 2 or higher, Samsung S21+, or other recent Android phone, then your phone already supports ultra wideband.

Which Models Support Hands-Free Frunk

Unfortunately, not every supported model supports the hands-free frunk and trunk feature. The hands-free frunk feature is only supported on the Model S, Model X, and the Cybertruck. In addition, the Cyebrtruck is the only vehicle with a powered frunk, so while the Model S and Model X will unlock the frunk for you, you’ll still need to lift it and close it manually. The Cybertruck will open the frunk for you, much like the trunk on another Tesla.

Which Models Support Hands-Free Trunk

While most supported Tesla vehicles can use the hands-free trunk, it excludes the Cybertruck, which doesn’t have a powered trunk.

Enable Hands-Free Trunk / Frunk

If you plan to use your vehicle’s hands-free trunk feature, you’ll need to enable it in settings, as it’s off by default. Simply open Controls by tapping the vehicle icon in the bottom left corner, then navigate to the Locks section.

Within the Hands-Free section, you’ll find a few options, depending on your model. You’ll be able to choose whether to enable the hands-free frunk or trunk and whether you’d like to disable the feature at home.

Preventing Accidental Opening - Exclude Home

Although the hands-free feature requires you to stay still in front or behind your vehicle for a couple of seconds, it can still be triggered accidentally if you’re working around your garage. To prevent accidental opening of the frunk or trunk, Tesla allows you to disable the feature while your vehicle is parked at home.

Tesla determines your home location by the address that’s set in your vehicle. However, it also adds a buffer, meaning that your hands-free trunk feature will also not work in your driveway or at your neighbor’s home. The exclude home feature is located in the same spot as other hands-free trunk features, Controls > Locks > Hands-Free > Exclude Home.

If you have a recent Tesla that’s supported, go ahead and give the feature a try.

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