Tesla Enhances Sentry Mode with Remote Viewing, Promises Spring Software Boost

Tesla is set to revolutionize its Sentry Mode by introducing remote viewing capabilities, enabling users to monitor their vehicle's surroundings directly from their smartphones. This update is part of a broader Spring software release that promises significant enhancements across Tesla’s lineup.

Tesla to Upgrade Sentry Mode: Enhanced Security Features and Improved Battery Efficiency on the Horizon

Sentry Mode is a security function on Tesla automobiles that monitors and records incidents and occurrences near the vehicle. According to Teslarati, it has assisted in resolving issues ranging from minor vandalism, such as keying, to responsibility in accidents.

For years, it has been available on Tesla vehicles. However, people are still unaware of this potential and continue perpetrating crimes on cars without understanding they are being monitored.

However, Sentry mode clips were unavailable for remote viewing for a while. Instead, they can be seen in the car or on a laptop or computer using a USB device. According to an app decompile done by Tesla App Updates, remote Sentry Mode clips are coming.

The capability will be available on Apple's iOS operating system. There is no indication yet whether it will be available on Android or other operating systems. Sentry Mode has seen various enhancements, including more advanced incident detection to better identify car break-ins.

Additionally, in February 2024, former SVP of Powertrain Drew Baglino stated that Tesla was striving to improve Sentry Mode battery consumption, which customers had complained about. Although the security feature is useful and sometimes required, it consumes significant battery power, and some users reported extreme vampire drain.

“Sentry Mode power consumption needs improvement,” Baglino said. “The team is working to reduce by ~40% in a Q2 software update.

Tesla will improve both remote Sentry Mode observation and battery consumption this quarter.

Tesla's Spring Update to Enhance Sentry Mode, UI, and Regenerative Braking Capabilities

Tesla has promised a variety of enhancements for an impending Spring software update, including the current Sentry Mode function and others.

In a post on X on April 16, Tesla revealed eight planned advances and features that will be included in the Spring software update, including Sentry Mode Previews, user interface changes, and even greater regenerative braking at high speeds. The post also mentions that "your Tesla gets better while you sleep," implying that software updates might physically add features to electric vehicles (EVs) to improve their performance.

Tesla has introduced various new features over the years. Software upgrades typically contain a mix of minor enhancements and bug repairs, as well as major configuration offers that are generally eagerly awaited by owners. Tesla's recent additions include Autopark, upgrades to Cybertruck security and Supercharging, and new features like one-time charge limitations and adaptive high beams.

Tesla has just pushed its Full Self-Driving (FSD) (Supervised) with the long-awaited software version 12, ahead of plans to debut a robotaxi platform on August 8.

While Tesla isn't known for releasing major Spring updates, the company's annual holiday update is always a big hit. The holiday update frequently contains enjoyable additions in addition to practical enhancements, such as the light show feature, which was first introduced on the Model X during a holiday update.

Here are all the changes Tesla has revealed for the next Spring release.

TESLA’S SPRING SOFTWARE UPDATE 2024

VISUAL UPDATES (MODEL 3/Y WITH AMD CHIP)

• Immersive full-screen vehicle controls when parked

• Large playback controls & quick access to Recents, Favorites & Up Next in media player

• Expandable Autopilot driving visualizations, with a smaller map in the top right for trip guidance

AUDIBLE

• Audible is now available as a native media app.

SPOTIFY QUEUE & PLAYBACK SPEED

• You can now sync your Spotify queue across vehicles & devices & adjust the playback speed.

HANDS-FREE TRUNK (MODEL S/X 2021 & LATER, UPGRADED MODEL 3)

• Stand still behind your trunk with a Phone Key & the trunk will open independently.

• Vehicle settings > Locks > Hands-Free Trunk

PREVIEW OF SENTRY MODE RECORDINGS (SELECT COUNTRIES)

• Preview a brief clip of Sentry Mode recording on your phone if the alarm is triggered by pressing & holding the notification.

INCREASED REGENERATIVE BRAKING ON HIGHWAY (MODEL S/X 2021 & LATER)

• Your vehicle now allows for more regenerative braking at high speeds, meaning more energy can return to the battery.

ARE WE THERE YET?

• Rear passengers can now see current trip details, time & temperature at the top of the rear touchscreen.

It's unclear when this software update will be available, but it's likely to arrive in the coming days.

Photo: Cali Naughton/Unsplash