Tesla Readies New Round of Software Upgrades

Tesla Inc. plans to introduce version 10 of its infotainment and tech software that improve video streaming capabilities and upgrade the carmaker’s controversial Autopilot semiautonomous driving system.

CEO Elon Musk tweets that the upgrade will include games and the ability to stream YouTube and Netflix videos on the central dashboard display. These features can be accessed only when the car is parked—pending the ability of the company’s cars to drive themselves without human monitoring.

The new software also will enable users to read and send text messages through voice commands, which other carmakers already offer through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. A “Joe” mode will allow users to lower the volume of various alert beeps and chimes.

Driving-related upgrades include better traffic light and stop sign recognition and unspecified other improvements to Autopilot when the technology is deployed on the highway. Tesla’s Summon valet system also is being enhanced to enable users to activate the technology more quickly and have their cars drive autonomously to them from as far as 150 feet away.