Tesla adds SiriusXM internet streaming in software update

Tesla adds SiriusXM internet streaming in software update

In a recent web post that was quickly deleted, Sirius confirmed that SiriusXM will be integrated into vehicles in a future software update. This post was published on SiriusXM’s Canadian website and shows the steps needed to run the free trial in your vehicle.

Streaming, not satellite

This version of SiriusXM will be streamed and not dependent on satellite. That means several things. First, it will be available on more vehicles than just the Model S and Model X, which have satellite radio receivers. It will also be available on the Model 3 and Model Y, as well as the Cybertruck.

Second, the streaming version of SiriusXM offers more choice and content. The special package that will be available is called SiriusXM 360L and includes a full set of exclusive streaming channels, on-demand content and live sports coverage – all available via streaming data rather than a satellite connection.

As with Tesla’s other music services, Premium Connectivity is expected to be required.

Prices

It looks like SiriusXM 360L’s “All Access” package currently costs $21.99 per month, while the more limited “Select” package is currently available for $16.99 per month.

However, according to the leaked webpage, streaming data for Teslas may only be available with the “Platinum” package, which costs $28.80 per month. The same subscription also allows you to stream to devices such as smartphones, smart devices, and computers.

Start with a demo

SiriusXM offers new Tesla users a free trial of the Platinum package once you create and log in to a SiriusXM account. It’s a 30-day demo to get you started and includes everything available in the Platinum package.

The navigation flow for setting up the demo from the SiriusXM website.

Satellite streaming on Model S and Model X

This doesn’t appear to affect SiriusXM Satellite Radio on Model S and Model X at this time – and we’re not entirely sure how the implementation will work once internet streaming radio is available. It’s possible Tesla considers them to be separate apps in the vehicle, SiriusXM Streaming and SiriusXM Radio.

Currently, you can enjoy SiriusXM satellite radio even when you’re out of cellular signal range on Model S and Model X, thanks to the hardware SiriusXM receiver in the vehicles.

With the introduction of SiriusXM internet streaming, Model S and Model X may also lose their SiriusXM satellite receivers in the future. Tesla has always been a proponent of the motto “No part is the best part,” and this is also in line with many other cost-cutting measures the company has taken to simplify the design of its vehicles.

These satellite receivers are also quite expensive. SiriusXM sells standalone units designed to plug into an aux jack for around $60. That’s a significant cost Tesla could save on its vehicles, especially since most users today may prefer to use services like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, or Amazon Music.

Either way, it’s fantastic to see another streaming option in Tesla’s ever-growing streaming repository. We’re not entirely sure when this will be available and appear in your Tesla, but we expect it to be available sometime before the end of this year.

Tesla today reinstated its referral program in the US. You will need Tesla App V4.36.1 to see the updated referral menu, so be sure to update your app first.

The program is quite different from the original program. Instead of referral credits, Tesla offers a redeemable gift card instead. Let’s take a closer look at the new offers.

Rewards

The new referral program offers referrers $500 in credits, while the user of the code gets $1,000 off a new Tesla. The $500 can be used on pretty much anything, including Supercharging, software upgrades, Tesla Shop merchandise, service payments, or even a new vehicle. However, users are limited to 10 rewards. Each referral code is also only valid to get $1,000 off a new Tesla on the first 10 uses.

This means that if you refer 10 people, you can get up to $5,000 toward your next Tesla or almost anything else under the Tesla umbrella. Tesla isn’t sure if the 10-use limit is per year or lifetime, but we’re happy to see the program officially return.

Tesla Events

One of the most unique aspects of the program is that those who refer new buyers also have a chance to win an invitation to upcoming Tesla events. So if you want to watch the Robotaxi event on October 10,thbest to recommend it straight away!

Recommendations in other markets

Currently, the referral program appears to be limited to the United States. Canadian and European users cannot currently see the updated referral UI and the button to open the referral link is not available in the app. We hope Tesla rolls out the referral program in other markets as well, but it would not be surprising if Tesla turns it on and off in select markets based on demand.

Tesla recently released the 2024.32 update to its employees. It contains several new features that everyone will certainly be happy to see in future vehicles.

Note that some features may be region-specific, such as construction zones on your route. Additional features may also be available for other models or regions. The Cybertruck is expected to receive AutoPark soon, which may also be included in this update.

Construction site on your route

If you have Premium Connectivity and have online routing enabled (Settings > Navigation), maps will show construction sites on your route with an icon on the screen. Tesla added map icons to the screen with the 2023 Holiday Update and continues to support additional features in more regions.

Tesla already takes construction into account when navigating to a location, but now it displays the location of the construction site on the screen so you have a better idea of ​​what areas to avoid or better understand the route chosen by the navigation system. For those in urban areas with a lot of heavy construction, this is a fantastic addition.

Text prediction for navigation searches

In addition to roadworks on the route, navigation searches now also come with word prediction, which suggests search terms as you type. Word prediction is helpful for completing searches quickly – but you need a stable internet connection for word prediction to work. Premium connectivity is not required.

Search this area

As part of further updates to Navigation Search, you can now “Search this area” when you’re looking for something specific and drag the map to a different location. This is similar to Google Maps’ “Search this area” feature and is a good update if Navigation likes to show you places in a different city.

Mobile App Notifications – Tire Service

As part of a previous update, your vehicle can now notify you when a tire change or rotation is needed. You must set your own schedule based on distance under Service > Tire Service Mileage. You can set a mileage-based reminder when you’re ready to rotate your tires. With this update, you’ll also be notified via the Tesla mobile app when your vehicle reaches the set mileage. You must also be using mobile app version 4.35 or higher.

When is it coming?

This update is still being tested with first wave employees, but it is expected to be available to the first consumers very soon. However, as with most updates, it will take weeks before it is available to most users.

If you are subscribed to FSD or own it outright, don’t expect this update anytime soon. The FSD branch always lags at least several weeks behind the main code branch. Since Tesla recently updated its FSD branch to 2024.26, it may be another month before it updates again.

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